General Chat

I think my favorite is the owl in the knitted hat and then the cat with its paws on the light bulb. And yes I did all those things it said!!!! Still grinning now.

I have done 4 lots of washing today and got it all dried. Two lots were two pillows which came up a treat as I have never washed pillows in this machine before. I had another go at the ground elder and fed the fish and I have 8 babies, 5 are black, tow have turned coloured and one is on its way to colouring up. The fish have also been laying eggs again so oh said I had 158 babies not 8.

I saw the barn owl flying tonight and it came right in our garden and under the oak tree at the bottom of the back field then I lost site of it.

I am please Sally is home now but we all want to know what the verdict was please Frank. I hope she gets on ok. Per haps it was something like I had all those years ago when the bottom mucle in my heart stopped working. I had no pain just no energy at all and coudl hardly walk. I nearly had to have a pacemaker but in the morning it had started working again.

How nice Lacey loved her scooter but a shame it bit her. Naughty scooter. she's going to have a lot of fun on that in the holidays.

We were both awake at 5.30 (!) this morning, so OH made a very early cuppa, after which we decided to get up as its such a gorgeous day and OH wants to get on with the woodburner!!
We've just finished breakfast (outside!) and OH has taken Cas for her walk round the paddock before putting Merlin out! She always goes in her crate for a couple of hours or so, then we can get on with our jobs without her input!!
The woodpeckers +a baby have been seen over the way in our neighbours garden! so they probably have a nest there; we've seen one this morning on the peanuts, and a fox making its way in the field over the road!
Well, I'm dead heading some roses this morning, then?!!!
Glad your DIL is home and stable Frank. These things can be a bit scary, so good all seems ok. Good luck at the hospital, and have a good day everyone else.

Good morning Liz, and all,

I was awake at 5.00 am but didn't get up until 6,30. Had a COT and put the overnight wash on the line. It's all colours, so no ironing. I expect it to be dry in no time.

Ros has been going round with th little Dyson. It's not heavy, and she feels she's helping, which of course she is.

I will speak with Simon later to see how Sally is,and if there is any ongoing problems.I will let you know the results. xx

Hospital at 11.45 this morning. I have decided to go in with Ros and Carolyn. They can drop me off, ad when I am ready I will ring Ros and they can pick me up. I will then be able to get any bits we needs at Tesco on the way home, plus it will save Tony having to take and fetch me.

Jane I have been watching a fair bit of football. I am very disappointed with the quality of the referees. They are letting the players get away with "MURDER" she of the tackles are terrible. Also the players must "TRAIN" for hours on how to fall over with the slightest touch from an opponent. (DIVING) All in all not really impressed.

I hope Ian gets the Wood Burner all cleaned and repaired and re-fitted without too much trouble. Liz. I have never had one, so don't know much about them.

We took the plunge last night and rung BARRY (the gardener) We have booked him for two hours every other week. What he can't get done on his visits, we will try to do ourselves, other than that he will catch up on his next visit. I am sure he will do everything to our liking, as he is what I call an "OLD FASHION" type of chap, who will work hard o get th jobs done. I will ask him if he can do the roof. ;-) ;-) ;-) What a job that will save me. !!! He is coming tomorrow pm. to dig out a bed of grass's, that have taken over.

Off for my shower and shave, I will go to the hospital in shorts today (give the nurse a cheap thrill. lol lol

Stay cool if you can, and I will speak with you all later xxxx

Morning all,

Another beautiful day here too. Good luck at the hospital Frank, I shall be thinking of you.

Shopping day AGAIN. I really don't know where this year is going as it is passing so fast to me. Is it the same with you?

Hope Gill and her oh have got on ok with the fence. I should think they are rising early to get work done as I know Gill dos'nt like the hot weather too much.

I may go off a bit earlier and do Lidl as well today as I could do with a few of their bits.

OH has finished taking the stainless chimney to bits ready to clean and put back! It was as he puts it ' a bit of a pig' so he is now taking a well earned rest!
Good you have found someone to help in the garden Frank and with other jobs too! We've got to do some work on the roof too at the back as some of the weather boarding needs replacing! It'll have to wait till the autumn after our daily hospital visits!! OH will use different material and cover it with stainless that way it'll last! Eventually we shall get the whole bungalow redone.
We're both sitting on the Veranda in the sun and its just lovely!!

Afternoon all

Lovely and sunny here, but very hot.

We have finished the new fencing and painted it, so that's another job out of the way. You could of knocked me down with a feather as Mr Grumpy actually likes the fence. I had visions of him complaining about something or other, but no, he actually had something nice to say for a change.

Yes, Mel you're right we were up before 6.30 every day so we could get as much done as possible before it got to hot. Unfortunately OH had to finish the fence painting yesterday as I ended up feeling a bit unwell with the heat, he told me to go in as he can take more heat that me. Luckily that coat was almost done so only took him about half an hour to finish, then he did the last coat later in the evening when it was cooler.

I over heard the neighbour on the other side of Mr Grumpy asking him if it was okay for him to tidy up Mr Grumpy's back garden by his shed. I think he could see all the mess. Of course Mr Grumpy said that was okay. So he had us doing his front garden and the neighbour on the other side of him doing his back garden. Talk about lazy. We have even done a coat of paint on his side to, although we're not painting anymore, he can do that himself if he wants it done. Our side ended up with two coats of paint in the end.

Sandra helped me move a few pots around today so there was more colour nearer to the bungalow, the flowers are a bit small so couldn't be seen very well right down the bottom of the garden, it looks really nice now. OH has gone to his friend's today so it'll be a nice surprise for him later.

I've bought OH a pressure washer for his birthday and I'm going to buy him a new saw as I noticed he was struggling a bit when he was cutting the wood for the fence. I might buy a new hose pipe to as it looks like part hose pipe, part sprinkler with all the holes in it lol. ;-)

Good luck at the hospital today Frank. I didn't realise it was Tuesday so must remind OH to phone the doctors for his BP monitor results when he gets in later, they are due today. Pleased to see you are getting someone in to help with the garden, it'll save you and Ros and lot of hard work. I see Ros hasn't sat down for long, now she's doing some hoovering. Watch she doesn't over do things though, especially in this hot weather.

Your OH sounds busy sorting out the woodburner Liz and you with your dead heading of your roses. We have decided not to do anymore work in the front garden until the weather cools down a bit as it's South facing and very very hot. We have to dig out all the old borders as they are full of roots and the soil isn't very good for re-planting anything. We've also got the rest of a tree trunk to cut out. I kept it there to push some big plants behind so they wouldn't be in the way while we were doing the fencing, but now that's finished the trunk can be taken out.

While the weather is to hot for gardening, we can finally get round to putting on the four drawer fronts in the kitchen. We had to put that on hold while we sorted out the garden as at the time, we didn't know how long the sun was going to be around for and thought if it rained we could go back to the kitchen. So hopefully soon we'll have both the kitchen and garden done.

Loved the photo's Jane. I'm with you though, I don't think I'd like to live down in that big dip either.

I'm catching up with some recording with Sandra today. I must admit it's much nicer sitting in front of a fan rather than being outside in the sun doing the fencing.

Glad you are enjoying the sunshine Liz.

Unfortunately I collapsed when in the shower this morning. I managed to get myself out and get a towel around me. I got on the bed and rested for a while. I rang the hospital to cancel my appointment, as that was the last thing I needed today. Ros thinks I am scared to get the results, about my eyes. That isn't it at all, I feel as weak as a kitten, and just need to rest

Jan's daughter rang a little while ago to ask a BIG FAVOUR. Will we have the puppy as well as JJ in July. She said he has settled down so well, and follows JJ everywhere. I could only say "YES" as there is no way I would see a dog pine for the company of his mate, I'm sure we will manage.

Ros is continuing to weed the bottom flower beds. I said YOU are going to do as you are TOLD and let Barry do this when he is here. I can see I am going to have strong words with her before the day's out. She loves doing what she does, but the whole idea of having Barry, is to save her doing it. What am I going to do with her.???

Carolyn rang earlier and said she might pop round a bit later. I hope she does, then I can get Ros in doors for a break.

Roast chicken in the oven cooking. We can have that cold with a few chips and salad this evening. I can't face cooking Vegetables, roasts, etc. I don't think I could stand for that long !!!.

Liz, our shed needs a new front.side on it. The feather board is rotting away, so that's another job for Barry or Harvey. The way things are going I will need him FULL TIME. lol lol.

It's too hot for me to be outside, so I am reading my book in the armchair, with the fan on and all doors and windows open.

O frank I am sorry to hear you had a fall in the shower this morning. I hope you did'nt hurt yourself too much.

I went off a bit earlier today and was going to go to Lidl and Morrisons but they had a diversion up which meant I woud have had to go all around the town to get there so I just did Morrisons. Its all packed away now and we are just about to make a drink and have a choc eclair.

I have my two tom plants in one of those plastic tomato houses down by my shed and they were wilting when I just looked at them so I opened up the front and you should have felt the heat that came out. Poor things I shall have to go and give them a good cool drink soon.

Oh has made a cuppa so see you later.

Evening All

What heat !!!!. It feels hotter now than it did earlier !!!. Chris has done nothing in the garden today and has just started watering. Mel everything is witing here .Even with the greenhouse doors open the plants are struggling.it is a bit of a battle just keeping everything watered at the moment .

Gill your Mr Grumpy sounds like he is playing a good old game with you and the other neighbour. Being nice just to get things done so he doesn't have to do it himself !!!
I was going to ask about the kitchen drawers,but see you are making a start on them now.
I think this heat is making many of us feel a bit weak and wabit .Its so draining. We need to take the same approach as hot countries at the moment and have a Siesta in the afternoons.It makes sense.

Oh Frank, that must have been very scary for you collapsing like that in the shower .Hopefully you will get another appointment through soon about your eyes.
Ros sounds like she might need shackling LOL . There is no stopping her is there. You could be fighting a losing battle there. Barry the Gardener will be a godsend for you.You need him right now

Mandy ,I reckon your pool has had more use this year so far than any other year. The children are so lucky to be able to come and have a good dip and cool off .I bet their friends are very jealous :-D. I am jealous I can tell you LOL
The freezer is working fine still ,so it had to be the door left open :-S :-S. Chris bought a joint of Beef and Pork and Chicken Breasts this morning at Waitrose so they are now nicely frozen :-D
I have done my Slow Cooker Beef meal today rather than slave over the oven tonight.It was all in by 10.30 . Just rice to do.

Liz ,has Ian recovered now from al the work on the Woodburner. How on earth did he cope in this stonking heat? It sounded quite a job to do.

James is home . Nice and early for a change.

Oh yes Jane! It was only taking the stainless chimney to bits and giving it a good clean. It wasn't an easy job as the fire cement had done its job and had to be hack sawn out but he soon recovered!!! After that he brought round some scaffolding ready to put up at the back to do the weather boards.
Cold meat and salad for us tonight!

Evening all, Cold chicken chips and pickle for me tonight, Ros had salad and coleslaw (home made) she just loves it.!!!

I had words this afternoon, why am I getting Barry to do the garden, if you insist on doing it yourself.??

Sally rang to say she has no after effects of the chest pains she had. She has to be off work for a week and take things easy. If there is another bout of pain, she must ring for an ambulance.

It has been a scorcher today. I have stayed in doors in the cool reading my book.I did go and water the greenhouse and fed the tomato's.

I'm defiantly going to the "DOGS." I was down the garden when my right knee gave out on me. I managed to grab the branch on th apple tree, to save me going down.

I'm off to bed now, and hope to get a good nights sleep. See you in the morning. xxx

Its kovely and cool out there now. I have been watching a hog and when I came back in it is still very hot in here. During the day when its been hot outside its been nice and cool in here. I can't open the windows as the midges come in and all the moths and the fly killer keeps making me jump with its crack crack.

I have just wshed two more pillows and my t shirt, a white one which I managed to get tomato juice on and its a devil to get out. I knew I should have taken it off when I started my spag on toast. I am going to put the pillows on the line now so they should be quite dry by morning. Thats 6 clean pillows now.

I am now going to have a nice cool shower.

Morning all,

Yet another day with wall to wall sunshine. We have one cobweb like cloud drifting on the light breeze. Its still quite cool out there so I am hoping to get something done out there this morning.

Frank did you sleep ok? and have you any bruises from yesterdays fall in the shower?
Love to Ros too. I am gathering my pom poms from various places for her so shan'nt be sending the parcel yet. I may make a few too.

Good morning to you all,

NO MISSHAPS YET ;-) ;-) ;-) Was is bed before 10.30 last night, and up again by midnight. Just couldn't get off. I read for an hour, and slept until 4.30 am. Fidgeted around, as Ros was giving it plenty of ZZZZ. I did drop of again. and got up at 8.00 am.

I opened the back gate this morning for Green Thumb coming later, and I felt DAMPNESS in the air. Ros thought she heard rain in the night. It's very overcast this morning, but I expect it will burn off as th sun gets stronger. At the moment there is a nice cooling breeze, which is nice.

We had a visitor yesterday evening. A SPARROW decided to come in through the lounge window, flew around and down the lounge into the conservatory. Ros opened the fly screen and he flew out. NO MESS either.

Ros and Carolyn have gone off to B & Q as it's 10% off day. I expect more plants to appear later :-D :-D :-D The flower bed that Barry is going to clear this afternoon, will need to be filled :-0 :-0 :-0 She can't have an EMPTY BED lol lol.

Has Ian rebuilt the Log Burner Liz, and put it back in it's position, ready for the winter ?? Just a thought this time in six months, Christmas will be over. !!!

They have a terrible fire on Sadleworth Moor, they have 50 firemen in attendance with the Army standing by if needed.

Can't think what to have for dinner tonight. I meant to ask Ros to bring him a couple of Tesco's finest meals. I might try ringing her, if she has taken her phone.

Any plans for you ladies today, ?? Me, !! will be sitting on my lounger in the shade reading my book.

I must go and get a couple of slices of toast or I will be told off, by whom must be obeyed lol lol.

Morning Mel and Frank, morning all

Another hot day today. OH has nipped out and bought a fan and a new hose pipe our other hose pipe was more of a sprinkler with the amount of holes that were in it. He's just about to water the pots now before they dry out. I've watered the plants in the greenhouse and put some canes in the pot where the climbing bluebell is as it's growing like mad at the moment and it's not able to hold it's own weight, hopefully it'll stop dropping down now. There are still some more flowers about to bloom and is looking really nice.

With it being so hot today Jane, we're not sure about doing the kitchen draws. OH has decided to change all the screws in the new fence we built to longer ones as he thinks it might be blown around in the winter and he doesn't want it coming apart. We used the screws we bought for the front fence which were fine for that fence, but they are about an inch to short for the side fence. It shouldn't take him to long to change them over as there's no drilling involved and at least he'll have peace of mind when the wind picks up in the winter months.

Yes I agree with you, Mr Grumpy is playing everyone at the moment. I did work out how much the fence costs and he ended up paying up just over £40 more than the materials costs, with us changing the style so OH said it can go towards the screws, paint and petrol to take all the rubbish to the tip which was about ten loads in total as he hadn't paid us anything for those things, that way we've all ended up paying the same. We would of done the work ourselves anyway so there wouldn't of been any labour costs.

Pleased to hear your freezer is working okay and you haven't lost anymore food. It must of been awful to come home and find you had to throw lots of food away. I'm running my freezer down at the moment as it desperately needs defrosting. Although having said that we're still buying ice creams, we can't do without those in this heat can we? ;-)

It sounds like your OH is very busy Liz, I don't know how he manages in all this heat. Make sure he drinks plenty and has regular breaks. How is Cas coping in the heat? I noticed on the news last night that two dogs had been locked in a car with no windows open for half an hour, the police had to break the window to get them out. Luckily they were okay once they cooled down and had a drink of water. I think they are going to prosecute the owner, so they should, the poor dogs.

You're lucky having a breeze so you can work in the garden Mel, there isn't any breeze here. I noticed on the weather last night that my area is the hottest in the country and could reach as high as 32 degrees today and tomorrow is suppose to be even hotter.

Pleased to hear Sally has no after effects of her chest pains Frank. Hope that's the end of it now and she doesn't have anymore pain. So Ros is off to buy more plants, so much for her taking it easy, I didn't think she'd sit down for long as she's so used to being out and about and busy with one thing and another. So long as she doesn't over do things I'm sure she knows what she's doing. Enjoy your book, take it easy yourself you don't want to have anymore falls, you were lucky you managed to grab the branch of the apple tree or you could of done yourself some serious damage. With your garden being uneven do you think Barry might be able to sort it out for you to make it better for you to walk on, it would save you falling over all the time?
I saw that fire mentioned on the news last night, hope they have managed to put it out now or at least are winning the battle. Nice of the army to be on standby should they be needed.

I have done some washing and ironing this morning while it was cooler with the nice breeze. I did 20 mins of ironing and had put the washing on the line and some things were dry in that 20 mins.

Just going to get lunch now after having a drink and reading your posts.

Frank I meant to say I hope Ros dos'nt crease her tummy too much sitting on the stool to weed as that can't be good for her op. <3

Up early again this morning, breakfast outside! After our usual jobs, I went down to the village for our prescriptions, + some more batteries for OH's hearing aids!!! OH has put up scaffolding at the back so as to be able to get at the rotten weather boarding, we are now ready to go with that job. Much safer than ladders!! The woodburner can wait for a while Frank, as we don't need it till the end of October at the earliest, and the roof is more important. I expect M will give OH a hand later on if we need it!
Cas doesn't seem to mind the heat Gill! She still runs round with either teddy or her ring!! We have filled her bath though and she hops in there every now and then to cool off!!! Sometimes if we think she's getting overdone, we put her in her crate to make her rest!!!
I've done a load of dead heading, again!! together with a load of watering. We feel quite lucky to have our own water supply, no problems with drought if this weather goes on!
I must get the washing in as its bone dry! Soon have it folded and put away, so that'll be that job done for a day or two!
OH has gone to get some materials, and I'm about to go and sit in the sun!!

Afternoon Everyone
Another scorcher today.I am finding it a bit much now but see it is going to remain hot at least until into next week.Just hanging out the washing I could feel myself burning.
I have stayed in all day with the curtains pulled and the big fan on.
Last night I slept quite well with the other big tower fan beside the bed and a sheet over us. Then at 2.50 ,yes 2.50 Thomas got on the bed and was walking all over me doing that padding thing :-S.By 3 I had had enough and had to let him out.

Frank that fire on Saddleworth Moor is dreadful :-0 :-0,and people have to be evacuated from their homes.

We had a Military Helipcopter circling over head this afternoon!!!. I thought it was looking for somewhere to land at one point. I wonder what was going on?? It seemed to be searching (like the police helicopter does).

Did you manage to get hold of Ros to get her to buy a couple of ready meals? Tesco have had a brilliant offer of those Chickens that you cook in the bag. I bought one the other day for tonight and it was only £3.75!! Brilliant value.I might have a look tomorrow and see if they are still on offer and get a couple for the freezer. I find them so moist and the meat just falls off the bones.
I have a tray of Mediterranean Veg and a nice sourdough loaf to go with the chicken.I find it hard to think of food to cook when it is as hot as this.
The freezer has 2 large bags of ice cubes in now :-D :-D as we are getting through loads .

Gill I was thinking with your holey hose pipe could you actually use it as sprinker for the garden and just block off the end?

I see Germany is out of the World Cup !!!!!!. That is a disaster for them.I might actually watch our match tomorrow night. James is going to one of his friends straight from work to see the match so will have his dinner there.Chris is out for lunch with Sue tomorrow so i will just need to feed myself. maybe a couple of eggs on toast :-D

Janice sent me a funny pic today of Larry in the garden. He is sitting on a chair with his feet in the childrens pool and has a teatowel on his head and another towel over his legs LOL . He was reading a book and had no idea Janice took the pic :-D. I would give anything right now to have even the smallest of paddling pools just to stick my feet in.
Popping Cas in her crate when she gets over heated is a good idea Liz . I always worry so much about dogs being left in cars in this weather. There is always someone who does it. Some years ago Fitz's neighbour left their lovely black lab Juno and he sadly died. They were so ashamed of what they did they have never had another dog.

I think my Chicken is done as the oven is pinging

Jane you ought to get a pool! L has a rigid paddling pool that they put up and fill when it's this hot. She says she goes out, like your BIL, and sits with her feet in! The girls and Ed (ages:- 18, 15 and 11) have a really good time with it!! As you know, I love the sun and have a chair in the sun and one in the shade so I can dodge from one to the other!
OH sits in the sun for a while, then goes into the shade most of the time!! Mind you, he's always doing something and doesn't sit still for very long!! Indoors is fairly cool so no fans!
I just can't understand people leaving dogs in the car on a hot day! How many times do people have to be told how dangerous it is and leave th dog at home!! We've got special blinds to go in the windows and the windscreen to help keep the car cool in an emergency, but even so I'd be very loath to have to use them!

Evening all, Starting to cool down a bit now. THANK GOODNESS. !!

I isn't bother Ros, I got to BIG Leg of Lamb steaks from the freezer. Did new pots, broad beans, runners, baby new carrots with peas and sweetheart cabbage. (far to much veg) We ate about 6.30, I then washed and dried everything, and went to and watered everywhere. Now watching Brazil.

Barry cleared the flower bed of all the grass's, and tied up some bigger pushes. He will come next week to do his two hours, every two weeks. That will be a big weight of our shoulders. Provided I can keep MADAMfrom going out there all the time.

I went to the back gare this evening and it's hanging off. It's a metal gate that I have boarded over. How and why it's hanging off is anyones guess. The bottom screws are missing. It was fine this morning :-0 :-0 :-0

More plants sitting down the drive,I expect she will be out there in the morning putting them in the cleared bed.

I will watch the rest of the football, have a couple of beers, then off to bed. Catch up in th morning.