General Chat

Poor OH Gill, I hope they can sort it for him and that it is something simple. I know how you feel of course not being able to go to the hospital but they will look after him, Sandra is with her boyfriend so you look after you and make sure you eat, take any medication you have to take and try and get a decent nights sleep. Let us know how he gets on and wish him all the best from us. <3

O gosh Gill I hope he is ok and there's something they can do for him. Perhaps he's just popped something out and they can get it put in the right place.

Just watching All That Glitters and then Gardeners World.

Just a quick post to let you know OH hurt his shoulder blade the other day at the tip, he pulled some rubbish out of the boot and twisted at the same time, so I've been looking after him. Today though he coughed and said he felt something pop in his back, he couldn't move so I rang 111 and they called an ambulance.

The paramedics needed to give him morphine as he couldn't move with the pain, so now he's in hospital. They said I couldn't go in the ambulance or to the hospital with him because of the Covid rules, so all I can do is wait until he rings me to let me know how he is or phone the hospital. Because he had morphine he had to go to hospital, but he also needs an X-ray and maybe a scan to see what he's done. I'll let you all know how he is when I know more.

I've had to ring his works to let them know he won't be in work tomorrow and his friend as he was going to help him in his garden, which he can't do now. He was on the phone with Sandra when it happened so she's worried now she knows he's in hospital. I think I've calmed her down and she's with her boyfriend so not on her own which has put my mind at rest, so I'll ring her as soon as I know what's going on with her dad.

I'm going to get something to eat now as I haven't eaten since lunch and I'm hungry. Sorry I haven't read any posts, I'll catch up with them when I can.

Thanks Mandy I shall have a look at that tonight.

I meant to say we had one greenfinch in the garden the other day. We used to get lots of those till they got that disease and I think I only saw one last year too. Hav'nt seen it since.

I expect Gill has been busy and hope she has managed to get Sandra into her flat now. If the weather has been nice where she is I expect she is trying to do something in the garden and she has all those 200 pots to water while its been so dry.

I am pleased that Ros doesn't have anything seriously wrong with her mouth. That will be a load off both your minds Frank.

Good luck with setting up your new printer Ann. I wouldn't know where to start though I suppose if I had to do it I would manage with a struggle. I can understand how AnnG feels as I would be lost without my man what does.

Isn't it always the way Mandy, you have every colour but the one you want. I think I've got a box of zips somewhere as well and I have no idea why I'm keeping them because I never do any dressmaking now. Like yours, my tomato plants need potting on as the seedlings are getting pretty tall. Even though I thought I only scattered a few seeds I have so many little plants that nearly all of them will end up in the bin.

Fancy catching a hedgehog in your trap Mel. It sounds as though he was none the worse for his adventure. I don't believe the birds have all disappeared because they are feeding chicks. The disappearing act was too sudden and it happened as soon as the men started work in next door's garden. Sunday we had sparrows, blue tits, great tits, a robin, greenfinches and goldfinches as well as the usual blackbirds, collared doves and pigeons. Monday morning I filled the feeders, the men started work next door and we've barely seen a bird since. OH THINKS he saw one bluetit this morning. I expect they'll come back in time but I do miss seeing them in the garden.

I dropped a birthday present off at a friend's house this morning and on the way back called in to the Co-op. There were half a dozen staff but only 1 other customer so no problem with spacing but I can see why it is never busy. The veg and salad stuff didn't look very fresh at all, they didn't have any gammon joints and the rolls I bought for our lunch were distinctly chewy. With Tesco, Sainsbury, Iceland and Waitrose all in or around town they need to buck their ideas up a bit or they will be going out of business. Oh, I do miss our little corner shop that closed a couple of years after we moved here.

When we got back I found the postman had left a package round the back for me and it turned out to be the appointment for my scan with the prep stuff I have got to take. This is different to last time as it appears to be a combination of laxative and dye. It will also mean another Covid swab test in advance and then both of us self-isolating for a few days again. Isn't life fun?

We haven't seen Gill for a few days. I hope she is simply busy with her house and garden and helping Sandra move, rather than that she is unwell again.

I have some nice lean pork belly strips for tonight so I had better go and start preparing them and some veg to go with them as we like to eat around 7 pm. I hope everyone has a good night tonight.

Mel it's on Tuesday BBC 2 eight o'clock and there's a new lot of Call the Midwife Sunday BBC 1 at eight o'clock ,tenth series and it's 1966 .

We do still have a few blue and great tits but not mmuch else and ages since I saw a goldfinch. I get doves and wood pigeons and next door get the grows and starlings.

We have just been back to the Aviator pub sitting watching the planes and helicopters taking off and landing. Helicopter training school. It was warm while the sun was out but it was quite cloudy and was chilly when the sun went in. We had wrapped up warm so were fine. I had really nice meal of fish and chips. so long since I had that. Back in august was the last time I think. I really enjoyed it. I treated them today for going to the dump for me and doing all the jobs.

so much stuff has been got rid of which is great. T was always saying he ought to tidy the garage but never got round to it. I think it got a bit daunting as he had collected so much stuff. We found two of everything or more whether it was tools or stuff line was and shine for car cleaning. When we got back SiL cleaned my car (which he drove to the pub) and daughter and I cleared a bit more in the garage.

while they were at the dump I put some Gromore down on the garden round the raspberries and where I had thrown wild flower seeds.

It is 10 degrees here now so not feeling very warm. Anyway no meal to cook for this evening, just sandwiches etc.

Mandy yes, always the way the colour you want is the one you won't have.

Frank, hope you feel better soon. Pleased that Ros's mouth probl;em is nothing serious, maybe she is a bit run down. Hope whatever the hospital have given her helps.

Mel did you get up the garden today after all?

Aawe poor hog, but it sounds as if it was not bothered. Maybe glad of a safe plce to sleep for the night.

Annx I hate having to set up new things like printers. I have to admit I have never done it myself. But now I don't have a man who does any more I guess I am going to have to learn. Daughter has shown me quite a few things I didn't know. today it was how to fix the hose on to wash the car ( the bit to attach it to the tap so that is something else I can do.

The birds arn't around because the females are sitting on eggs or feeding chicks. Our Robin are feeding chicks both pairs that we know of where the other pair are I don't know cos we have had 6 Robins all together but bickering.

There's been two lovely thrushes searching on the west lawn but htey never come to the bird feeders even in the winter just keeping to their lawn.

Blue tits are nesting in the hole in the apple tree and not sure if its Great Tits or Blue Tits in the box by oh's filter shed. Where the sparrows are I don't know but they come to the feeder every day.

Afternoon All,

Very frosty at 8.00am but lovely sunshine now.

I started by unpacking the new printer this morning but it has a thick instruction booklet and I think I had better have a good read of it tonight before setting it up. It talks about using a QR code to access a video of how to set it up (sorry can't use those on my mobile) using a CD (good job I bought an external drive for those) and other complicated things mentioned so I'd better pass my '0' level in instructions before I carry on! Honestly, how long before things get too complicated for us to understand or use!

Last year's cooking, dishwashing and heating with being at home sure has increased our fuel bills for the year. In another three days when the fixed term ends I will do a switch.

Fancy trapping a hog Mel. I bet you were surprised to see that. It's good to know they are around though.

Having said yesterday that we have no birds either, we had a few Jackdaw pairs back in the tall hedge in the field today. They are a noisy lot.

Mandy its so nice when you get good days and can get on in the garden. We had frost this morning too but the sun soon burnt it off. What a nuisance not having a black zip in those I sent. Always the way never got the colour you want.

I meant to watch that jewelry program and forgot all about it. What side was it on so I can watch it on iplay please?

Hope the spray helps poor Ros. God to know its nothing serious though which puts both your minds at rest. I wonder if its anything to do with the jab as a lot of people have been having strange things happen to the.

Been in the garden all morning sorting my plants and washed out a soak tray to put some in.

I need to order our scripts this afternoon and its the first time I have done it online so wish me luck.

Afternoon all,

We've been busy in the garden ,had a clear up in front of the shed and sorted out my pots ,my tom plants are really getting tall so i need to get them potted on .

Been waiting in for my phone to be collected ,it was my new one that i got in February ,only a pay as you go but i couldn't turn it off so i took it back into tesco but the young lad in there couldn't sort it so i had to ring and they said they would collect in with in five days ,no sign of anyone so i rang again and the lady said there was nothing down for it to be collected ,any way they came and got it yesterday ,now i'm waiting for my roll of black zip to come all those zips you sent Mel and i needed a black one ,it's for chelsea's school skirt ,i had a go at mending it but it would hold so needs a new one putting in ..
Some one was saying about the school holiday ,they have been back a week here .
AnnG sounds as if you have had a few trips out to the garden centres which was nice and you will have plenty of planting to do when your family go home .

Ann i meant to ask if you watched the programme the other night i think it was called All that glitters ,it was jewelry designers making their jewelry ,i recorded and haven't watched it yet so don't know what its like .
We enjoyed the Sewing Bee and Yorkshire farm .

Frank thats good it's nothing serious for Ros i hope the spray helps with the pain ,it must be so sore when she eats and drink.

We had a really sharp frost this morning but now the sun is out it'a quite warm out .

Good morning all,

Ros has rung. The hospital said it's nothing serious with her mouth. They have given her a spray to use, and has to go back in two weeks. So that's a worry off my mind.

Still not feeling great, I made myself a coffee about 10.30 am and just thrown half down the sink.I feel so bloated, and feeling sick. I hope I'm not going down with anything.

Poor old HOG, getting trapped. That will tech him for being NOSEY. Glad he's O.K.

I see Ros has got STIR FRY out for tonight.The way I feel, I won't be eating much.

I have been trying to book somewhere for Sunday Lunch. Everywhere I have tried is fully booked and one is booked until 8.00 pm Sunday evening.So it looks like I will be cooking at home.

The sun is trying to come through, so it might be a nice afternoon.


I'm going to sit and have a read, so will say BYE for now. xxxx

Good morning Anng and all,

Another lovely sunny day with blue skies and not a cloud in sight. Don't knw if there is any wind yet as not been out there yet.

Must get out in the garden today and do a bit more. If its ot wind I may go up the border.

Oh mended my rabbit trap and put it up the garden two days ago but this morning it had gone off and we had caught a hedgehog so he let it go. He said it did'nt rush out but sauntered off eating a worm ont he way and snuffling in the grass for more tasties.

Yes Ann, that was what I meant by doing our own risk assessments. Yours will be taking a lot more than some into account. But we have local problems too, for I think probably the same demographic reason. One large part of the city of Gloucester Is much worse than others but hopefully it is improving. One day this week there was only one person with covid in hospital and another day only two which is a great improvement. However, my worry is not how many in hospital but how many asymptomatic walking round with it but I guess that is not going to improve for a while until more are vaccinated.


Good morning all, dump for daughter and shopping delivery for me. I must have been walking around too much this week as one of my 'big' toes is really tender. I am going to have to see if I can get back with my chiropodist.

I think living within a couple of miles of an area that has been in constant lockdown from the start until recently, gives you a very different perspective of the risk. The demographics here and attitude to vaccines and mixing by some people haven't helped us feel safe. There have been over 7,000 deaths just in our small district of the county yet some whole cities have had less than 1000 deaths. Still numbers are falling dramatically so it is time to proceed with caution.

I think that's the best way Vera, to go well protected and at quiet times, at least at first. It used to be remember keys and purse or wallet when we went out, then we added phone. now it is mask etc too! I just had a picture in my head of all of us on here at a Rave!! lol. Yes, the schools here always have different half term dates to Mandy's grandchildren too. The next county, Warwickshire, is different to here which is a nuisance for parents who have school age children in both counties.

I got through to SKY and, after trying a few things, they said we need an engineer so that is booked. They have only recently started visiting, the engineer will wear PPE including his feet, us to open the doors and windows when he arrives, wear masks and keep our distance. She said he would replace the box there and then if needed and would sanitise everything he had touched before he left. If people don't socially distance the engineer will just leave the premises. which seems fair enough. I then got our SKY package reviewed and with the saving could add BT Sports for OH for no more than we pay now. Well you'd think all his Christmases had come he was so delighted! So much so he has promised a trip to the jewellers I like to get me a ring or something once we are out and about more. :-D

Dinner sounded very nice and tasty Mel. I've not done much either. We sat in the conservatory chatting ages this afternoon. I did dust one of the bedrooms though and did another load of washing. Like you we haven't been in a supermarket since March last year.

I wonder how Gill is doing and Sandra with her flat. No Mandy today?

Better go to bed now. Early start for OH tomorrow with a zoom meeting, so I may be up earlier.

I hav'nt been to a supermarket since last March. The only places I have been are the garage in Hatherleigh and the garage in Holsworthy. Both are not near any shops although the one in Holsworthy has M & S stuff in it food wise.

Dinner was lovely, homemade meat pie with onion and carrot in it and spring greens and roast pots and a bit of cauli left over from the day before yesterday.

Not done a great deal today but feel very tired tonight. I did clean out the chickens nest box this morning and clean the loo. Exciting times I am having....... just dying to get up the border again but the cold wind is keeping me down here.

Hope Island is starting to feel better now and can get out in her garden again soon.

I do so feel for poor Ros with that very sore mouth I hope they can do something for her to make it more comfortable. I have had mouth ulcers but never on my tongue only on my gums.

Vera yes ours seemed to be out of sync with other areas,mthey go back next Monday..

I have not been to a supermarket at all since early November. I have only been to garden centres until we went to Curry’s and then to a small DIY shop next door called proper job. Again almost empty us and two or three others. Having to be in town will be a bit of a shock. But, like you say Vera take all precautions and hopefully I will be fine.

I found a rather nice looking plant in our garden last year but I did wonder as it looked rather like ones I had seen on the news growing in people's attics or garages, so I googled and was horrified to find it was cannabis. It got pulled up very quickly. That must have been a seed dropped by a bird but I am so innocent that I had to google to find out what it was. I am sure any of my grandchildren could have told me immediately.

I am trying to make the effort to go into places a bit more. I have become very comfortable staying in, keeping contact with family on FaceTime and friends by text or phone but I think I need to get back to a more normal life. We have both had 2 jabs now and I always have masks, sanitiser, disposable gloves etc with us so we are as safe as we can be. It's not as though I'm planning to go to a Rave ;-). I've not braved Tesco's yet as I understand that is usually very busy but I have been in to Sainsbury's and the Co-op at their least busy times and I think we will try a garden centre next week.

I think your schools must have different hols to ours Ann and AnnG. Ours have been back for several days.

We have chosen to go to garden centres this week because there are normally not many children in them and all four we have been to This week have not had many people in at all, the only one we had to queue to get out was Dobbies and there were four couples two tills, one queue well spaced on marked spots to stand. And people are very space aware, only a very few almost forgetting as they were engrossed in looking for things. I felt perfectly safe. At some stage once vaccinated I feel we have to risk assess trips out. Monday I have a hospital appointment and all being well with that visit I intend going to M& S to spend vouchers so I can then close
T’s M &S credit card, I am second card holder. Schools will have gone back and first excitement should be over.

Finch mix has Hemp in Mel so I wonder if that had dropped there somehow. I had a suspicious plant grow here with leaves that looked the shape of Acer leaves, but bigger and I got rid of it just in case! They regularly find a cannabis farm in the city somewhere, often these days in what were, perfectly nice areas. Just after I last visited my bank before it moved further into the city I read in the paper that the Police knocked on the door of a terraced house a few doors away to ask where an address was and they found 2 men bagging up drugs in the front room which opened onto the street. I think it must be a parent's worst nightmare, their child taking drugs.