General Chat

What a bonny lad Alexander is Frank, it's looks like he had a great time making the snowman.

Oh no Jane what a nuisance, 9 days is a long time, have you thought of ringing a different engineer to take a look at it other than BG. I don't know if I've told you this but we had lots of problems with BG so don't bother with them anymore. They even told us that they had to change a part in our brand new boiler, which they hadn't put in, otherwise it would catch fire, we let them do it and guess what a few months later the boiler broke and we needed another new one. Another time they came to sort out a leaky rad and while they were here loosened a valve on another rad, luckily I noticed the gas man take a spanner I think it's called, into the bathroom which made me suspicious, as he only asked to use the toilet, so after he left I told OH who checked the rad and it had a small leak, luckily OH tightened it back up, but thinks he did it to get another job out of us. It was then we lost trust and cancelled our insurance with them and ever since then we haven't had any problems. So if you want my advice I would get rid of BG and go to someone else as you've had one problem after another haven't you? I hope you don't mind me mentioning this but you don't seem to be having much luck with them, so maybe a change will be better. Did they say why it was going to be on Thursday instead?

The roofer said it will take around 2 weeks to do next doors roof, OH said he seems a nice person and so far we've hardly noticed them there, apart from a bit of knocking an banging, mind you they were on the other side of the bungalow, it might be a bit noisier tomorrow. I'm not worried now OH has met the boss and said how nice is he. I think I was worried because of the bad weather and never having a neighbour have their roof done before, it's all new to me, but I'm getting used to it. I did notice they have put some plastic over the top of the roof where the ridge tiles are to keep the moisture out so that's good.

Going to watch corrie now.

What a lovely little boy he is Frank! I love his matching hat and scarf with motor scooters on!! :-) Your stew sounds just perfect for warming you up nicely. That was a horrid dream you had. I hope you have a better night tonight!

That's really poor service Jane! I would use someone else in future. You were lucky to get some heaters as they must be flying off the shelves now with this cold spell. I love a hot water bottle! They are a great standby and perfect to place against an aching back. ;-)

Mel, that was a long time in your shed, do you have a heater? You have made good progress though and now some of your wreaths are on sale in the shop. :-D

We decided to stay in and go to the retail park in the morning. I got the door wreath batteries put in and tested it and it looks pretty with white lights that twinkle on and off. Then, blow me, I couldn't find the sucker hanger thing I used last year to put it on the door!! :-S The best of it is I saw it in one of the boxes as we unpacked stuff and thought I'd leave it in there as it was too obvious to miss. We've been all through the boxes several times, together and separately so gawd knows where it's gone!! We'll have to try and get another tomorrow. I know one garden centre that had them.....as long as they haven't sold out. This is turning into the year of losing things and 'the plot' I think.

OH has a migraine now and has gone for a lie down.

Thanks Gill,about British Gas. But to be honest we have never had a problem with them and have always been happy with their service. The engineer said that they have had so many emergency calls yesterday and today because of these extreme weather conditions, and yestreday there was only 1 engineer working in this area!!
I do understand that they must deal with the most vulnerable people at the moment but still think 9 days is far too long to have to wait.

It sounds like you will have nothing to worry about with the roof being done next door.That must be a relief for you. I think I would have been worried like you.

I must cancel my Physio appointment for Thursday ,as that will be when hopefully the Gas man will be here ,and Chris is out for lunch .I will re book Physio for after Xmas now.

Gosh thats not really on Jane. Having waited a long while anyway I would have thought you would have been first on the list.

Cheggers was always good with the kids but I did'nt like him that much. RIP Keith.
So young really ........................

It was'nt that cold in the shed and I had the top of the door open all the time I was out there. I must admit my feet got cold before lunch so after I put another pair of socks on. The sun has been out most of the day too.

When I took the rings to the shop this evening on the way back a deer came across the road in front of me so we nearly had venison for dinner.

Is'nt he just a lovely little boy I could just give him a big squeaze. He's having great fun in the snow.

Ann have you found any sign of your stick yet?

Since I made that Fairy purse I sent you a picture of I can't find it. I think the fairies must have borrowed it.

Gill any parcel yet? It went first class?

No sign of the parcel yet Mel, maybe it'll turn up tomorrow. I'll let you know as soon as it arrives.

That's good that you haven't had any problems with BG Jane, I just thought I'd mention it incase the same was happening to you. What a pity you have to change your Physio appointment, let's hope BG turn up now. Are the extra heaters working okay for you, I hope it's warmer now as it's suppose to be really cold tonight.

Morning all,

Its a cold and frosty morning here but I think there's going to be blue sky and clouds as the suns shining pinkish on the clouds.

Donkey day............................I want to get out early so I get back before dark but with the frost he won't let me out yet.

Yes keep your eyes out for the parcel Gill its not a big one just an envelope.

Went straight off to sleep the minuet my head hit the pillow last night and I don't remember getting up in the night at all.

Morning Mel, morning all

Bright but cold here today, the roofers have just arrived and I was right it's a bit noisier today as they are scrapping all the snow and ice off the slate tiles before taking them off, I think when they put the tiles back it's likely to be even noisier as they have to be nailed in place. The fella said it would all be done by Christmas which I think is really quick as a neighbour a few doors down had their roofers there for months in the summer. We're thinking of having our roof done and will probably use the same people as next door if the quote isn't to high. He said he'd do us a quote either today or tomorrow as he couldn't remember what he quoted next door.

Nothing planned for today, I changed all the bedding yesterday and done loads of washing so that's all done for now, so we'll keep warm and catch up with a few more programmes. Our listings went off last night on Sky, but thankfully we still had the channels we just had to go through them manually to find something to watch. Luckily the listings are back on now, OH thinks it might of been some ice on the Sky dish.

It sounds like you had a good nights sleep last night Mel so you'll feel on top of the world today. I'll keep an eye out for the parcel today and let you know when it arrives. It's nice that your OH wants to keep you safe and not go out driving in the ice, hope you make it back before it's dark. Take care on the roads <3

Good morning you little fairies, Evening Kim,

I see we had Chapter and Verse from Will in his Christmas card. I hope they are both well now, and have a good Christmas.

I think I have seen and heard it all NOW. No 1 Dennis next door with pam and Tracy cleared the snow from their car and driveway yesterday morning, USEING WAIT FOR IT. A garden rake and a garden hoe. When I offered a snow shovel, They said they could manage. He then came out with a bag of SALT and A DESERT SPOON. He proceeded to sprinkle salt over his drive, ONE SPOONFUL AT A TIME. I almost fell over laughing standing at the window.

No.2 This I really can't believe. John said to Carolyn. "Is there a sand and salt box in he village" when she said there is one on the corner up the road. He got TWO BUCKETS and filled them from the box to use on his DRIVE. With all his bloody money, he could have had B & Q deliver a few bags for him. The thing is where the box is situated it's on a very dangerous corner. By him PINCHING IT. it leaves less for the motorists to use on the road. Selfish person or what ???

Not good news for you then Jane. 9 days does seem a long time to wait when you have a contract with them.

This blooming "T" is getting on my nerves, it only works once every so often, so I have to keep going back to it. SO FRUSTRATING. I could pull my HAIR OUT.!!!

Mel, you have been a busy little elf, getting all those wreaths done. Don't over do it, will you.

I was up again at 12.30 last night I sat reading until 3.45 When I got settled down I got CRAMP in my left shin and my right calf. So all in all not a great night..

Ann, It's sods law that he sticker thingy will turn up when least expected. Hope you find it soon.

Lewis and Julia are both at home. The Uni is closed as is Julia's school. It's her Birthday today 59 she is just 20 years younger than me. It is also Susan's B'Day My brother Bills eldest, I will ring her shortly .

Simon has been on the phone this morning to see how Ros is and to tell me he has been baby siting since 5 (YES FIVE| am this morning. Both parents are on early turns. He said he has all her toys out playing with her . She is only 18 months and his adopted sons daughter . That's some Grand DAD. Considering he starts work at midday.

I had a real job getting Ros out of bed this morning. Her right hip just wouldn't play the game, kept sticking and not letting her straighten her leg. All fine now she is on the move. She's popped to Tesco with Carolyn to get few things.

I have the STEW on a low gas, so should be able to grab a bowlful for lunch YUM YUM.

Heating is on (SORRY JANE) and everywhere is nice and warm. I have made the bed and washed up Breakfast things, just got to run the hoover round now. Then back to my book.

Stay warm my friends, and be careful if you go out !!!

The parcel's arrived Mel, Sandra loves her stickers and broach, she wearing the broach now and I'm just about to put the stickers on her bedroom window, she has such a big smile on her face and she's asked me to say thank you to you <3 <3 I've put the other gifts away for her for Christmas day like you asked me to.

The knocking and banging has stopped next door so they're probably having a break, I'm pleased as I've got a headache so it might ease a bit while it's quiet. Rosie came this morning for some nuts, we haven't seen her for a few days and were starting to get worried, we're so pleased she's okay as it was really cold last night.

Are you warm enough Jane with your new heaters? I can't stop thinking about you and hope you're boiler is fixed soon <3 <3

The stickers are on her window and she's just asked me to take some photo's for her on her camera, they look really good. <3

Just noticed your post Frank, what a silly neighbour. I must admit I had a giggle when I read what you were saying about the salt and the spoon.

Sorry to hear you had another bad night, hope you have a better one tonight.

Poor Ros, it must of been quite painful trying to get out of bed, at least she's able to move around now if she can go shopping. I normally make a stew with the left over chicken but decided to have it cold with some chips and pickle last night. When you mentioned it I wished I'd made some as I fancy a bowl now. I'll have to make do with a tin of soup today, it's not the same though. Enjoy yours it sounds lovely. ;-) ;-)

That's very early for Simon to be babysitting, he'll be shattered later. Good on him for helping them though, there's not many people who would get up that early in the morning.

Hi again Gill and all.

I have made a load of DUMPLINGS. They are ready to go in the stew. Once Ros gets home, I will add them, then in 20 minutes we can get tucked into a nice bowlful of STEW and DUMPLINGS. Who's mouth is watering now ??

Tony and Val, next door are having a new boiler fitted. The drilling and banging is driving me mad. His boiler is at least three years younger than mine. But I wonder if he has had it serviced every year, like I do. !!!

Not much sign of any thaw. I just went out to the car, and it is perishing cold outside.

I have been reading my book all afternoon, now my eyes are beginning to want to shut.

Mel, you are so good making and sending things to Sandra. I can tell from what Gill says, that she is over the moon with what you send.

My birthday card pile is starting to grow. So someone is sending them.

Come on Ros I want to eat. :-( :-( :-(If she's not home soon I will start without her. <3 <3 <3

Evening All,

I hope your dumplings aren't getting cold Frank! ;-) I had a chuckle at the thought of doing a drive with a spoonful of salt at a time. I imagine he has a big drive too. As for cleaning snow off a car, I just use a brush I keep just for that. Mine is still covered at the moment, as we have used OH's car yesterday and today. OH did offer to do mine so I might take his offer up if it is still covered tomorrow.

Mel, I would get your OH to come and help with the shopping, then it wouldn't matter if it was dark when you got home! :-) No, the stick is still lost which is worrying really. Maybe a 'spring clean' in the New Year will unearth it. :-S

I was up with the lark this morning after being awake since 4.00am. I lay and watched The Marigold Hotel prog with them in Cuba which was very interesting, then flicked around the channels as you do! We went out for when the shops opened and got some bits and bobs, then to Aldi, where we got quite a bit of Xmas stuff, then to the garden centre, but they hadn't any of the wreath hangers left, then to Sainsburys for more shopping and their Christmas lunch, then tried the garden centre close by, all sold there too so I have ordered one on line! I got the water spinner set up with batteries this afternoon and was surprised to find there's a music switch and you can play about 6 carols as well.

Off to watch Kirstie now.

Back unpacked and had a cream cake and tea.

What a stupid man sprinkling salt off a spoon. As for John and Carolyn helping themselves to the salt and grit out of the bin.... welllllllll. They have bags of deicer grit in Morrisons and they are not expensive.

I am so pleased that Sandra liked her little presents of the window stickers. I did wonder if they were a bit young for her but thought if she stuck them on her window that when she looked out she could see snowmen. I bought them before you had any snow. As for the other thing I made her one like mine but in her favorite colour. I did take a picture of it so I can show the others what she had but I did'nt take a pic of the snowmen window stickers.

I wonder if Jane had her parcel today as I posted them together. Perhaps we will hear from her later. She has instrutions not to open her until 25th Dec. I had to use a box from one of my solar lights to send it in as it was the only box it fitted in so I covered the box incase she thought it was a solar light. Its not! Now you will all have to wait till Christmas day to find out what it was. I am sure Jane will take a pic to let you all know.

I could just go a bowl of Franks stew now. I have a smoked haddock small fillet for dinner and a small tin of sweetcorn and a nice granary roll. I can't be bothered to do a spud. Oh has his curry so a nice easy night.

I spied my aunty Joy in Morrisons today and once again a good natter. When I got to the checkout she was there too so I gave her a lift home so she did'nt have to get a taxi. I think they charge her about £8 to take her from Morrisons to East the Water up Chudleigh hill. It can't be more than 2 and a half miles. Carried her shopping in for her and said hello to Lily her dear little ginger and white cat.

I did get home before dark too!!!!! so the bantams got their corn tonight. Oh won't open their door incase they come out so if its dark they don't get their tea.

Afternoon All

Nice to hear someone is getting a new boiler fitted !!!!! Lucky things :-D. It is so much warmer here now with these extra 2 heaters.I have just got the hot water bottles out ready to fill later.

You neighbour sounds like he a sandwich short of a picnic Frank LOL Fancy turning down the offer of your big shovel and well using a tablespoon with the salt !!! what can I say :-S :-S... Mmmm John should have left the salt in the bin for those who will need it and like you say he can well afford to get plenty . That is just selfish.

I hope the weather will not slow up the job on next doors roof Gill. The sooner it is done will be better for you.You dont really need a lot of banging going on .
So Sandra is wearing her brooch from Mel :-D and has her stickers up too.She sounds delighted .
I had a package today too from Mel :-D. I havent opened it Mel.Am I supposed to wait until Christmas or do you want me to open it now :-D Thank you for whatever it is :-D :-D

Hope Ros's hip is not going to keep being a pain for her .I dont think I have heard you mention she has a bad hip.I see though that it eased up later so she was able to get to Tesco.So that is good :-). Mine has been rubbish today ,mabe the cold weather doesnt help. I cancelled my Pysio appointment for Thursday and have one now for Jan 4th.
Chris has been salting (Not with a spoon I might add :-D) the drive today. My word we had some very dangerous black ice. WE have a trafic cone over the worst bit.Cant have the postie or delivery men having a tumble. he traffic cone turned up here years ago after James had been out for the night with mates :-D :-D.. So it has come in handy :-D Our postie today was a lady .We see her now and then when our usual man has his days off.She was in her shorts with bare legs and I couldnt even see socks!!!!.
I asked if her legs werent freezing and she said they were fine but her hands were cold.

Mel I hope you got Donkey day done and are home safe now (hopefully before it got dark :-D :-D ;-) )

I too have a casserole in the oven. Mine is Beef. I have done the mash and it is all nice anf fluffy (that was those Rooster? potatoes). No dumplings though. I forgot to buy them. ( I know you will say I should make them myself LOL ) but I dont :-D

Thomas was miaowing at me around 3am.I had to ignore him as it was too cold to get out of bed. I think he was asking to be let out as when I came down this morning there was a poo in his litter tray.I know he doesn't like doing that indoors so he must have been a bit desperate and not able to hang on until this morning.

Did anyone on FB see the pic I shared of little William on his sledge being pulled along by his Dad. It was on Cleeve Hill. It was a smashing pic :-D

I have a feeling a lot of the schools were still shut around here today as there seemed to be quite a number of children at Tesco.
I started this post well over an hour ago but my sister rang so have been gabbing . I will post now before anymore phone calls

:-D

Ha! you nipped in there Mel just before me. So I wont open your pressy until the 25th :-D :-D

Iv'e sent you all an email with Sandra's gift on it.

Evening all,

The sun has been nice today but the frost has hung about all day even with the sunshine , we haven't been out anywhere today i wrapped about fourteen parcels for the children and made a Shepherds pie .

Jane that's not very good at all having to wait so long or them to come and look at the boiler ,lets hope it can be fixed and you don't need a new one ,it's getting nearer and nearer to christmas you don't want to be with out heat all that time .

Glad you got your shopping done and got home before dark this week Mel .

Well i've heard it all now fancy using a desert spoon to sprinkle the salt on the drive ,and as for John taking salt out of the bins for his drive i bet he could get into trouble for doing that if anyone saw him ,it's for the roads not personal use !!
Your stew sounds good just the ticket for this sort of weather .

Gill i wouldn't think the roof will take long to do ,the workman have been doing a roof near us and they took about a week to do the lot .
Hope your headache has eased .

You were an early bird this morning Ann , i watched The Marigold Hotel too , that Miriam :-0 :-0 she comes out with all sorts you wonder what she's going to say and do next .

I just got Thomas's pouches of food in from the garage.They are almost frozen !!!!. Far too cold to eat. So he has dried food for now. I have got a few pouches in the kitchen now ...Toothpaste in the ensuite wouldnt come out of the tube .That shows how cold it is in there !!!! :-S :-S.

Mandy I love Miriam .What a character !!! she can swear and fart like a trooper LOL
Not keen on Jan Leeming even though she looks darned good for her age. She loves being a bit of a flirt and having the attention from men doesnt she :-D. I just love seeing them all experiencing all all sorts . I would love to be one of the gang but I'm not old enough yet :-) and not a celebrity . :-S