General Chat

Afternoon All,

A much cooler night and I slept really well, but we lost the morning, as Mel would say, by not emerging from our pit till 11.00am!! We got your 75 drops of rain at lunchtime Mel, but nothing more and the sun is out now and the temperature is rising! Naughty Mona will soon costing you more than she gives you in eggs. I suppose she eats her own as well? I'm looking forward to seeing what you are making with your clay.

That's good you have more stays at your daughter's to look forward to AnnG. These breaks will be good for you.

OH is watching footie on tv and not bothering to go to a match today......he's still weary from being so hot and his migraine.

What silly idea will they come up with next. Now to help with obesity, they plan to reward families (what about everyone else?) through an APP for their supermarket shopping so that buying healthy food like fruit and veg will be rewarded. That won't help much if people then still go and order their takeaways, burgers, F&C, fry ups etc elsewhere. It also penalises those that use farm shops or pick your own for their healthier buys.

Paperwork for me next I think, as my motivation has up and left for the moment! I have been round with the 'web' duster and evicted 8 more of those Harvesters. Also watered the toms, cues and courgettes.

Been to Hqatherleigh and filled the car up and three huge cans of petrol for the mowers.

Hav'nt done the shop yet but just having a COC. Would have had three eggs today if Mona had'nt eaten two.

Morning Anng and all,

Dull and cloudy here and tht fine rain inthe breezey wind. The garden needs it though so can't complain really and it is cooler.

Not sure what we will do today but I still have ironing to do.

Up the shop for a few bits this morning then we will see what transpires.

Yur little break does seem to have passed quickly Anng but lots to look forward too with them coming to youin August and Christmas is'nt that far away now.

Good morning all. Sun still shining been awake for ages. Not sure if we are doing anything today, might be a stay home day.
Only three days left it has gone so fast. They will stay an extra day with me when we go home and will be coming down to me for four days on 23 August so they are there for my anniversary. Then I will have Christmas and New year to look forward to, three weeks up here then.

Iv'e had a day off today and hav'nt really done anything except some ironing and one lot of my washing which dried in the wind nicely. It has been much cooler here today with some cloud in the sky and a breeze this mornng which has now dropped. We also had about 75 rain drops this afternoon and that was all.

I have baked my latest poly clay item but not sure wether to gloss it or not.

How strange Ann, not sure why you can’t open them, all taken with my phone so no reason. Sounds like the first three you can’t open. I will send one of them difespct to you to see.

Afternoon All,

Well we got so hot in the night that at 1.00pm we got out of bed and went outside in our birthday suits! ;-) The back door opens onto the path to the back and front gardens and has next door's garage the other side and so if there is any breeze, it comes down between the buildings. It was wonderful and cooling and we were able to sleep afterwards. It's much fresher today and we are feeling more human.

They are doing all kinds of work at Jean's old bungalow diagonally opposite and we are getting a bit weary of earsplitting cutters of slabs and wood from 8.00am till 9.00pm ish every day as it has gone on for 3 weeks now. Having done the same kind of work ourselves on a previous house, it has to be done, but we never started till 8.30am and then with quieter jobs first and never till such late hours. It seems to be older family members doing it (they all have the same 'look'). Hopefully all the hours being worked will get it done sooner. Mrs O opposite came out this morning and started yelling at one of them as I think he had leaned something against her expensive fence and I think they were laying a path next to it. I can see her point, but all it needed was a polite request to be mindful. She went on to threaten sending her husband round when he got home!

Then the 2 girls from the rented out bungalow up the close turned up at the bottom of our drive, the ones that were being a nuisance at our end of the close before. This time they were making lots of noise and pulling the cones and chains about that are across our neighbour's driveway ( the one who is away) and trying to pull the chains off the cones. Then they were up his driveway and the side of his caravan, leaning against it and trying to rock it. The woman opposite told OH before that she feels sorry for them having been cooped up with the pandemic and has encouraged them, which isn't on really when it is a private road where we are and dangerous with the blind bend to the new properties. They have a garden with a gate into the field at the back to play in. I can't see our absent neighbour being happy when he checks his CCTV !!

I could only open 2 of AnnG's photos as my laptop blocked the others saying they may be harmful. The old building did look nice though in the bright sunshine. Mel with or without your congalongs I don't know how you manage to do so much in this heat! We have been like Island and half licked Mivvis! You have got a lot done! Good idea your OH putting the gazebo up to work under. Has he finished painting the mower now?

OH has had several migraines this week Vera, which is unusual for him. He has been eating a lot of cheese though, so has cut that out to see if it helps. That and salmon have affected him before. I hope your doctor can help with your bad headaches when you see him. I hope you have a nice time with your family tomorrow too and the raspberry bakewell sounds delicious!

I think the first anniversaries after losing your partner are bound to be thought provoking and quite sad ones AnnG. All you can do is try to enjoy the day for both of you, which is what he would want. Millie sounds like she fits right in with her calm temperament. My friends' two big cats are not lap cats either and one only likes even his chin tickled. They just like to sit nearby and watch what you do instead. She sent me a photo of her Whippet puppy lying in a stream to cool off the other day. She is getting him used to everything she can while he's little, so he's going to be introduced to 'the sea' next!

Speaking of dogs, have you seen the prices now! Some Yorkies in our paper today are £2,200 each. You could have bought a whole litter for that not so long ago!

Thank you Mel, Son in law went for a swim so we went to the Spa/hotel with him and while he was swimming we went for a lovely walk to a path that ran along above Bassenthwaite Lake, it was hot but lovely and cool under the trees. The Lake looked beautiful framed by mountains in the background. It is obviously a popular place for visitors to its shores but the paths down from where we were were a bit too steep.
We walked back again and had a coffee in the lounge next to where we had our cream tea last year.

I have forwarded Anng's pics of her walk this morning but I need to know how many you get please. There should be 5 in all on two emails.

Been ironing got hot so had a cold drink might iron a bit more and then get lunch. Still hot here but there is a nice strong breeze out there.

Morning Anng and all,

Another warm one this morning but the skies not as blue asit has been so it feels a little cooler.

Have lovely day today Anng and I did see it was T's birthday today. Its good your with the family and have a nice BBQ tonight.

Nothing planned for today so will just see how we go. Oh will be working on the mower and I shall be watring plants first thing.

Good morning all misty here this morning.
A reflective day for me, another one of the ‘firsts’, Tony’s birthday, he would have benn 83. So feeling a bit sad for him that he is not here to experience this lovely summer and the beautiful Lake District.

Grandson and wife and Inara are hopefully coming for a barbecue this evening.

Yes Milly is a very placid cat, she likes people so likes to be noticed and stroked..... a bit..... but is not one to jump on your lap. She lies around in front of your feet, she is funny as she chases and catches flies and sometimes, unfortunately, butterflies. She gets on with Mollie, senior cat who tolerates her and is not scared of Amber the cocker
lol, she ‘growls’ if Amber goes towards her and cheekily drinks Ambers water. Amber never tries to chase her.

Safe journey Vera enjoy your time with your son. I thought we had'nt heard anymore about the lovely cakes you get from your neighbour.

Yes Millie has grwon into lovely cat and looks so soft and cuddley.

Going in the shower now after all my hard work today. I got on really well clearing the brimble trees and other things behind my shed and I can now walk up there. Also finished off under the big ash tree but still have to strim that.

See you all inthe morning sleep tight.

Hot, hot, hot and humid again today. Island, you do have a way with words. I love the half-licked mivvi :-D

It made me laugh as well because it reminded me of an incident in Spain some 15-20 years ago. We were right in the north in the area of the Picos Mountains. There was not much English spoken and our Spanish was non-existent. We were having dinner in a fairly up-market type of restaurant and amongst the desserts on the menu I spotted the word for ice cream. I just fancied a bowl of that and was sure it would be made on the premises and with a lovely flavour so I ordered it. The waitress disappeared and came back 5 minutes later with a dinner plate on which resided an orange ice lolly, something else on a stick and a mivvi. I thought I'd go for it and chose the mivvi. I did feel a bit stupid sitting in this restuarant holding my lolly stick and praying the thing wouldn't start to melt and run down my hands.

I liked the pic of your unexpected veg but can't help you with identification. I don't like them so have never bothered to find out much about them.

Millie has grown into a lovely cat AnnG. She looks very contented and I guess she's well loved..

I'm glad you found your gongalongs Mel. I think we ought to see a photo of you wearing them. You've been busy round your shed today.

What a shame that freezer food had to be thrown away Mandy. Was there very much of it?

I slept a little better last night but still only managed about 4 hours and I am still having a lot of problems with my head. The pain comes and goes but when it's there it's excruciating but not like a migraine pain. I might mention it to the doctor next time I speak to him which will be next week. One of the receptionists rang last night to ask if it would be convenient for the doctor to ring me tomorrow. NO!! I've waited 21 months to see my son and family and tomorrow's the day. I did ask her if she thought it was urgent and she said the doctor asked her to book a routine call to me so we've agreed on next Wednesday. The more I hear about other people's problems getting to speak to their surgery or getting an appointment I realise how lucky we are with our surgery. They are quick off the mark if you contact them and are pretty pro-active in contacting their patients.

The funny thing is that as soon as I put the phone down from that call it rang again and it was the company making us some new blinds to say they were ready and they could fit them tomorrow. NO!! I AM SEEING MY SON. They are now coming next Thursday.

Our neighbour had a couple of weeks break from cooking with his overseas grandchildren via Zoom but they started again today so he brought us in 2 enormous chunks of Raspberry Bakewell Cake. It wasn't quite as almondy as I expected but it was delicious - one of his best efforts yet.

I have a couple of phone calls to make now so I had better get on. I'm not sure whether I'll be posting over the next day or two. Depends how much son, dil and the girls keep us busy. Whatever you are doing this weekend I hope you have a happy time. Stay cool.

Guess what we're eating this evening? We're going to have to start freezing them at this rate!
I'm sending a pic of something else I spotted while picking beans.
It's come over quite dark here - please can some rain drop, it's so humid I feel like a half licked mivvi :-0

will respond more when I've cooled down

Afternoon All,

I slept a bit better last night as it seemed a tad cooler.

Another friend has described my painting 'style' as illustrative Island! I'm not sure what it is, but I do find it hard to loosen up and be 'arty'. lol. I'm a bit behind with the posts, but I like your old shed which is a similar colour to ours. I see it's all gone now, and the larger replacement is coming soon.....a nice garden room!! Yes, we are well qualified body ironers now too! I can't remember the last time the iron came out. We put tops and shirts on hangers to dry (OH buys non iron now) so there are no peg marks and most of what we wear is loose comfy stuff so no sharp pleats to iron.

Your facial sounded very relaxing and refreshing AnnG. I have never had any beauty treatments, including nails done and didn't even visit a hairdresser after age 16 till I was aged 40 as I let my hair grow and trimmed it myself. I enjoy reading about your trips out so wonder what today will bring! Can we see a pic of Millie now she's grown?

Oh your heart sinks when your car feels wrong doesn't it Vera. It's good you got it home to pump it up to get a new tyre though. I had the same happen a few years ago after pulling up in a field entrance to take a photo. I managed to do the same as you as the tyre was well worn anyway so it didn't matter it was running nearly flat.

That's good you have found your gongalongs Mel. I'm staying inside it's so hot (28 degrees where I am inside and we have done nothing but yawn today. We went to the farm shop for when it opened and they still have the bucket full of towel soaked sanitiser that you pull through a slot in the lid to tear off and wipe your trolley. The disposal bin after has a foot pedal so no need to touch the lid.

My hair appointment was yesterday and they requested by email that they wanted us to stick to the rules as before as they would do as well. So we were all in masks and it was so nice and cool as they had aircon! :-)

We had more fireworks a couple of nights ago, but no big bangs and shortlived. I was thinking about those bomb sounding ones before and remembered some people a year or two ago were reported for letting fireworks off on the village sportsground that their houses backed onto, Those were found to be industrial size ones intended for a big public display that had been cancelled. I wonder if it was one of the same people. Maybe they organise displays and those being let off had also been intended for a public display?

Just had some nice strawberries and we had new potatoes, fish, beans, broc and carrots for lunch. It's 28 degrees in here so I'm going to flop on the bed for a bit.

Mandy yes the gongalongs turned up and I have them on now.

I too am waiting to see the new garden room at Islands. Its going to be lovely as the old shed was 6' by 8' and the new one is 8' by 10' so more room for two chairs maybe and other things.

Iv'e got chicken out for tonight those long bits out of the breast I shall do them in a chicken and mushroom soup with carrots and mushrooms and a bit of rice for oh and I have a couple of new pots for me. Not that keen on rice.

Think I will go and clear up what I cut off and do the other side of the big ash tree.

Afternoon all,

I don't think it feels quite as hot today but it's still to hot to do anything, outside for long .
Been shopping i went nice and early to get back before it heats up ,not many people about as the schools broke up yesterday.

Spoke to son earlier he said the big outside freezer they have at the school had packed up no one had noticed as the school kitchen had closed because the cook was isolating so all the food inside now has to be dumped.

Vera good job your tyre was OK while you were out and hadn't gone down any more ,you had a bit of expense with having to have the tyre and get your feet done .

Anng I bet the facial was good ,they know how to charge for the cream don't they I wonder if they sell many pots.

Island it will be nice to see the new summer house go up ,craft room now maybe :-D

Ann my thread came today so I'm away again now :-D

Mel did the other Gongalongs turn up ,I bet you've put other things on top of them .

Not sure what to have for our meal tonight, might do pasta we've been living on salad this week its just been to hot to have the oven on .

O you do make me laugh Island. My oh used to tell those calers he was a Mcafee engineer and they soon went of the line then.

I have worked behind and round my shed all morning even cut some of the holly down so I could get behind the shed and some of the hazel so it dos'nt hit me as I walk through to the water butt. Cut all the grass round the back and cut off many docks and filled oh's big trailer up so he will have to dump that lot for me. Had a few branches off the beauty of bath apple tree so it dos'nt hit oh on the head when he goes round there with the mower so all in all a good mornings work in the shade.

Going to get a nice cheese and pickle sandwich now as you knnow who will be in soon for fuel. He put the gazebo up over where he is working yesterday and said it gives him some shade as he was working inthe full sun. :-D

I don't know how that smiley appeared, I must have put it in earlier in my post and it dropped down :-S