General Chat

Just having a sit down for a rest. I have done an hours wiping and putting away. Got all the freezer stuff in and meat in the fridge. gosh it takes so long. Only two subs one I accepted, one I returned. No nail varnish remover pads so I did accept ordinary varnish remover. The disinfectant spray I ordered was not available and I didn't want the alternative.
Meat was a bit shorter than usual on dates but, as it was some for the freezer and the rest for meals this week that was ok. No apology though, usually if the dates are short there is an apology. Otherwise so far no problems except my poor back. It has already been not good the past coupld of days this will probably finish it off.

We have a pyracanthus in the garden Mel but every year the berries turn black. We don't cut it down because the sparrows all roost in there. :- :-|

Good morning to you all,

Carolyn took Ros into hospital at 9.30 this morning, She has just rung to say she has all the tests done and had a canular (sp) fitted. No idea when anything will be done, as there are loads of people there.Carolyn has also rung to say she will collect Ros when she rings her. As for making her rest for a few days. I have as much chance as flying the moon. BUT I will of course do all the cooking, and run the hoover through, if it will keep her sat down. !!!!

Still got this intermittent headache, which is annoying. I don't want to take any extra pain killers if I can help it, as they might upset my stomach.

Tracy next door has put the buns out for us. She is such a nice considerate person. Her parents should be proud as punch with her. I know Ros and I think the world of her.

My dinner from yesterday is still sitting in the oven. I just couldn't face food yesterday, and so far this morning I haven't eaten. Might get a bowl of soup later.

We have the RED KITES flying around overhead. They were here yesterday also. I know there are a lot around Rockingham Forest, where they breed, but thats 20 odd miles away.

Breezy here today, but the sky is blue, with no sign of rain, so we must be grateful for that.

I'm off to get a soup and B & B. Then I will read my book. and wait for a call from Ros/Csrolyn. xxxx

Morning AnnG and all,

WE have sunshine and a bit of a wind too.

Arm looks a lot better today but is still itching at times but its not so red.

Oh is out inthe garden and I think he is clearing up the pyracantha he cut down. It was so huge and the birds are really going to miss the berries this year but it was hanging down over the lawn and got him every time he went past it on the mower and said it would take his eye out one day. It was the Orange Glow one and the blackbirds loved it.

Hope Ros gets on ok with her op today and dos'nt get any bleeds. Get her to take it easy for a few days Frank if you can. I know thats a hard thing to do but she must look after herself.

good morning, a lovely sunny morning for his golf. I have a delivery between 11 and 12 so I know what the following two hours will bring.

Annx Oh I remember the constant puzzle of putting those deck chairs up, my parents had several of them, forever trapping fingers.

Mel, yes you were right, it would have been so silly to travel down and stay the night especially after Ros's op, say something had gone wrong, another trip to hospital? So pleased Conrad said no, too much responsibility for him. Ros must just wait like the rest of us. And, at the moment long trips can be made but we can't stay overnight.

Better go and have breakfast now.

Evening All,

Absolutely right Mel, it would be bonkers! After an angiogram Ros should take it easy and the advice is to walk around the house for a day or two, not to drive hundreds of miles! Wasn't that nasty bump on the head enough to make you think twice about going this time. The advice to follow is still where you do meet others you must meet outside where there is 19 times less risk, not stay overnight or for a few days. They are trying to stop people taking the risk to places like the southwest as Mel says.

The total number of cases in the city near here since the start of the outbreak was about 1.500 in total.........till a fortnight ago. Then came the protest and religious gatherings and we now have a further 600 cases in just the last fortnight. The lockdown could be eased far more quickly if everyone just followed what they are asked to do.

I awoke to a sweet sound this morning.........the hoover being pushed around and not me doing it! :-D I cleaned the ensuite and dusted the main bedroom and then lunch arrived which was nice again. I watched the snail video after all and decided I might make a smaller one. Then the delivery arrived so that kept me busy with a cloth for three quarters of an hour. We got 3 substitutes this time, a fish pie which I wouldn't like as I'm not keen on prawns and hate smoked fish. OH said he will have that and we got cottage pies instead of shepherds' pies and I don't like beef, so more for OH again! Disappointed that we were given out of date dauphinoise potatoes and a clearly mouldy carrot in a bag. I might let them know about those. Anyway isn't it a relief when it is all wiped and put away. Good luck with yours tomorrow Mandy! Those were some nice gifts for Colin from the family. I wouldn't mind getting those. I bet the children miss the hugs too, especially the little ones.

The cues seem to have picked up again and have 6 inch little cues at the bottom now, there are a few small green toms and the courgettes are in flower.

Yes that young man was lovely with the kitten wasn't he Mel. I couldn't believe how she was let loose in strange places where he camped but didn't run off at all. Yes at least you know the reason for the gurgles and that you need to take more water with it!

Sounds like you had a nice time at the barbecue Vera and your grand daughter has done well, so fingers crossed for her!

AnnG I have a similar photo of me on a beach with my dad and also in one of those lethal deckchairs!.

How on earth can Ros think it is ok to travel down to Devon and stay a few days when we have been told we can't stay in anyones house!!! and after having an angiogam the day before????? I'm sorry But that would be a no no even if the patio was finished. If you had'nt gone the first time you would'nt have had a bad cut on your face needing 12 stitches. These headaches could be because of that too. Not only is she putting herself and you at risk its putting people down here at risk too. There will soon be another outbreak somewhere because prople are out and about again you see mark my words........

Sorry you had a bad night Vera. My oh snores and talks in his sleep and he sleeps badly too. That sound like great fun at the BBQ Vera and plenty for everyone to eat. Must have been nice to see them all.

Anng yes I know the churches have been locked but the ringers would have to stand quite close together in the tower anyway. When we rang we would go to the pub after and have a drink but all thats past us now as we both don't ring anymore but I like to hear the bells and we can hear Shebbear, Black Torrington and Sheepwash's three from here when they ring with the wind in the right direction.

Well I once again upset my tum this morning by not taking a glass of water with my antibio pill. Had a gurgley tum again and have been to the loo three times now. Will I ever learn? :-(

Mandy it must have been really nice for Colin to see the grandchildren today on Fathers Day but not so nice that you could'nt have your usual hugs.

Hoping Jane is having a nice weekend whatever is happening at hers. Sending hugs and wishes. Hope this new chemo is'nt upsetting you too much. <3 <3 <3

I hope Ros gets on ok at the hospital tomorrow and doesn't have to stay in .

I don't think your are allowed stay at other peoples homes any way yet Frank and you don't want to be tripping down again on the rough ground .

That was a very costly journey for Conrad only to have to come all the way home again ,you'd have thought he would have checked if it was all ok for him to enter Spain

Oh dear Vera and you had nodded off too when OH started snoring ,if he hadn't you might have got a good sleep in .
What a feast your daughter put on yesterday ,i miss the hugs with the grandchildren as we always get a hug when they come and when they go :-(

It's really brightened up here now with sunny spells so i've hung some washing out it will save doing it in the morning when i need to shop and wipe down .

Sorry AnnG and Frank. I missed you while I was typing.

Morning Mel, Mandy and all (well, it was morning when I started)

Grey and windy here with some drizzly showers. OH went out for his walk early this morning and came back soaked.

I felt OK last night so decided not to go in the spare room but to sleep with OH in our bedroom. It started well but he woke me at about 1 am with some really loud snorting and after that every time I started to drift into sleep there would be another loud noise. At 2.30 he managed to wake himself with the noise he was making and heard me mutter "Oh, for goodness sake..." so he took himself into another room. But I couldn't settle after that and ended up reading for a couple of hours. So I now have a real sick headache that I am sure is only caused by lack of sleep. I think OH might have mild sleep apnoeia (? sp?). His sister has it much worse so she has to wear some sort of mask thing when she goes to sleep. Anyway I hope you have all had a good night.

Mel, I remember the smell of that mash of peelings etc. What I can't work out is why my Mum would have been cooking it up as we never had chickens. We always had a cat but our cats were fed on oddments of fish. I used to be sent to the fishmonger to get "six pennorth of pussy pieces". Can you imagine the sniggers if you asked for that today? They used to be boiled up in an old saucepan and stunk the place out as well. And then there was the smelly fish glue my Dad used whenever he was making something. It came in a slab like toffee and had to be melted on the stove and it really ponged. Our house must have stunk to high heaven at times but I expect everyone else's place was the same.

I started this ages ago and then had a phone call and we talked for an hour and a half. It was my oldest friend. I've known her since I was 4 but I was 9 before we became really close friends. We don't get to meet up much these days but every so often one of us will ring the other and we always have plenty to talk about.

Ann, you asked about my penstemons. The cuttings I took and planted in troughs are a good size and look healthy but aren't flowering yet so I still don't know what colours I've got. The ones in the garden and in a couple of troughs down the side of the house are just coming into bloom but I already knew what they were.

We had a lovely day yesterday. We had a light, early lunch here and then drove to my daughter's, about 45 minutes away. We sat in the garden with daughter, granddaughter, grandson and fiancée, and a friend of my daughter, which meant 7 of us rather than 6 but we could all keep a distance. Later on she barbecued enough stuff to feed about 30 - chicken drumsticks, home made burgers, sausages and marinated pork steaks with a few veggie burgers and sausages. She did corn on the cob and vegetable skewers, salads, rolls etc. and had a big platter of fresh fruits and birthday cake to follow. Granddaughter is a vegetarian and I am not a big meat eater so only had a burger. Granddaughter said how much she had enjoyed doing something "normal" for her birthday, though as we went to leave she got up with her arms outstretched and then said "Oh, it's not normal, I can't hug you". Her degree from uni depends on several pieces of work and she is waiting on one final mark before she will know whether her degree will be a First or a 2:1. Her film she had to make, her performance and stage work, and her dissertation have all been graded as a First so it's all hingeing on the last mark which she thinks might not be so good. But a 2:1 is a good degree anyway. We are very proud of her.

Well, I must end this as I am expecting a Tesco delivery at any moment so I will be on the wiping down and then later it's the family quiz on Zoom. This may be the last one as a couple of families have already had to drop out as things have eased and they have gone back to work and school. Btw Ann, Zoom have today sent me that email that you had forwarded on to me - the Host Like A Pro one. It's a bit late now as I did my hosting 2 Sundays ago!

Good afternoon to you all, SORRY I wasn't around yesterday. I felt like nothing on earth, with a horrible headache, and pains in my right leg. So all I did yesterday was sit and sit a bit more. lol lol

My dear Ros had a letter from the hospital yesterday, confirming her appointment for an angigram (heart X-rays) at 10,00 am Monday morning. Carolyn has kindly offered to take her. She has to take an overnight bag, in case she bleeds to much. What are they going to do to make her bleed. ?? All being well Cvarolynwillcollect her later in the day.

Simon and Sally called over yesterday afternoon, with my Father's day card. NO PRESENT, as he is going to take us out for a nice Sunday Lunch when this shutdown in over. I had already received my Case of BEER from Harvey, and three T shirts from Conrad. SO WHOSE A LUCKY BOY THEN ??

I have a nice leg of Lamb for dinner tonight, New potatoes from "RINGO" a neighbour across the road, fresh peas which I podded this morning (that bought back some childhood memories) Sitting under the rose arch with the peas, shelling them for Sunday lunch. Baby carrots, Cauli, runners and Brussel Sprouts. I don't expect we will eat much before 6.00 pm.

Ros spoke to Conrad this morning in. He booked a flight back to Spain,and left home at 1.00 am in a taxi to Heathrow. His flight was around 4.30 am. It cost him £200.00 for the taxi fare. When he went to book in he was told that ONLY Spanish Nationals were allowed through their borders. SO HE COULDN'T FLY. He then got trains from Heathrow to London then to Exeter, and the local train to Paignton. arriving home around Mid-day. Ros asked if we could come down on Tuesday for a few days until he goes back next Saturday. NO. he said no-one will be allowed to stay, until the PATIO is done. The last thing he wants is another accident like I had.

Where do you think Ros is ??? YES in the garden. Barry rang this morning to say he will be here Friday, to do the lawns and trim the bushes. That will be just right, as I have "GREEN THUMB" doing the treatment on Tuesday. You then have to wait three days before you can cut the lawns.

Have spoken to my SIL this morning. Everything is fine with her and the family, and as far as she knows my Sister is still the same.

Thinking back to all that wonderful sunshine. Ros missed most of it, as she was making all those SCRUB BAGS for the hospital. Her final total was 405 scrub bags, 75 face masks. I am so proud of her, and the things she does for the community.

Time I got showered and dressed, and got the rest of the dinner ready, and made the Yorkshire and Cheese sauce.

Take care all, xxxx

The churches have been closed which is propbably why no bells.

Mel that was good service, I bet not many people have had coffee delivered by mower. It is usually OH in the garden and me delivering the coffee. Although if we are both indoors he makes it.

Bright here but very wet everywhere as it rained again overnight. I am hoping the weather forecast is right so I am looking forward to Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. OH is playing golf tomorrow instead of Friday this week. Can't keep up with his diary these days!

Mandy shame it was too wet for them to go into the garden, still at least you and OH saw them.

Annx yes it was lucky he managed to get the shed finished. He didn't manage to get it all tidy so has left that for now. This morning he is trying to tie down the blackberry branches which have a mind of their own.

OH no Mel you can't have the flapjack. Luckily OH is not keen so I might get the biggest bit. :-D :-D :-D

Morning Mel you popped in while I was typing .

Morning all,

Drizzling here but it seems to be getting brighter so hopefully it will get out .

Son has just called and dropped off a jigsaw puzzle, chocolates and a nice mug for Colin for fathers day ,it's to wet for them to come into the garden this week but he got a lovely wave from them all sitting in the car .

Yes your right Mel no church bells have been rung here either since the lock down .

Morning all on the longest day,

Brightish here this morning but it rained last night before I went to bed and the wind came up too.

How did you all sleep last night. I hope you got some at least. Anything nice on the cards for today?

If it stays dry I shall have another go on the border as I was pleased with it being much easier to dig.

What a dear little kitten Ann. He such a softy with her too.

I see you are on the word wheels too Mel. :-) It sounds like you have had a good day on the border and how nice to have your cuppa delivered by OH. I was looking at our soil by the steps and thought I must get cracking on them after tomorrow as the soil is easier to work now it's had a soak as you say. What a shame the mower bits weht missing, but hopefully the new bits should arrive soon. Those deer know where to find your tasty flowers don't they. :-S

I look forward to seeing your crochet bag when it's done Mandy. I forgot it was a snail the lady is doing tomorrow so I may not be so interested in that! She showed it to us last week and I liked how she had wrapped different colours round for the shell. I had a chuckle at what Colin said this morning and know exactly how he feels! :-)

I think Vera's squirter Heron might be good for keeping cats off the veggie bits of the garden.

I've started watching the adventures of a man on a bike and his cat since a friend told me about it. It's an amazing cat he found as a stray kitten. If you want to look put 'the adventures of Dean and Nala' in the search box on youtube.

Has anyone noticed there have been no church bells ringing? Its one thing that occured to me in the first couple of weeks of lockdown.

Think I hsall have to have a look at these mice but not on FB.

Evening all,

It's been a lovely sunny day so we've been quite lazy and haven't done much ,it was really nice sitting out and i have nearly finished the little crochet bag .
Colin did make me laugh this morning ,he sat on the edge of the bed and said "it's a job to get going this morning i think my starter has gone " :-D :-D

I hope your OH doesn't have to wait long for the bits for the mower Mel with all the rain the grass will soon grow and he keeps it looking so nice .
Sounds as if you'e had a good day on the border getting all the twitch out ,the naughty deer though eating all your lovely flowers .
That nice of OH to bring you a cuppa .

AnnG your OH was lucky to get the shed finished with the heavy showers about today .

Ann i had a look at the ballerina mice she made they are lovely ,i see it's a snail she doing tomorrow .
There was an old plane went over here this morning and a police helicopter ,we had the Air Ambulance helicopter land the other day ,it came down the other side of the church in a bowling green ,some poor chap was poorly and at the same time there was a fire in a flat so there were sirens going as the helicopter came down.

I bet it was nice having a ride out Vera ,i hope you enjoyed it

<3 <3 love to Jane hope your not feeling to bad <3 <3

I'm coming to yours for FatherDay Anng if there's flapjack to be had. I hav'nt had flapjack for ages and ages. May put it on the list for next week now you have reminded me about it.

Its been a beautiful ( the 9 letter word in word wheel today) day here and guess where I have spent it? yes up te border and the ground is lovely to dig now we've had a lot of rain and my trusty two tined fork and I have got loads of twitch out and now I can see bare earth instead fof a lot of twitch and self heal. Thats flowering and is quite pretty with its dark blue flowers but its coming out.

The deer have onc again eaten the big daisy flowers off so I have put all sorts of things aound them to keep them away. Also they are eating the day lily flowers while they are still in bud. I just have stalks sticking up.

We had two foxes in the garden yesterday and I forgot to tell you both young ones I think.

I had a delivery for oh while I was up there. He bought himself some leather gardening glove extra large and they were still a bit tight getting them over his hands and they had elastic across the back and I had my scissors up there with my trusty ball of string so I cut the elastic out and they are much better now. Then a bit later I had a mobile cuppa brought up to me via the mower and oh which was nice so I sat on my little kneeler thing and drank that but did'nt do much more as I had'nt corned the chickens and wanted a sit down before I start dinner. So here I am typing to you lot.

Yes I think we all miss hearing about Sandra and hope she is enjoying her life with Michelle.
Annx our shed had the felt go a couple of years ago and OH redid it, we could really do with a new shed but now he has repaired the side I expect we will stick with this one at least for a while. Our problem is the greenhouse is a cedarwood lean to onto the shed so we would probably have to replace both.

I do miss just deciding to pop out to the garden centres these days. At the moment every outing becomes a major one, timing it for when it is not busy, taking masks in case they are needed, had gel in case they have none etc that there is no pleasure in it at all.

we have just had scones with cream and strawberry jam, part of OH's fathers' day present which was delivered yesterday from the same firm that my Mothers' day present came from, there is also a fruit cake and a large flapjack with yoghurt topping.in the pack. :-) :-)