General Chat

Is that a second card for Jane's family Mel?

I forgot to say I too hope Vera is ok and I meant to pot that yesterday.

I also got a card for Jane's family which will be ent off as soon as I have put all the names on it. I hope the words are not a bit over the top but its the best one I could pick out of the three there.

Had a heck of a morning. Firstly Em rang to say her youngest boy,s (Sam) teacher has covid so Sam is home for two weeks and to leave the eggs outside and she left the money in a little plastic bag for me which I threw on the car floor and won't touch for a week.

Went down the shop armed with a new wipe as I don't think they ever wipe the card machine. Cards were all wiped before I went out also my two shopping bags I use my purse and phone which I left in the car. Forgot the list so had to try and remember what was on it and I missed two things. One was 2 Rodda butter but the other was our scripts which means I have to go back down the shop for those as we are both low on meds.

Two children down the shop, one about 9 and her brother about 6 or 7 went in the shop to get their bits and then came out and walked right past another girl waiting to go in nearly brushing past her. They both had great gashes on their faces and necks. But blow me down they were back within a short time and went in the shop again and walked right past me while I was talking to our local Reader Shelia once again nearly touching us. You can quite see how after the children have gone back to school this dreadful virus has started to spread badly once again. When I drove past the house on the left they had all spiders web over the trees with a BIG spider in it and the children went in there so I presume they live there. There was also other things in the front garden but by that time I had driven past. When I got home I had to wipe down everything I had bought at the shop which I hav'nt done in past weeks but will certainly be doing now.

I used to do a pumpkin every year when I first moved here and put it out the front for the children to see as we had three smallish children next door then across the village hall car park. When we did the veg garden and grew pumkins we had a Guess the Weight of the Pumpkin out on our veg barrowo with a prize for the nearest right answer. You had to pay for your go and the money was put towards the bell fund. Our Reader Shelia won it and we gave her a bottle of wine. It was over a hundredweight.

Going to have a little rest now after our lunch as I think I may have eaten too much and now I feel dozy.

Sean Connery has died aged 90.

Afternoon All,

Rain and more rain here, but it looks a bit brighter now. My trousers today have legs a bit longer than mine so I had to hitch them up to cross the patio to get to the garage to fetch the lamb shanks from the freezer in there for tomorrow's lunch. OH has got his 'Max Wall' black long johns and long sleeved T shirt under his top clothes today for footie. He's gone south this week to keep away from Nottinghamshire that has gone up a tier. He's just rung to say there's hardly a soul there so can keep well away. No charge for these playing field matches so no money to handle either.

Island, apologies, I did miss your post somehow and thank you! :-) What are all these arty things you have lined up to do?

You sound a bit better despite more attacks Frank. That's good, keep doing the breathing and using a bag which will work too. Once you find this starting to work they will become less alarming.

Mel, have you had the email from Asda about our not being able to use our recurring slot over Christmas? (19th December to 2nd January). It may be different where you are. They have given us a link to book an ordinary slot over Christmas before 6th November when they will be open to anyone. I have managed to get one for 23rd December, but had a job to do the checkout (3 attempts) as I think a lot of people were trying to book as well. I think it gave me about 3 hours to book from when I opened the link. I think you are right about not trying too many new crafts! I remember mum's chickens hating the wind and rain. They would soon head for home!

A Blue Moon tonight. I wonder if it will be visible here and whether Gill will be watching!

I'd better start this painting if I'm to get it done before the next class! The teacher wants us to send her our efforts too! :-0

Just had this from Flappergirl.

Hello Mel,
Just to say how very sad I was to learn of Jane's death last week. I didn't know Jane well but she sent me two lovely emails concerning my daughter which was so thoughtful of her and greatly appreciated.
Things here haven't been that brilliant! Daughter finally has an appointment in November, so hopefully we shall get some answers, but with the new lockdown who knows! Also my elderly but sprightly aunt who was in a home in Devon, died of Covid a week ago today. She was very old (95)! but even so, we did hope that in Devon she would be safe, but it was not to be.
Well, enough of my negativity!! I hope you all stay well and positive!

Hope Vera is OK, the last time we heard from her was on 27th I think (Tuesday when she had bad back pain. Hope you are OK Vera <3

Good morning to you all.

Yet another wet and windy morning. I don't envy anyone with dogs, who will have to be out excising them in this weather.

The Boild Onion Roll turned out to be a disaster. Through no fault of Ros, the water got inside the greaseproof paper and made the pudding a very wet gunge.She managed to rescue bit of it, but the rest went down the toilet.

I have woken up with more attacks this morning. It makes you feel as weak as a KITTEN. I have used my breathing excerise, and counting one to ten while taking deep breaths. I have also been blowing into a paper bag. Touch wood, at the moment I am coping with them. Ros has given me the half of tablet, that Ros has control of, I can have half a tablet three times a day.But BOY OH BOY do they makr me thirsty. I am on my THIRD bottle already this morning.

I have booked a table for lunch tomorrow, at one of Ros's favourites restsursnts. It will br good for me to get showered and dressed, and have something to look forward too. No doubt I will only have a starter, but if I fancy it I can have two. I don't think I will be able to eat a full Sunday Lunch.

I have no plans for today, as you can imagine. I will float between the lounge with the T.V. and the conservatory to read my book and cool off.

Conrad rang last night. The weather is fine out in Spain, with Temp around 27 degrees. Jan is flying out on Tuesday for a week or so, it will be nice for both of them, as Conrad hardly sees anyone during his day, and Jan likewise, living on her own in Devon. I think she sees Jo and Ella a few times a week, so she does have some company.

It's dark enough outside to have the lights on in the house. So not a lot to look forward to weather wise. It'd HAMMERING DOWN at the moment, Loud as anything, banging against the roof and windows of the conservatory.

Poor Ros had to go out to meet Martine, then onto Morrisons for the weekends odds and ends.

Last weekend Martine had to go the CLOSE DOWN their Caravan until next Spring. They won't know what to do with themselves through the winter months.

I hope Elizabeth, and all you lovely people have a nice weekend. Stay safe, I will perhaps pop back later this afternoon. xxxx

Morning Anng, Island and all,

Not saying Good as its definately not. We have gale force wind and lashing rain which woke me up this morning. I shall hope there's a bit of a slot so I can go round and feed the chickens. I know the bantams will be staying in their bedroom today as they hate the wind and there was'nt a big girl in sight when I looked out the bedroom window today.

As to Stump Work I did have a look at that this year. It looks as if it could get a bit addictive so I think I will stay away as I have enough craft things to get on with in my lifetime now.

I have to venture up the shop at some point this morning and deliver Em's eggs and then its back indoors for the rest of the day.

So Anng in lockdown again for 4 weeks. I think we all have to get used to this kind of thing.

ha ha, morning AnnG - you saw what I did there :-D :-D

A lot of our flowers are hanging on. Beautiful blue Nigella, albeit a bit spindly. Fuchsia, nasturtium - which self seeds and works it's way round the garden. I spotted some night scented stock yesterday which was a surprise as I sowed it elsewhere!
Salad leaves! but I think they might be bitter now.

Annx, the kale we found at the supermarket last year, I think was tops of the plant. Very nice too. I've bought some Kale x brussels sprout seeds to sow next spring - I thought they sounded interesting.
Stump work! I bought a set of punch needles earlier in the year but haven't had a go yet. Love your still life, I think you may have missed my post.

Island, shades of Larry Grayson there :-D :-D. Definitely more than a fresh breeze here, the poor roses that were having a final fling are scattering petals far and near.

Morning All

what a grey day!

No big blows forecast here just heavy rain and a 'fresh breeze' - what ever that is.
Not an outdoor day I guess.

Have a good day as best you can all

Enjoy your weekend too Elizabeth. But stay safe in these winds, very strong here this morning.

O-Oh looks like we are heading for a national Lockdown on Wednesday for 4 weeks or so.

Thank you EOS and may you have a peaceful weekend too.

I think we are in for 60 mile and hour winds.

Dear All

Hello


Whatever you are doing and however you spend your weekend,
try and make it a peaceful and happy one.

Focus on the happy moments and make each one count.

Take gentle care of each other
Love Elizabeth, EOS
xx

My aunty Joy rang me this morning and I was on the phone almost an hour. She lost her little pus this week as it had cancer and now she has a £300 bill from the vets. She said an op would have been over £1,000. Joy had had her 6 years. She's had three cats now from the recue centre and they ahve all lived with her 6 years and she's had three dogs also living with her 6 years. All of them seems very strange. I asked her if she was going to get another as she lives on her own and she said she did'nt think so but I reminded her its someone to talk to and greet you when yu come in like Lily did. She said she would leave it a while and see how she feels a little later on. Its so sad when you lose a treasured pet. Joy is 85.

Frank I really think you should stay off the beers with the meds your on too. I hope you get some joy from the hospital appointment. My mum was in a mental hospital when I was in my teens and it was about Christmas time as she helped to decorate the wrad and she took to a young girl in there who would'nt eat.

Burger and chips tonight so I better get my skates on now.

Afternoon All,

Quite a dull morning and not much better now but I slept well which is good. We had to be up fairly early to take our scripts in which we had meant to do yesterday. We got fuel while we were out.

Frank I am glad the very kind doctor was able to reassure you and spend some time with you, as I know with how awful you feel and it is hard to be convinced that there isn't something very seriously wrong that they have missed! I would emphasise that the breathing technique is the best tool and do them as soon as you don't feel quite right, as the sooner you start doing them, the more likely it will become that you can stop the attacks escalating. Try to keep calm and remind yourself it can't last. The tablets will help but you need to practise all the advice you are given to distract your mind and control your breathing. As OH said, you have to work hard. Ignore Ros's comment about pulling yourself together. She doesn't understand what it is like, no-one does unless they've had them. I was so lucky that OH had had them in previous years too as he really understood. When I told him you were having them he said ' the poor chap'. We are here to listen and support/ help you if we can, so saying how you feel is good and none of us will mind one jot! If Ros goes out just remind her to keep her mobile on and you keep yours with you. It is unlikely to be needed but will give you more peace of mind.

Mel I think Dermot lives near Exeter, so not that far from you. You have reminded me I must fetch my ladybirds in for the winter!

Glad you liked the paintings Mandy. I was surprised how lifelike they eventually became! Have you seen that punched embroidery that is like rug making? I quite fancy having a go at a cushion sometime in the future.

I don't like the texture of Kale I've tried Island but have never tried the hearts which may be less chewy. Spinach is ok but I tend to throw it into stews where it just joins the general 'mix' of everything else but is still a healthy addition..

AnnG I used to buy trays of cracked eggs from a local farm when I was first married. We'd eat some straightaway, I would bake with some and freeze the rest. The farm ones would be very fresh though so I'm not sure about supermarket ones? Salmonella would be the biggest risk but hard boiling it should be ok. As I've said to Frank before AnnG he shouldn't be drinking alcohol at all anyway with panic attacks. I hope he isn't as it can bring them on or make them worse, but he aught to check his meds anyway as you say.

Well I have my homework sketched out ready to paint so will make a start tomorrow as I need good light. The washing has been dried inside as big black clouds kept coming over.

I've had a reminder for my eye test from Specsavers in the next village where I got my last specs from, but it is a very small shop so I'm going to book it at Boots on the retail park down the road. There is much more space in their opticians to not be so close to anyone.

I have to say Frank I do feel for Tos, It is the same here, cook a meal and two mouthfulls get eaten, I have resorted on some evenings to suggest that OH chooses what he wants to eat before I cook anything. He will then probably have jacket potato with tuna mayo.
Frank have you checked that you can drink alcohol with the new tablets?
Good job Dennis was there then.

Oh dear, I have been having the worst day ever. ATTACKS one after the other. I have been sitting out on the patio in the rain trying to keep COLD. I am getting in a right old state, I think Ros is getting fed up with me, she has just said "PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER" you can;t go on like this. With that she has gone of to TESCO to get a few bits plus my beer.

I had the job of inflating two of her tyres. The pump I have works of the car battery. I leave the engine running while I pump them up. Suddenly it went HAYWIRE and started deflating the tyre. Denis came to my rescue, with his. Between us we pumped up the tyres.

I honestly can't wait to see these people at the hospital next week. I will hope they can give me some help with these PANIC ATTACKS, as I can't go on much longer, with the stress they are putting on me and ROS.

Had a load of forms from the RAF Benevolent fund this morning, wanting more information. You would think I was asking for A MILLION QUID. instead of a part payment towards a motorbility scooter. I wonder whether it's worth all the trouble.

Have drunk about 10 bottles of water today, I would hate to think how many times I have beed to the toilet. ;-) ;-) ;-) The water Board will be putting up my charges with the amount of times I flush the loo. :-D :-D :-D

I don't know how I am going to eat all the food Ros has prepared for tonights Dinner. The Boild Onion Roll is very large, plus 4 different vegetables.. A small spoonful of each will be more than enough, as I have no appetite what so ever. I'm sure she won't be too pleased with me, but I can't eat for the sake of it.

If anyone wants to join us for tonights meal, there will be plenty to go round.

Well we will see Mel, I cooked it in the microwave until the yolk was hard, it looked fine both before and after cooking so I ate it.