General Chat

Yes what a nice walk you had AnnG and I expect Inara enjoyed throwing the pebbles and hearing the splosh! Little ones do chatter away don't they and I don't think OH has ever changed, :-)

Oh Vera you did do quite a lot today so it isn't surprising your back is feeling it. I think I overdid it a bit with my walk as I am stiff when I stand up after sitting now.

The mystery NHS phone calls are a mystery no more. I had an appointment letter today and I need another CT scan a week before I see the specialist so I expect that was why I got the calls. They may have had a cancellation to fill quickly.

I'd better do more of the food order next, it does come around quickly. Looking through the window I can't believe it is still so light outside.

That sounds a lovely walk AnnG, even if Inara has exhausted you. 5 year olds have so much energy and their tongues never stop wagging but it’s a lovely age. They have so much curiosity about everything and they soak up knowledge like little sponges. I still have a vivid memory of a short car journey some 20 years ago with a granddaughter who was around 5 at the time. In a trip of less than 30 minutes we managed to discuss why buses have numbers, how dentists make false teeth, the powers of fairies and church architecture!

Your window man was quick Ann and it’s handy that he could fix the door handle for you.

I was very stiff this morning but decided there was no sense getting stressed over all the h/w and gardening that needed doing, but to just focus on one thing at a time and see how I got on. I decided on cleaning the upstairs en-suite. The plan was to clean and disinfect the WC, and clean the washbasin and mirror, but once I started I kept finding other things to do. We do squeegee and wipe down the showers every time we use them so the shower in there wasn’t too bad but I cleaned all the glass on the outside of the shower cubicle and the skylight. I also washed the floor in the en-suite and in the bathroom.

Then I sorted out some indoor plants and disposed of a dead one, washed some pots and bird feeders, did the veg for tonight’s meal and typed up and printed 7 letters, all very similar but with slight differences so I had to be careful. By then it was 4 pm and I was so sore I could barely move. I’m now on the bed with pillows behind my back. I think I probably overdid it a bit physically but I feel a lot happier mentally now I’ve made a start on getting the house back into shape. OH also did a couple of garden jobs that I had been fretting about so that’s good too.

It’s still quite chilly and seems to be an afternoon of intermittent sunshine and short, sharp showers. I hope the weather’s good where you are. Have a good evening and sleep well tonight.

Good afternoon all a lovely sunny day here with blue sky and white fluffy clouds. We plus lively Inara went for a roughly two mile walk to and around part of Crummick water. Inara had great fun when we got to the lake. There was nobody else there when we got there, a few cars in the car park but o sign of the owners, probably dog walking.so she was able to throw small pebbles into the lake and watch the ripples. There was a slight breeze but the sun was bright and quite warm. There are a few small bridges built over where the riverCocker feeds into the lake and, although I was not close enough to take a photo, I spotted two dippers nearby. And walking back we heard and saw a nuthatch. Apparently there are red squirrels around in the surrounding woods but with th constant chatter from Inara there was no way they would show themselves. We took coffee and kitkats so we sat on a wall and drank and ate that. We got back at twelve but Inara was with us until her Dad picked her up at 3pm. Five year olds are sooo noisy.

Those windows were soon done Ann and good you got a new door handle as well.

Vera at least you got lots done in tow.

Well the windows only took half an hour to sort out so I asked Geoff if he had time to look at the conservatory door handle that is wobbly and worries me that it won't lock one of these days. He showed me that it wasn't loose so the 'gubbins' inside had gone as he put it. He hadn't got another white one on his van that would fit, so fixed a chrome handle on for us and only charged £10 for doing it.

Washing is on the rotary line and I decided to do the walk after all. OH decided to come with me and we went along the long walk in the pine trees as well, so a bit further but not as far as 2 laps. It's nice to see the trees coming into leaf now with that lovely fresh green. We also got fuel for OH's car while we were out and they were queuing!!

It's a shame you can't get the big greenhouse back in action Mel. Is that one seperate to the big polytunnel you had? I seem to remember one that was against the wall unless my memory has gone kaput!

Lunch is done now so an afternoon of paperwork first and then maybe back to my knitting before I forget the pattern.

We've had sun and showers some quite big spots and then it stops again.

Morning Vera Ann and all,

Dull old day here this mroning but the winds dropped a lot so thats one good thing. Pc says 5 degrees and sunny so I am hopfull it will come out later on.

I don't need another greenhouse as I don't really have anywhere to put another one where the wind dos'nt blow or there's enough light. If I sow seeds inthe garden the rabbits eat them and I have seen two large ones that go under the box hedge lately.

A bit of your garden soil in with the compost is a good idea Ann it will make it hold water better. I am sowing my cues today and they will go in the uti room and then in the shed before going in the little greenhouse. Its so annoying because I have that huge greenhouse up the second garden and don't go up there anymore as its all overgrown since we both had heart trouble. The only thing that in there is the grape vine (never pruned) and its full of brambles.

Hope you feel better today Vera and the pain eases so you can get a little done today. I need to do some ironing and then dust the bedroom and hoover and then I can go back to my craft.

Morning All,

We had a frost this morning and were up early as the window man is coming soon to fit the new sealed units in a window. I do hate this waiting around for people to come and OH always makes himself scarce and leaves me to deal with people!! I'm just glad it isn't raining though as you don't want window panes out and rain coming in.

Not sure I will be doing the walk today as my L knee is still feeling a bit bruised after striding out a bit the other day. I need to be ok for tomorrow just in case OH rings me to fetch him from the hospital.

Oh doorbell! BBL

Good morning

It’s dry and there’s a bit of sun. That bitter wind has dropped, thank goodness, but it is still very cold and more rain promised for later.

I didn’t get anything done in the house or outside yesterday. We took 2 bags of stuff to a charity shop and then went to sort out some business at the bank. It took over an hour. Then OH suggested a coffee and scone at our favourite place. Next he decided he needed something from the garden centre and so it went on, so I got very little done.

With luck this soreness and stiffness will ease enough for me to achieve a bit more today. I hope you all have a good day free of aches and pains.

we had hail :-0
and an icy wind

Evening all,

Oh my word what a mix of weather we've had today, wind ,rain ,hail, and a little bit of sunshine , the wind has been really gusty but I did go to Aldi this morning as they had some fat quarters in ,I bought a couple of packs and I've made some little bags with rabbit ears just big enough to hold three or four little easter eggs .
Then called in Roys and got the John Inness compost so tomorrow if it dry I can get some things potted on .

Oh Ann thats good you've got on the painting course again it will be nice to see your lovely paintings again .

Vera hope you've loosened up after your physio yesterday and you haven't done to much today to aggravate your back .

Mel you must have a space in your lovely garden to sow some seeds ,could you get yourself another little greenhouse to have against the house or wall .

Anng it sounds like you've had a nice relaxing day after a day of travelling ,you did well with the coffee getting three cups for 3.50 .
Shame you couldn't get in the pool for a swim but I think without your glasses and hearing aids you would feel a bit uncomfortable.

Black as your hat here now looks like its going to come down again in a minute .

Yes Ann I thought about using the hot pool and maybe swimming but I am not a great swimmer and the pool is used by serious swimmers. Also to go in the water I have to remove glasses and heating aids and I don’t feel safe doing that. I did actually put me swimsuit in but decided against it. I was much happier walking round the grounds and reading with a coffee. Next week I have a facial booked by daughter for Mighers day at the spa.

Afternoon All,

It lashed down with rain here earlier and the wind was blowing too, but all is calm again now and we even have a bit of sun. The PC says 8 degrees and cloudy.

We got up late too Mel. OH has had a lot of work and been out late at meetings so was tired this morning. I'm not sure whether I should be taking cuttings from my geraniums now as the plants are quite big and growing well. I use multipurpose when I occasionally buy some compost but mix it with a little of our soil for some things as our soil is nice and crumbly and has no clay. Mel you must have lots of places for seeds? Do you need a bit bigger greenhouse or a second little one?

Oh Vera, I have had experiences like that with diversions and it is such a relief when you recognise something familiar to get your bearings again. I imagine you will be a bit sore today after the physio had finished with you. Hopefully it will start to help you soon though.

That's good you managed to get your fourth jab Island and I'm sorry life is throwing stingers your way. There always seems to be something doesn't there! OH is at hospital on Saturday to have a mole looked at/removed?

It sounds like you have had a nice relax with your book and plenty of coffee AnnG. Are you not tempted to swim with your daughter and SIL too? I think I might be if there was less of me and I thought I could climb out of the pool again. :-S :-)

I had a bit of luck last night after checking my online painting course with the teacher I wanted as it showed there was 1 place left again as someone must have dropped out. I managed to enrol for it and it starts in about 3 weeks. I was on a waiting list for the course anyway and they should notify everyone waiting, but I didn't get an email. It will get me back into painting again which is good as I've lost motivation at the moment.

Still no call from the Hospital and whoever it was......maybe I'll get a letter instead.

Back from our morning out. Daughter and SiL had a good swim, I walked through the woods round the hotel and then down to where I could see the lake but it was semi rain semi mist so not very good views. I then went into the Arantheaite hotel and ordered coffee which was very nice all served ‘posh’ on a silver tray in a coffee pot and I was most impressed as I got three cups out of it and it cost £3.50. Sat there reading my book until they finished about 40 minutes.

Morning Anng Vera and all,

I woke early at 7.56am and went back to bed and woke again at 10. something. I should'nt have gone back to bed but oh was'nt up so I did.

I was looking through my packets of seeds the other day and I see I have some for Seeds Direct already and never even realised it. Can't remember what they were now but I shall definately sow some.

My cue seeds came yesterday so I shall sow those today even if it is a bit late. I just wish I could buy more seeds and have somewhere to put them.

Pc says 7 degrees and rain coming but the sun is still out onthe south side of the house and the bl**dy winds still blowing a hoolie.

Good morning all. We were supposed to have gale force winds but no evidence of that yet.dark skies and wet underfoot at the moment but the sun is shining from the other direction of the dark clouds so who knows. Daughter and SiL are swimming at their spa this morning so I will wait for them with a coffee and my book.

Good morning everyone

It’s sunny here at the moment and 7 degrees but there is quite a strong wind making it feel colder.

Good to see you Island ~~~~~~~~~~

You are all busy with your seeds. I usually use a multi purpose compost for everything. . Sometimes I add some sand or grit depending on what I am planting. I think I will just buy some small bedding plants this year and not bother with any more seeds.

I am very stiff this morning but hopefully I’ll loosen up a bit as I get moving. We have some matters to deal with at the bank this morning and then the day’s my own so I’ll see if I can face a bit of pottering in the garden or a bit of h/w when I get back.

Enjoy your day whatever you are up to.

Vera sounds as if you had quite a trip trying to get there with the diversions in place but it's good you managed to find the place in the end .
It sounds as if the young chap really put you through it but it's good he was thorough and checked you over well ,you might feel it tomorrow though after being pulled about.

Yes thank you Island I'm very pleased and would definitely use them again if you hadn't mentioned them I would have paid double and a bit more for the seeds .
That's good you've had your forth jab .

Mel I will get some John Innes and mix it in with the other compost I have bought that is not the peat free stuff ,luckily I only got one bag of that old peat free stuff I definitely won't get that again .

No Anng so I expect she's travelled today hope she had a safe trip there .
Edit I see you've just posted Anng

Good evening all. Pleased that you have had your fourth jab Island.
Thanks for your good wishes Vera. We travelled today very busy on the roads, heavy traffic but all moving, mixed weather rain and sun and a very cold wind here. I was surprised to see very small lam s I. The fields north of Kendal I would have thought it was too cold.

Slept badly last night so hope for a better night tonight.

Mandy that was good that all your seeds germinated. Hope they continue to survive.

Annx, Mandy, I'm really pleased you are having good results from premier seeds - I wouldn't use any other. Had to buy suttons when the pandemic kicked off as premier sold out quickly - 5 out of 50 french bean seeds seeds germinated :-0
Had to laugh when a know it all told me 'don't by cheap seeds - they said that on the tele' LOL well they would say what they're paid to say wouldn't they!
Haven't sown mine yet, life keeps throwing stingers in my path.
I've always used multi purpose with no additions but of late some has been sticky, The quality of some is a bit poor too - is some being bagged before it's ready because of demand during lockdowns I wonder.
We put farmyard manure on our main raised bed in 2019 and have been plagued with flea beetles since so can't grow anything with leafy tops - if they could eat bindweed I'd be happy.

As I'm here..... the GOV site eventually opened and I received a pack of LFTs within 3 days. A week later another pack arrived without me ordering :-S
Had my number 4 jab yesterday. Got the letter weeks ago but as no-one seemed to know about it and I'm fed up of being labelled as 'extremely vulnerable' I chucked it to one side. If I was that 'extremely vulnerable' how come ra patients, (pre coved) are made to sit in the clinic waiting room with sniffers, snotters and gawd knows what else for upward of an hour and a half?
As a walk in jab session which I could walk to (win win) was advertised last week, off I went. Sore arm though :-|

Well, we have had the lot in the last hour - thunder, cloudburst, large hailstones, a rainbow and now sun. The rainbow was amazing. It was a double and the lower one seemed to be sitting on the roof tops. The bands of colour were much broader than usual and really bright, especially the violet. I’ve never seen a rainbow like it but it did start to fade quite quickly and we didn’t have a camera handy so we couldn’t get a picture.

I had to go to the Health Centre in a town 12 or 13 miles away to see a physio this morning. I hardly drive these days but feel I must keep my hand and eye in, in case I need to take over in an emergency so I said I would drive myself. I wish I hadn’t! My journey turned into a real saga. To start with a large truck was blocking our little Close. The driver didn’t want to move and waved me round the side of him. To say it was tight is an understatement. As I got level with him I could see there wasn’t enough space for me to steer our long car round his front wheels and straighten up so I said he would have to back up a bit. He wasn’t happy but he did it and off I went. All went well till I got to about a mile out of the town I wanted. I needed to turn right. Help! Road closed, follow the diversion signs. After a couple of miles, I realised that the “diversion” was sending me in the wrong direction, so I turned right into an industrial estate and wound my way through there to a T-junction. I hadn’t a clue where I was and time was ticking away, but I figured I needed to turn right again to go towards the town. After following the road for a way I was very relieved to see something I recognised and eventually I arrived at my destination feeling very flustered. In spite of the fact I had left plenty of time it was just 2 minutes before my appointment time.

The physio was a lovely young man and really thorough. I think every muscle has been pummelled and every bone pressed but he was very pleased. Apparently my leg muscles are strong and my hips move freely. He had me making different movements while standing, sitting and lying, asked which exercises I had been doing and said they were exactly the right ones and added one more for me to do. He was very reassuring that it would get better but may take a little while yet. He’s given me an “open” appointment so that if the pain gets worse or I feel I am not making progress I can ring and ask to see him again without going through the referral system.

I feel quite stiff and sore at the moment but should be fine after a night’s rest.

I can’t remember when you are off with your daughter AnnG but I wish you a safe journey, good weather and a happy time.

Better get my casserole in the oven now and make another of our endless cuppas.