General Chat

I've tried looking for that weather report again Frank, but couldn't find it. I thought -30 was a bit cold so maybe I've read it wrong. I did however find a report mentioning that tomorrow is going to be the coldest day of the year so far with temperature's down to -10 in Scotland at night and outdoors, I think they said it was the air temperature, even that's cold if you're out in it. It's supposed to be colder than Iceland.

It sounds like Ros is starting to feel a bit better now if she's going out and about again. Sorry to hear you're not feeling to good though. I woke up with a sore throat too so you have my sympathy, it's not nice is it? :-( Hope you feel better soon.

The car we've bought is a Vauxhall Vectra in Silver, it's a nice big car and when we went on the test drive it was so smooth, like floating on air, not at all like the little car we've got now, so we're both looking forward to picking it up on Friday. We're just hoping the insurance isn't going to be to high after all my hard work trying to get a good price earlier in the year.

You did well with your chocolates at Tesco's Mandy, your DIL is going to love them.

We're just watching a programme called Lost and Found about puppies and dogs who have been recued and also dogs that have gone missing. It's quite sad in parts, but then there's a happy ending which is nice. It's on every afternoon this week on channel 4 at 3pm. :-)

Afternoon Everyone,

Glad Ros seems a little better Frank and feels up to going to be weighed. If she sees more weight loss at least something good will have come out of her feeling so poorly! Not the way you want to do it though. What a shame you are coming down with a cold and sore throat. It isn't surprising though with all the worry you have had. Just keep warm and try to get plenty of rest. At least you won't have to do the lunch for Simon and Sally now, should you be feeling a bit rough over the next few days.

That was a different kind of funeral Gill but interesting in two languages! Then buying a car on the way home as well!! What a day you had. As you say, with Sandra sitting in the back it will be much easier for her with a 4 door car and useful to be able to fold one back seat down. Do you know when you will be collecting it?

What a great wide angle view from Hannah Jane with the chalky cliffs and sea. :-) It's good Chris found a pretty Christmas tree topper while he was shopping. I think my home made star made from twigs is looking a bit past it's best!! lol. Yes, perfume is expensive isn't it......OH usually has a pretend wince!!

How is the Advent Ring doing Mel.........any sore fingers yet? I meant to ask how big it is. The hog will wonder where the 'freebies' have gone when you stop putting food out, but it might encourage him to go to bed for his long sleep and he should be ok now he is heavier as you say.

The weather sounds worse your way Mandy. We had a frost but no rain yet but it is very cold. We went to the farm shop which is never heated and the girls were in fleeces, scarves and hats! I must start getting things in like gammon too. Those Thornton's chocs were cheap. I must pop to our Tesco and have a look.

I keep thinking we have gremlins in here today. First the dishwasher hadn't cleaned the pots for the second time, but this time the detergent was stuck in the drawer for some reason! I managed to find the instructions and have cleaned the filter and soaked the arms in soapy water, put the dirty pots back in it and fingers crossed it will be ok this time. Then the computer wouldn't connect to the internet and we did the usual things and it still wouldn't work. It must have been to do with the provider as it came back on after about an hour. Then I looked up in here and the tv had come on without me putting it on!! OH had been in here and must have caught the remote somehow.

OH has a meeting in Hinckley later so I am going to have another attempt at making my bauble!

The girl who was suppose to have "BIGGLES" came at lunchtime and took him for an hour and a half walk. He is crashed out under the radiator fast asleep.

Ros came home Cockahoot. She has lost SIX AND A HALF POUNDS. She has a GOLD STAR and is slimmer of the week. Don't wonder at it. she h=did have a mushroom soup at lunchtime and will finish the stew tonight. The dumplings were rubbish, as I had to use a dumpling mix as I had run out of suet. I have to add that to the shopping list.

The perfume arrived today for Sally , the seller even put in a Christmas card wishing us a HAPPY XMAS. How nice was that, from a complete stranger.

Mandy we have had TWO Gammons in the freezer from when they were on offer at Tesco. I will prepare one to take to Paignton and take the other one down to do there. Conrad, being he has a problem with what he can eat, tucks into the gammon like "no tomorrow." so changes ae they will want the other one boiling and prepared with my HONEY and MUSTARD. Which everybody loves.

I haven't got the expense of the meats this year as Jo (Jan's daughter) is buying them, including the Turkey. Her and Ella always spend Christmas with us all. Kerry and Mark are coming Boxing day, and will stay at Jo's for a few days.

Ros has been busy wrapping Christmas Presents this afternoon. She has just found a perfume bottle with the long glass finger type thing, for dabbing the perfume on with. She bought this last year, and didn't use it. So that's an extra for Kerry (Jan's other daughter) She does treat them well. !!!

I can't decide what I want to eat tonight. I had a Pressed Tongue Sandwich at lunchtime, and I don't feel at all hungry. I might have something later this evening.

I see we have TWO HOURS of soaps tonight again, the Jungle. So a great evenings viewing for me, unless I go in the conservatory, with the heater on. MOAN OVER. !!!

Have been reading all afternoon, almost finished the book, and getting to who done it. !!!! Been a great read. I got 4 more of the same author from Ebay yesterday. Retail £35.95 I got them NEW for £9.89 with free P & P.

Back to my book, see you all later xxx

We have had sunshine all day so far and NO rain or hail.

Just brought the washing in and threaded a beading needle while it was still light and I copuld see the tiny hole. Took me quite a little while though. Now I have one ready to go if needs be. When I made my holly pin I had a needle threaded al;ready so thought I would do so again.

Yes Gill what car is it you are getting we are all wanting to know please? and what colour is it? not pink I hope.

I have ordered the wood for the new roof that is going on over the patio and back door. When he has done it if we get an easterly wind and rain it should'nt come in the porch now. We have gone for see through corrigated. I know it is going to make an awful row when we have heavy rain or hail but I shan't have to rush out to get the washing in if it rains. What he put up the other week leaks where the wood joins which is just where the washing lines are.

I had a fatality in the chickens house this morning when I let them out. I am not sorry as it was one of the old hens who has had a huge crop for ages. I think she ate a load of long grass and could'nt shift it from her crop. She was a right bully too so won't be missed by the others. She would hog the food trough and peck anything that came near her where she was feeding. The poor new girls spent their time running from the front of the house to the back where I have another trough and when she went round there they would all come around to the front of the chicken house again.

Must go and feed them now as the sun is now going down behind the trees.

Went out to put something in the dustbin and saw the Barn Owl fly past. I hav'nt seen it for ages.

I did'nt do the advent ring in the end as there seemed to be so much going on today. We had two parcel deliveries adn oh was talking to me about how he is going to do the lean to thing over the patio. Then I did a bit of well needed ironing and prepared lunch which we ate with Doctors. Then I hunted for something for my craft and I had forgotten all about the ring!!. I did some tidying in my shed though ready for when I get down to it and got the stand and ring ready. I had put all the cones and flowers in the bag with the ring so they are all ready and the bows too but I may make new ones of those.

Robby came in the shed while I was in there and watched me and then promptly messed on my bug hotels roof and flew out the door.

Evening All

Well we all enjoyed Paddington 2 :-D :-D.. Chris even cried when we thought Paddington was going to drown. It was very warm in the cinema and I did have a bit of trouble a few times staying awake.Lunch was good and a lady sitting on the next table looked so familiar .Chris couldnt see her but both Fitz and agreed that we knew her from somewhere but just couldnt place her. I couldnt leave without asking her if she was from Kettering.She didnt but said she lives in Wellinborough and then she said she had been a teacher at Wellingborough School. Well we knew then exactly who she was.She taught Hannah ,and Fitz's 2 boys when they were about 9 years old.

Well done Ros with her weight loss. I bet not feeling good and eating less has helped with that :-). It sounds like she is feeling a bit better Frank.Good job you have not had to call for an ambulance :-D

So the Bully girl has had her day Mel.I bet the others will be having a party tonight :-D :-D They will be much happier and probably less stressed now she is not around .They will be able to eat in peace :-D

Looks like Mandy might have a bit of snow in the morning and possibly a bit more later in the day. I wonder if it will get across as far as us. I doubt it.But it looks like it is going to be much colder tomorrow.
Thomas was pleased to see us come home.We left at 11.30 and got in about 5.15. He had eaten a lot of his dried food in the summerhouse but had obviously been rummaging somewhere as his fur on his back and one side was full of some kind of seeds,so he has had a good brush and is now flaked out on his bed.He did have about 10 minutes of craziness where he was tossing and chasing one of his little fluffy toy birds, running up the stairs and then back down .He hasnt done that in a long while.

Gill, Chris had a Vauxhall Astra which James then had.I dont know how similar that is to a Vectra but it was a brilliant car and needed nothing doing in a major way until right near the end when James sold it for scrap .I hope your new car will be just as good and reliable :-D 4 doors too so much easier getting in and out of for Sandra.Did you say it is this Friday you pick it up or next Friday ?

You are all getting your Gammons.I must think about getting one soon. Did I tell you that all the slots for picking up Turkeys at Waitrose were booked and we were lucky to be able to get one of the last slots to have one delivered .I know I will worry just incase it doesnt arrive so I can see me buying a small Turkey Crown for the freezer (just in case).

Anne,I dont know if you shop with Tesco or just Sainsbury but it is 25% of 6 bottles again at Tesco :-D :-D.. I got 6 this morning and it was just £27 which I thought was really good.

James has just pulled in the drive .He will be starving.His dinner is ready so I will just go and get it on the plate.

Good evening all

Well done to Ros getting Slimmer of the week award and pleased to hear she is now feeling well enough to go out.

Gill, we had a silver Vauxhall Astra, Peter at the time was working for a Vauxhall dealer so was lucky enough to get it at cost price and because he was retiring they gave him a lot of extras as well We gave it to Paul when because of his illness was no longer able to drive, it never gave us any trouble and was a very comfortable car.

Loved the photo of the Sussex cliffs Jane it made me feel quite homesick Beachy Head is also a good place to walk. Sainsbury are also doing a 25% discount on wines this week so have 12 bottles coming tomorrow, last week I got a large gammon for half price..

We are fortunate with our Doctors they have 2 surgeries both in Bracknell with the one we go to just 15 minutes walk away, there is one doctor some people aren't too keen on but he is one of my favourites, I know he doesn't suffer fools gladly. Yesterday I went down there yesterday for the diabetic eye screening.

Ruby is now trying to climb on my lap so haven't been able to say all I wanted to

Anne, I think these 25% off wine deals seem to be coming around more often lately. So now I might have to have a little trip to Sainsbury LOL.This is a good time for these deals as we can start stocking up a bit for Xmas. Fitz has been really stocking up !!.He has bought both his Sons 12 bottles each for Christmas and probably himself too :-D

That pic from Hannah was beautiful wasnt it. I have never been to that part. I now want to :-D The only time I have ever seen White Cliffs have been when we have been leaving on a ferry from Dover to France You dont hear much about Beachy Head these days.I know it is well known for suicides :-(

Not much on TV for me tonight. I do love the Detectorists though . I wasn't too sure about it at first but I just think it is great now :-). Chris is feeling achey :-S He better not be coming down with something . I may depart our bed and go to Hannah's . I actually really like sleeping in there as I can watch TV ,read,get up and go to the loo in the night all without disturbing him. Thomas might come and join me :-)

Did you see that chap on trial who drank poison and died in court? !!!!! One of the evil war criminals ( I cant think of his name) You could just see him tipping the poison into his mouth !!!! How shocking for everyone who had to witness that :-0

Morning all

Sunny here and not as cold as I thought it would be. I've looked at the weather report this morning and it looks like there's some snow around, not sure if it'll reach us though.

It sounds like you had a bit of a day yesterday Ann with your Gremlins, hope everything is back to normal now.

We're picking the new car up tomorrow Jane, OH can tax it at the garage and he sorted the insurance out yesterday. The insurance didn't go up, so that was good, but there was an admin charge which they are going to spread over the next four months with our normal payments. We won't know how much the insurance will be next year until we receive the renewal quote, but that's a while off yet and I can always shop around again if it goes up to much. All we need to do now is decide weather to have 12 months tax or 6 months. I think OH is going to go for the 6 months one so it's not due right on Christmas again, he can then change it to 12 months when it's due again, he'd rather keep it at 12 months starting around May instead. I think that's a good idea then the tax insurance and MOT are spread throughout the year instead of all in one go right on Christmas, which is expensive enough without any extra bills.
How is Chris feeling today, hope all his aches and pains have gone and he's feeling a little better. I didn't see the man who drank poison in court, what a horrible thing to have witnessed. He sounds like a real coward doesn't he?

How are you feeling today Frank? Ros did well getting slimmer of the week, although like's it's been said already it's not the ideal way to lose weight. How is she feeling today, hope she's still improving? I'm so pleased you didn't have to call an ambulance in the end and you are less worried now.

It sounds like there are lots of offers on wine lately. I came across some Baby Sham the other day, I haven't had that for ages so treated myself to a few bottles, they are only small ones in a pack of four so I bought four packs.

Is Ruby still nursing her pink pig Anne or has she decided to cuddle you instead :-D
She sounds such a loveable dog <3

Sorry to hear about one of your girls Mel, although she did sound a bit of a bully. Do you think the other girls will produce more eggs now they're not so stressed? Are you making a start on your ring today? I'd like to see a pic if you take one. Naughty Robbie messing on the bug hotel roof, maybe he was trying to get your attention.

I forgot about my COT and it's gone cold, so I'm going to make another one, see you all later.

Morning all,

We had a heavy frost by before 9pm last night and asll the stars were out and no breeze at all, I thought we may have another nice sunny day today but it is dull and dreay and cold.

I have the library coming today and I suppose this will be the last time till well after Christmas as it only comes once a month now. When I first lived here it came every week then years later when I got the bookks for mum it started coming every two weeks and now its every month. All these cut backs drive you barmy.

I have to go to Holsworthy today for more chicken food as they are eating more with it being cold. Oh wants some bits and pieces in Mole Valley too so I shall add those to the list.

I don't blame that cat for wanting in when is saw that bear, I would too. It must be nasty to live in a place where bears rome around. I'm glad we don't have them now in our country.

Jane did you watch the first two series of Detectorists? I think its great. Their faces say it all really. It is written by Macenzie Crook and this is going to be the last series.....boo hoo. Why do they always stop with something I really like? So only three more episodes to see :-(

I meant to say why Frank did'nt get Hannah's picture because it was too big for his laptop.

Good morning my little beauties, evening Kim,

Jane I got both photo's when I opened up this morning.Thanks.

Yes Jane/Anne it was notorious for suicides. You don't her about so many these days. I couldn't believe my eyes last night when that chap poured poison into his mouth. Guilty or what. !!!

Ros had a good night again last night. This morning I cooked her Egg, Bacon,tomato's and mushroom, with a slice to mop up the juices. I couldn't believe all that was on her plate when she finished, was only Tomato skins. She said she enjoyed it.

So another one bits the dust Mel, the other will be pleased, they will be able to eat without being bullied.

You old softy Jane, crying over Paddington, Chris as well. I use to cry as a child over the collie that was in the war. LASSIE. I couldn't think of her name. There was never a happy film with her in it. !!! But it's good you had a nice afternoon out. I bet Thomas was pleased to see you after all that time.

Theres no point in me buying half dozen wines, as I am the only one who drinks in the family when we are in Devon. So I just stick to my beer. I do have a bottle on Christmas day though. !!!

Simon was on the phone again just after 9.00 am to see how Ros is. That's more than Harvey has done, even though Ros told him how ill she felt on Sunday. I think I will have to have words :-( :-( :-( Conrad and Jan ring every day from Spain, so it wouldn't hurt Harvey to pick up the phone !!!

Beautiful sunny morning here. "This Morning" is on and Ros said there was a snow flurry in London, and people are phoning in about the amount of snow they have had. So watch out folks, we might be getting it. :-0 :-0 :-0

Bathroom is empty so I'm off for my shower.

Gosh arn't we all quiet today!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been into Holsworthy for more chicken food and complained about the bale of woodshaving I had. I did it at the place where you collect the food etc. The man there had little bags of the shavings they sell so you could see whats in them. Now why not do that in the shop where you pay too? Anyway I told him I had long bits of pointy wood in it and they looked dirty to start with and they don.t soak up anything and I asked what price they all were. I knew I had had New Flake which were the awful ones and I asked the prices. The ones I had were dust free and were dearer than the Woodpecker ones also dust free and they were the ones I wanted. He gave me a bale of the woodpecker soft fluffy ones and I did'nt have to pay a penny!!!!! How good was that? I told him I had opened the bale and was having to put some in every day. I am well pleased now.

The kettle conked out today so I was going to get one when I went to Holsworthy. What was the thing I forgot??????????????? You've guessed it. the bl**dy kettle so we are using a saucepan till Saturday when one should arrive from Amazon. Funny thing is I was going to buy one in Morrisons the other week as the netting strainer had go in this one but it will now go as its all not working now.

Turned the light on in the kitchen and the bulb went. So much for a 2 year bulb I don't think its been in there more than six weeks.

Ros sis have a good breakfast this morning Frank. She deserved it after losing 6 and a half pounds last week. How are her legs today?

So how was your day?

Afternoon/Evening All

That was good Ros enjoyed her lovely brekkie you made for her this morning Frank. You could have made me one too :-D :-D. It sounded good.
What a shame Harvey never bothers to ring his Mum.He never does does he :-S.Especially when she has not been well.Its thoughtless really.But I think he has always been like this?

Getting excited now Gill for tomorrow when you get your new car? What time are you picking it up? I expect you will take it for a good run

Mel I missed last nights Detectorists.I will have to watch it on catchup. As you say it is their faces !!! especially Toby wotsisname.
Another programme I have been watching is Drugsland.About Drug Addicts in Bristol.It is sad to see how these young people end up on the streets and addicted to Crack and Heroin.

I wonder if Mandy has had snow. It did look like it on the weather .Nothing here just blooming cold.I lit the fire at 1pm so it is getting a tad too warm in here now.
Mel I havent seen a library van for quite a while.I know one used to go to the village in Cranford ,I think once a fortnight.But whether it still does I dont know.
Then there is all this talk of closing smaller Libraries ! I think that is dreadful as i think they are still well used. I used to take Hannah and James on a Saturday to the local one in town for story time and then they chose their 3 books.I also use it and would come away with about 7 books each time.

I did all my exercises on the lounge floor this afternoon.Crikey I dont half feel it afterwards :-S. I suppose it means I am doing it right.(I hope so ).Just a good job no-one can see me trying to get back up again LOL.It is quite a sight.
I have been wrapping a few pressies but the sellotape is aggravating the skin on my dodgy fingers .It is making them peel :-S. So I knocked that on the head.
Chicken Pie all ready to go in the oven.I just need to do Carrots with Tarragon . No potatoes as the pie is filling enough.

Dental Hygienist for me tomorrow morning :-S So tonight it will be a new head on the electric toothbrush :-D.. I think the hygienist is worse than having a dental check.Its those hook things that get in the crevices that gets me and the water spray :-S

good luck tomorrow Jane. Not nice they way they poke about and my teeth never feel right afterwards.

I am just finishing off my Christmas cards as I want to get that out of the way.

Evening all,

Yes we've had snow :-D quite large flakes at times but it hasn't laid as the ground is so wet ,you should see Max trying to bite the snow flakes he's so funny .

Frank Ros has done so well loosing all that weight this week ,i bet she did enjoy the lovely breakfast after not eating much over the last week but don't you go trying to feed her up to much because you'll get it in the ear if she puts some on next
week ;-) :-D
We had to go and baby sit Lewis this afternoon while son and DIL went to the girls school to see how they are getting on good reports all round .

Son was telling us that he had a phone call from Jakes head of year yesterday telling them that there had been a situation with Jake ,apparently when he was in his cooking class he asked the teacher if he could go out have a drink of water ,he thought the teacher said it was ok so off he went only to be physically dragged back by the teacher !!!! the school told son that they were not happy about how the teacher did this so they have suspended the teacher ,son wasn't happy about it either so i don't know if he's going to take it further with the school .
Poor Jake still has problems about going to school and has tears some days so some thing like this happening isn't going to help .

You did right to complain about the wood shavings Mel ,i bet you spend a lot of money with them over the year .

Jane i watched the drug programme but i fell asleep and missed the end last night ,what happened to that young couple sleeping in the car park ?
the last bit i saw they were going to be arrested as the police thought they would be better apart and in prison .

We bought a real 6ft chistmas tree in Homebase today for £11, i saw then advertised on the tv last night , it's just one to have outside the front door , we then had to buy some new lights to on it .

The christmas lights go on in the town at the weekend ,the big tree has gone up in the market place today and i think it's the best one the town has had for several years ,we should be having lots of new lights in the town too as the money raised at the carnival were helping to pay for them .

Mel the only thing I like about going to the hygienist is when she puts the toothpaste stuff on the brush and whizzes it all over the teeth,then have a good swill of that pink water :-D :-D

I have done all my cards now.I just need to go to the Post Office and get the stamps.My foreign ones went off last week.Getting the Xmas tree on Sunday :-D

Evening all,

Just let Biggles out the back, it's so cold. It's real BRASS MONKEY'S LOL LOL I wedged the conservatory door open into the back and closed the door into the lounge. So he came in when he was ready, and I then closed the door. Better than standing there like a spare whats it.!!!, and it kept the heat in.

How we done this I just don't know. We got all the Christmas tree and decorations in from the garage. Ro spent the afternoon putting the tree together and decorating it. It's up to her usual standard. !!! The outside lights can go up tomorrow or Saturday. We will see how we feel.

Biggles went for his walk this afternoon by the girl who was suppose to have had him. That really saves me a BIG JOB. I just couldn't do it.

Ros and I both spoke to our doctor this morning on the phone. She wants Ros to keep her up to date on her VERTIGO as she is still getting it if she stands up quickly and when she gets out of bed. My new depression tablets don't seem to be working very well. But it's only the third week. She wants me to keep taking them and report to her in the new year. So thats what I will do.

Madam, against my advise has gone to Choir Practice. It's the last one before the concert next Saturday week, so she felt she had to go.

Off to find something I want to watch on Tele. !!!

See you in the morning. Night Night xx

Mandy that couple moved away from Bristol and are now doing well and so far off the drugs :-D

Poor Jake !!!!! I didnt realise he had worries about going to school. That teacher who physically dragged him back was right out of order so good job he has been suspended.At least the school has taken this seriously . Do you know why Jake has issues about school? He isn't bullied is he? How old is he now?
We had dreadful trouble with Hannah when she started senior school.She would be sick before she left the house and then sick when she got to school.Lots of tummy aches to get out of going. It was a nightmare for a long time. Eventually she settled and then all was fine. It was so hard but we got there in the end. The main thing we had to do was to stay calm when Hannah was like that and not make an issue. I cant tell you how many tears I shed .Hopefully Jake has someone there at school who can support him <3

So you had a bit of snow . Max had fun :-D . We still keep hearing it is going to be a bad winter ! I wonder if we will. Its been a long time since the last one.