General Chat

Sent pics again Mandy.Hope they come through now.

I'm off to bed ,and the big fan will be on in the bedroom tonight :-D

Night Night x

Just a few words before we're off to bed. Great account of home shoe repairs Frank, you really took my mind back. As well as Blakeys there were Skegs. Ann got the Clickers right, I never found out about that till I was doing my family research. Can you see anyone doing all that these days, no, it's a throw away world and footwear doesn't usually last long enough to have it repaired, unless you buy expensive stuff.

My Dad had about everything in his shed and I can see him heating the (looked like candles to me) blacking to finish off the edge of the shoes.
All the stuff was in his shed when he died and no one had the heart to sort it out before the house sold. Whoever bought it must have thought they'd either stumbled on a treasure trove or a museum. They're were tools of all sorts, a lot came from the railway works at Stratford (permanently borrowed) and there were lathes and all sorts of power tools. He was very methodical and had a place for everything and two drawers full of tools. I think I take after him a lot for all those things.

Still nothing coming through Jane.....!!

Ann your meal sounded delicious..so you didn't have 2 puddings lol
Have tried to send the Mummy pics again.My sister had the same pic of Hannah 4 times too :-S.......Mandy I hope you haven't had the same.
The pics are through something called a Whats AP and come through to my mobile phone .I then email them to myself.Then try and forward the pics from there.All a bit long winded and obviously not working right.
Ann I have just forwarded a couple off my phone now.
Love the card from your OH :-D.Was it last year he sent you a cracker .Or was it a Valentine Card?
Just off to do the dishes...Chris had gone to bed :-S....He is working in the morning so is up at 5.30 !

LOL Ann yes i would get the blame you could be sure of that !! LOL

Sounds as if you have had a lovely day , i love the card from OH LOL

Jane i also got four lovey photo's of Hannah !! LOL :-D

Hope you had a good day Ann.

I have cleaned all the kitchen from head to foot. No spiders or cobwebs now. Then I started on the bathroom. The amount of those little bodied, long legged ones in there was unbeleivable. I think I had mums and spiderlings and teenagers all up one corner. You can hardly see the teeny winy ones. Their legs must be soo fragile.

Oh done some mowing this morning but said it was too hot to carry on.

We had a cuppa on the lower deck late afternoon and he has put a defuser on the outlet from the pump on my pond. It has a flat end with a loop on the top with a hole in it that makes air go into the water. Well I sat there with my tea and kept looking at this thing woggleing around on the surface of the water and said to oh I think that great caterpillar drinking out of the pond needs a pair of eyes. I knew I had some of those goggly eyes in the sewing drawers so off I went to look for them. Well I found some really smashing ones so oh took the thing out the water and stuck them on for me. Now when I sit out by the pond or on the upper deck I think I am being watched!!!!!!!!

Will get a pic tomorrow.

We hav'nt heard whether our SIL is down here yet!! They are staying at the same place they stayed last year. It is a smashing place with a heated swimming pool for all the cottages in the complex which is round a little courtyard surrounded by trees.

Better go and shut the chickens in now and then feed the hedgehogs and the rest of the evening in mine then as oh has gone off to bed.

I was a very good girl Pat. :-) OH was whipping the cards off me as they arrived and hiding them away......before I could even read the postmarks!! :-S

Got your card this morning Maureen, another lovely hand painted one! :-)

Oh Jane, Fitz up a ladder sounds like another 'trouser malfunction' waiting to happen!! I hope he was wearing a sturdy pair. :-0

Mandy, it's always best to keep out when there are choice words.....or the next one's are likely to be 'look what you just made me do!!!'. lol. :-D

Phew!! Phew!! It's been boiling here......car said 31 degrees when we were out. The meal was lovely......OH talked me into a starter which I didn't think I'd be able to manage as well as 2 other courses! I had tomato and basil soup with a crusty olive bread and OH had smoked Mackerel pate. We both had the ham hock with a chive mash next which was in an apple and calvados sauce with black pudding and crispy parsnip curls. Then we both finished with a citrus tart and chantilly cream as it looked the smallest!! We then went to the exhibition which was quite interesting, but it was too hot to hang around and look at properly. We went a very slow walk in the heat to see the battlefield where they have built a nice, new monument surrounded by rosebeds in the appropriate colours. After we got back I was down to bra and pants and flaked out on the bed to cool off for a few hours!! I was going to sit outside but OH said it was too hot out there and very humid. He has just come in from hosing all the plants down in his shorts.

I love the 'card' William.......very clever of you.....I'd never have thought of that! :-) My dad also had a last as he was in the shoe trade when I was little. I think the curved knife you and Frank refer to would be a 'clicking knife' as that was a sharp, curved knife used for cutting patterns. I remember seeing the newspaper ads years ago 'Clickers wanted'. Dad used to repair our shoes too and then when he had his own business connected with the shoe trade he would be given sole rubber and heel tips by his customers. By the time I was 18ish I used to replace the heel tips on my stilletoes myself, but dad was better at doing the soles. He even had shaped grinding wheels to rub the edge of the sole around after to give it a ribbed edge. Then out would come the black ink for the edges. I used to use that on the sole bit that went down the inside of my high heels so they would look 'new'.

What a shame you couldn't take pics at the sports day Mandy. Things seem to have gone a bit extreme now, especially when so many parents put pics of their children on social network sites that can easily be copied. Maybe they should have issued forms that 'assumed' permission unless a parent replied otherwise.

Jane, the 'mummies' haven't arrived, just 4 identical, but very nice pics of Hannah!! What a wait for your decorating to be done, it must mean they are good and in demand. You won't be tempted to do it yourself then? ;-)

I hope young Lewis isn't too sore now his tooth is out......at least he will be glad it's over.

<3 <3 <3 HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR ANN <3 <3 <3 Hope you have had a wonderful day and are still enjoying your birthday.

Have been very busy in the garden, sitting reading my book in the sunshine

;-) and taking note of all the things that need doing.

Been watching the women's football, it's quite good, as good as the men's anyway.

Still haven't caught up with all the posts, but have seen most of the e.mails, I love what you have done with the boot William, I've got one of those as well never thought to paint it, great to see different gardens, and what a lovely idea to paint ladybirds on the stones.

Happy Birthday Ann...Hope you were a good girl and didn't open the card until today.Hope you had a good one..

Oh yes Frank i can remember dad sticking those rubber soles on our shoes ,they didn't use to stick on very well.
Also dad use to whiten my plimsolls for school with that whitener in a tube with the foam bit on the end .

Oh i forgot to say i'd like to see the mummies please Jane.
This is the first time i've heard them say no photo's to be taken at a sports day , i think some people hadn't returned their forms to say yes or no for photo's ,so everyone missed out !!
Chelsea's sports day on monday so we'll see what happens then .
That's a long time to wait for your decorating to be done , can you wait that long ??
Mind you the rate my kitchens going it's going to be october before thats done !! :-S :-D

Old sinks out ,new one laid in but now hubby's fitting the worktop and plumber will be back tomorrow to plumb it in !! :-D
There's an awful lot of banging going on in the kitchen ........think i'll keep out of the way as i just heard a choice word !!!!! :-D

OH WILLIAM .I have just seen your card for Ann..........Clever you :-D

I see Lewis has a late appointment Frank g.ood job he has had something to eat otherwise he would be starving later and not able to eat.

Oh Kim I remember sitting up waiting for one or the other to come home wondering what state they would be in.I used to pretend I was just watching a really interesting programme on the tv lol.Then I realised I could be in bed and get a few hours kip in before I heard them come in,but there was always one ear open lol.I have been quite lucky with them really.(In their teen years).I do recall finding James on the bathroom floor once .I think he had been sick in the loo but couldn't get up to get into bed ,so I just covered him up and left him there.(to heavy to lift ).Once there was trouble with one of Hannah's friends.She had got so drunk that had got kicked out of somewhere.It was a special night for some reason.Hannah was so cross with her for spoiling the evening.She refused to share the bedroom with her and slept downstairs.I was the one with the bucket and cloth dealing with the aftermath and her friend drunkenly pleading with me not to tell her parents .I couldn't really say much as I had been there ,done that and had a few TShirts lol(in my youth of course) ;-)

Mandy I always think it is a terrible shame that parents/grandparents aren't allowed to take photos or videos of their children at these type of events.Luckily this didn't happen when my 2 were at school so we have plenty of picsIt must hve been so hot for the little ones doing their races !!!
I am sat right under the big fan now cooling off after ironing :-S and cleaning all the cobwebs and curtain rail and windows in Hannahs room .Those new curtains i bought are still waiting to go up.I will wait until it has cooled down before I put them up now.It seems to have got hotter as the afternoon has gone on and now feels humid.Tomorrow ,well i don't think I will enjoy the heat.Chris said he will do a BBQ again.That suits me fine :-D

I hope Lewis will get on ok having his tooth out and it's not too painful for him.
Is he with you for the weekend Frank?

I rang a decorator earlier who was recommended by a neighbour of ours.He will come and have a look at what we need doing on Monday...BUT he wouldn't be able to do anything until OCTOBER !!!!!!!!.I guess that means he is high demand.

Hannah is now on a long journey to somewhere where they will be staying for a couple of days preparing them for the High Altitude when they go to on to Macchu Picchu ( I 'm still not sure how to spell that :-S).My friends son went there and had problems with sickness and Diarrhoea :-S :-SBut he was doing the proper trekking .I think Hannah and John have chosen just to do a half day trek .

Fitz called in to see if we had a house key for his place as he was locked out.His son had been around to put a massive Lamb joint in the oven to cook for a few hours before finishing it off on the BBQ tonight.(he left instructions for Fitz to turn it after a couple of hours ) but then left and locked up not realising Fitz was out without a key.
I couldn't find a key here so dear old Fitz had to get the ladder and climb in through a window !!!!!!.It sounds like they will be having a feast tonight as his boys and Georgette are doing a Moroccan style BBQ as a late celebration for his Birthday.Both his boys and OH are the most amazing cooks and create some brilliant food.
Our BBQ tomorrow will be Burgers ,Sausages and Chicken Kebabs lol

I hope Ann has had a great day out today and hasn't wilted too much :-D
I should be thinking about dinner but can't be ar***d at the moment.We ate so late last night ..Chris was not amused :-|
I must do better tonight :-D

Well I'm still up and its 1.01 am. My alcoholic daughter is not home yet. So it's off to the couch for me for some telly and chocolate.

I remember having wooden clogs when I was a little girl, a friend brought them back from Holland.

Frank I've put a little gift on your wall, so you will have to take a look. Sure you will enjoy it.

Have a great time today Ann. Nite nite from me. xxx

Well we picked Lewis up (we were late) traffic on M1 was hectic. He was waiting on a seat outside the school entrance. Ros took him a sandwich. crisps, Kit Kat and a Coke. which he consumed on the way back. We were too early for his appointment, so Ros dropped me home and she's just on off with him again..

I am off to the garden with the paper and my book.

Shoe repairs was an on going thing in our house as kids. Dad would sit in the kitchen with his last, on a big LOG on it's end. He would put the shoe on the last, and make a pattern with newspaper of the shoe. The leather had been soaking in a bowl of water (to make it supple) then he would mark out the leather with the pattern, and with his curved knife cut the shape of the shoe. He would strip the old soul off, and start to replace with the new one. The tacks were always thrown into his mouth, I never did see him GAG as though one had gone down his throat. After tacking the sole, he would again trim round the edge, to clean any overhangs. Then black all around the edges, then finish off with blakies or round studs on the toe. The heals were always finished with studs, to make them last longer, With tree boys and two girls, mum and dad. It was nie on a full time job. Mum always complained that her shoes felt like HOB NAILED BOOTS.. So he stopped doing hers and they went to the cobblers. Who remembers the "PHILLIPS" sick on soles with the little tube of glue.?? There never seemed enough glue for two soles, and they always came loose and nearly trip you over when they came away at the toe.

When evacuated to Lancashire you had to wear clogs, I am sure that's what gave me my nobble toes :-D :-D :-D

Back to the garden.

See you.!!

Afternoon everyone,

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 Happy Birthday Ann <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
Hope you've had a lovely lunch but left room for some cake :-D


Phew really hot here ,we've been over to the school for Katie's sports day , no photo's allowed today :-S as some parents hadn't sign the forms to give permission for photo's to be taken :-S :-S so no one could take any :-S

Kitchens in uproar ,getting ready for the plumber to come and disconnect the sink late this afternoon .

Phew i'll have to get a drink .

BBL

Just to make up for being late, I've done a profile birthday card!!!

Forgiven???

(From the Naughty Chair) H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y A N N :-D :-D

I had every intention of putting it on here very first thing this morning but that darned Ladybird has had me awake all night flying around the bedroom. Do you think I should make him live out in the garden with all the others creatures?

Seriously Ann, hope you have a lovely birthday and so glad my Ladybird has met with your approval. By the way, the Ladybird said Happy Birthday too, only of course in Ladybird speak!!!

Made a start on the hobbing foot, got the rust off and some of the old paint off yesterday evening and have giving it a coat of primers this morning. Any items on how I should decorate it anyone??? No prizes for winning answer - if there is one. Maybe let you have one months GR without any ERROR messages!

The hobbing foot, last, call it what you will has given me cause to think on the past. I just took it for granted that Dad repaired our shoes but never gave a thought as to where he learned the skills (like holds tacks in his mouth without swallowing them). But since I have done my family research I have found out that all my grandmothers folks on my fathers side where in the boot and shoe business in South London. So he probably picked it up when he was a lad. I can remember he had these special curved knives for cutting the leather to shape once it was applied to the shoe.

Got to take Carmel to the doctors at 3.50pm so better get on.

Afternoon all,

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANN". what a great day , sunshine for the birthday girl !! Have a good one <3 <3

Not a lot happening this end, washing on the line by ROS !!!. I have showered and in shorts. We are off to pick Lewis up for his dentist appointment (one extraction)

I have made Spag Bols for tonight. Will be nice and easy for him to eat.

I got my lawn sprinkler out yesterday, It's knackered, won't go from side to side. Have ordered a new one from Ebay. Everywhere is so dry, I have been watering the baskets, pots, and beds. But the lawn needs a good soak. I think I will give a trim tomorrow, and water it when I get my new sprinkler.

Must get ready for the off, We have to be there by 2.00 pm in Toddington.

Behave yourselves, I'll see you later.

Afternoon all,

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANN". what a great day , sunshine for the birthday girl !! Have a good one <3 <3

Not a lot happening this end, washing on the line by ROS !!!. I have showered and in shorts. We are off to pick Lewis up for his dentist appointment (one extraction)

I have made Spag Bols for tonight. Will be nice and easy for him to eat.

I got my lawn sprinkler out yesterday, It's knackered, won't go from side to side. Have ordered a new one from Ebay. Everywhere is so dry, I have been watering the baskets, pots, and beds. But the lawn needs a good soak. I think I will give a trim tomorrow, and water it when I get my new sprinkler.

Must get ready for the off, We have to be there by 2.00 pm in Toddington.

Behave yourselves, I'll see you later.