General Chat

Maureen .Happy Birthday to your Daughter.I bet you will all have a lovely meal .You are probably tucking in right now :-D

With all your artistic talent you will make that village hall look AMAZING for the wedding.No doubt about it.

Mel is there any sign of babies in that extractor fan??

Frank ,any sign of those seeds?????..............I absolutely loved that email of the Pitbull and kitten :-D :-D

Looking a bit iffy now out there.Some very suspicious clouds looming :-S

Mel, i see Frank has answered about people marring for the tax relief !! i didn't know any thing about that , no wonder there was so many weddings at Easter !!!

Not another leak Jane!!! we had a leak under the sink and it was coming from the plughole and running down pipe !! we thought it was from the pipe !!

Found those peas yet Frank ?

Maureen, you could use some cheap white Muslin or that fine Netting on the mirrors , just make some swags and have some big bows in the colour scheme ,that would cover them up , the cupboards might be a bit harder to disguise ,hope you enjoy your meal .

Pork is smelling good , i think its just about cooked .

Mandy ,now you mention a leak from the plug hole I seem to remember some years ago that was the problem we had.(maybe the same again now???)

I can hear THUNDER rolling around somewhere :-S :-S.Not overhead (yet)
My earless Squirrel has just been back. Got a few more pics.I definitely has ear holes but just no tips :-(.It is a very hungry squirrel and has just scoffed loads of the fat from the coconut shell.

We are all stuffed now.I will leave my pudding until later.Chris seems to have disappeared.I think he may have gone for 40 winks.

Afternoon All,

I seem to have been 'out' quite a lot the last few days! My back was beginning to improve, but OH moved some slabs and wrenched his neck and shoulder a few days ago. Yesterday, at one of those tricky junctions on the road where you have to look almost behind yourself to see what's coming, he asked me to look so as not to hurt his neck........twisted my back again instead!! :-S Typical!! lol. It seems a lot better again today though so it hasn't set it back too much.....I hope.

That sounds a good idea for the village hall mirrors Maureen..........wonder what you will do with the cupboards? Many Happy Returns to your daughter and I hope you enjoy your meal together. Speaking of weddings, a neighbour's daughter got married yesterday. We had to scarper early as the neighbour said loads of cars would be turning up and we didn't want to get trapped in our drive. The road where we are is very narrow, just one car's width.........so I didn't see the bride in her dress. :-(

Thanks for all the emails Frank, your garden is such a credit to you both and full of colour already. I loved that cheeky, fearless kitten and the softy Pitbull. lol Could so easily become lunch!! :-0 I know what you mean about losing things......so annoying and you keep looking again in all the same places as if they will suddenly reappear!! I have one of those plastic box with a seat on and wheels you use in the garden and keep seeds in there now. I would get some more peas too........it will be the quickest way to find the old ones!! :-D :-D Kim, I remember having the collywobbles a lot going back to school after a long holiday or when changing schools or the night before an exam. I would go right off my food, get the trots and sometimes be awake all night. I always did well in exams, but obviously wasn't confident that I would! Years later I would be the same at work when tests were involved. Has she been like this before at these times?

I decided to save my tree as a gedcom to a USB drive, so I bought one with a big capacity. I have saved all my FH pictures to it as well.......just in case!!

Good to see you and Carmel are ok William. Your little grandson Lucas is a handsome boy.......is it the 'genes'? I went to Tamworth yesterday along the A5. I have never seen so many oil seed rape fields. Some were right to the edge of the road with no hedge and it was one field after another as far as you could see. Some were all around the MIRA road test ground and I thought how sickly it would smell if you had to spend much time there.

That poor little squirrel with no ears, Jane! He seems to be doing ok though.
I hope Fitz is keeping busy today to keep his mind off that appointment tomorrow, well, as much as is possible. Tell him I shall be thinking of him and keeping everything crossed that the news is good. It will be a help to not be in this limbo anymore.

I hope you manage to get your second 'leak' sorted. It is a pain when everything gets sodden under a sink. We need to get someone in to look at one of the toilets as it doesn't empty quickly enough when flushed. We've used the plunger on it several times but it is no better and we daren't flush any paper. I have a dread that the cordyline roots may have disturbed the drain outside and be causing the problem. The garden centre assured me they shouldn't when I asked them as they are fleshy roots. It would mean digging the front garden up if I am right.....!!!!

We have had heavy rain Friday, yesterday and today. Today the drive and path were peppered with hailstones by the time we got home. The washing is piling up as well so tomorrow I will risk doing some and just hope for a dry spell!! :-|

Off to get the salad and bake the camembert melty cheeses for tea now. I seem so hungry when it is rainy.

No I haven't FOUND them.

Ros went out without me knowing and bought a new packet of peas and runner beans. The beans I put in pots earlier this month, henen't come to much. Only 5 plants from 48 seeds, I have complained to Sutto#s. Waiting to see what they will do. !!!!

Jane we have THUNDER overhead with hailstones crashing against conservatory roof. Everywhere is as black as your hat. !!!! Lights and heating on. To think last week we were coming back from Hastings with Air Con. on.

I have watered the greenhouse and got the pump working on the pond. Potted on loads of Carnation cuttings. When Ros gets flowers and there are carnations in them. We take cuttings and put them in water till they show roots. I then dip them on rooting powder and put them in compost. We have had a good success rate over the years. I must have another 15/20 on the go.

I also topped up the bags of potato's today with more compost., to keep the shoots in the dark. It suppose to make them grow better.

Loved that little squirrel Jane, I am sure he hears all that goes on around him, and , Rain Rain Rain.should lead a normal life.

I suppose Maureen is well stuffed by now (with food !!!) Oh to be young enough to have a child of thirty. Mine are 48,47,46,and 43. Does that mean I am getting OLD ????

Looks like the weather is settled in for the evening Rain and more Rain. Will do the world of good.

I loved a good summer storm when I was young, would take an old kitchen chair out to the back yard and sit in it. certainly cooled you off after a hot summers day. Also go down to the river and swim , run around the bank to dry off and get dressed again. Nobody took any notice in those days.

Sorry Ann, I missed you, you were posting the same time as me. Hope your neck is ok now.

Forgot to say Happy Birthday also.

Happy birthday Maureen's daughter.

Oh watching the grand prix.

It has been raining here today on and off all day. Oh has made a frame for the side of the garage and I have been out there holding wood while he sawed it and then holding the frame up while he nailed a crossbar to hold it in place.

Frank I am the same with seeds. I know I had a packet of my favorite tomatoes but do you think I could find the blimmin things in Feb when I usually sow them. Bought another packet and lost those too. Now it's the cue seeds I have lost and I know I saw them a week or two ago. I keep mine in my little pocketed gardening bags and a tin in the shed and also in the kitchen draw because this happens to me a lot. I have found the yellow courgette seedxs that I could'nt find last week!!

Jane we have a leak under the sink which oh has been going to fix for years now. I have to keep a bucket under it as it is only the little rinsing sink that leaks since we had to have a new plug hole bit in the main sink and it is a bit big really.

Back home after a rare treat of a Sunday lunch out, Carmel having a snooze, waiting for brother in law to make the weekly phone call from Dublin. It's his birthday tomrrow, St George's Day - strange that my Mums birthday is St. Patrick's Day!

Ann, haven't been to Tamworth for a couple of months now, must go soon, or to Lichfield which we also like. Our neighbour used to work at MIRA unil they made him redundant. I'm quite familiar with that part of the A5 as I used to live in Higham Lane many moons ago.

We went the other direction yesterday as it was a nice morning (hard to believe!) We took ourselves off to Kenilworth for the morning, even the stuff in the charity shops there is expensive. As for a spot of lunch, we ended up getting juice and sarnies from Wilk*s and sat in Talisman Square in the sunshine having our 'outdoor picnic'. We were just on the road home through Fillongley when the rain started. By the time we reached our Close, the hailstones were coming down and there was thunder. What an April!!!

Watched the London Marathon this morning and was out of breath doing it. It just has a magnetism for me and I think the people who do it for charities are bloomin' marvelous. I don't know if Frank is like me, I watch to see if there are any parts of London that I recognise from the days when I worked in the East City. Things have changed so much. I don't know what my dear old Dad would make of that 'shard' building (they got the name right anyway) as he was born near 'Boro High Street.'.

Mel, I'd suggest you keep the bucket under the sink, at least you know 'it works'. I dread it if I have to take our sink outlet to pieces, it's a deadly piece of plumbing. The chances of getting it back leakproof are worse than lottery odds. I always keep a little container under the S bend just in case a little leak springs up and surprises me. I hate "FIVE MINUTE" jobs....

It's a sign your getting old when you can even mess up the postal vote forms! I did just that yesterday, tomorrow I have to phone up like a stupid old f*rt and ask for new forms. The problem is, as Carmel's carer I'm used to giving out her date of birth, now I've brainwashed myself into substituting it for my own (I wouldn't mind, but she older than me!). So I'm looking at the forms, wielding my pen, and whoops, there goes the wrong years. Not only that, after all these years of voting for the wrong party (yes, you read that right LOL) I actually put a TICK in the box instead of a CROSS. Dumbo or what?

Here I am, doing all sorts of everything on line, from my drivers licence renewal, road tax, banking, surgery - AND I CAN'T EVEN FILL IN A FORM CORRECTLY. Shhh, shhh, calm down boy, have another valium.

Anyway folks, I think I'm going off to put the kettle on, think I can manage to do that alright. Catch you all soon.

Remember at school having to repeat this for pronouncing vowels and being told to open your mouth wide.....lol.

'How now brown cow.'

I'm not surprised Kenilworth charity shops are expensive William. You will go to these 'posh' places! lol. I find the charity shop vary quite a bit place to place. I want to go to Lichfield again soon, OH and I both liked it when we went recently. I think I must have gone there on the train with mum as a child, but had only 'passed through' via those big rail arches otherwise until recently.

I hope Fiona gets on well at the docs tomorrow.

Off to bed now....night, night xx

Hello sleepyheads,

Dull and raining all day here. Still trying to dry Friday's washing. Have to avoid using the dryer due to electricity costs which are continuing to skyrocket.

Daughter did not front for school. "I hate school" syndrome kicked in at the last minute. I couldn't bare to think she is putting fingers down throat, been there before. Year 12 is so crucial and we have already had the letters saying improve attendance or else you're gone. It is so worrying - why throw away your education, especially these days. I used to get nerves in the stomach before exams too. I always loved learning though and did my homework and assignments. Different time and place I guess. Ann I would get really nervous at work too if there was some sort of assessment. Used to tie myself in knots. Hope your back is better today and OH is in less pain too.

Jane I hope you get the leaks sorted, so frustrating for you.

How now brown cow - remember it well with the teacher walking around hitting the desks with the cane as we all repeated it ;0 And with typing it was "the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog".

Maureen good to have you back too. Belated Happy 30th birthday to your daughter as well.

All the best for your doctor's appointment today Fiona.

Watching the early news, so I hope to BBL 5.17 pm EST

Morning all, washing done and ready to go out. Looks like this is to be a dry day if the forecast is right. Fingers crossed.

We didn't have 'How now brown cow', maybe a load of Essex/Cockney kids would come out with "Ar Nah Brahn Cah", you can't blame teachers for avoiding that!

Bit of sun out at the moment, will I get out in the garden today? Watch this space.

Watched The Voice last night but I'm getting a bit fed up with it, too long, too much 'shouting'. And then again there's the much over publisiced Holly Willoughby - or as I call her, (either) Willy Hollaby - or - Holly Wobbelly. My wife gets the Woman & Womans Own mags from a friend, and it's hard not to pick up a copy that hasn't got her on the front cover!

Anyway, folks, hope you all have a good day, off for some brekky now.

Morning All and Evening Kim,

Dull and dreary here today with a very very watery sun behind the grey clouds. A bit of rain in the air too.

Went to bed early for me yesterday as I could'nt keep my eyes open. Went straight off to sleep and awoke at just before 9am. That was nearly 10 hours sleep.!!!!!!! :-S :-S :-S

Have'nt read your posts yet.

My dad used to say "How now brown cow" mum would say he was talking with a plum in his mouth!

Did any of your parents have superstitions about anything. Mum would never put or let any of us put new shoes on the table.

Never walk under a ladder.

I shall have to have a think about anymore as there was loads of them.

Also sayings like if you had a tickly nose you were going to kiss a man with a moustche (sp) or if you had an itchy foot you were going to walk on strange ground.

Itchy palm of the hand left to loose money and right to receive some.

Morning/Evening everyone.
I'm just nipping in very swiftly now as I want to get a load of shirts ironed before I take Fitz to the hospital,otherwise they just won't get done today.I will probably pop off to the supermarket while Fitz is having his appointment and then wait for him to ring me when he is ready to be picked up.I do hope he gets good news.

Fiona I hope you get on ok at the Drs today and that everyone's aches pains,cricked necks ,backs are on the mend :-D.

William you sound organised this morning with the washing all done.

Kim I do hope your daughter manages to stick it out at school.She has got this far and what a waste it would be if she was asked to leave now.

Mel you must have needed that long sleep.I wish I could sleep that long without waking up at all sill y times through the night.

Looks like it is getting cloudy now.It was sunny when I was out with Chester and so warm I had to take off my cardi.

Must go .BB this afternoon

Morning Everyone,

Thanks for the kind thoughts but my doctors appointment is next week MON 30th April.

I really am very run down , was feeling cold and shivery all day yesterday, and went to bed last night at 9.30 after having my Lem*ip, dropped off to sleep, then woke at 2.am and was wide awake till 5.30am , heard the birds singing.
managed to go to sleep again and woke up about 7.am with a runny nose, and the start of a cold sore on my top lip :-| :-| :-(
just pottering about the house today, doing bits of jobs here and there as not to over tire myself.


Will keep fingers crossed for Fitz Jane , hope the new is good,


Mel,
a superstion that I remember is never put up an umberella in the house.

Morning all,

What a silly billy I am. I looked at the clock this morning on the bedside cabinet and thought, it's 8.15 am I had better get up and get a cup of tea. When I got in the lounge it was 5 15 am :-0 :-0 :-0 :-0 I was feed showered and shaved before 7 am Ros finally surfaced at 10,15 am.

Still no Bloo#y peas. I think the fairies must have taken them. DO YOU THINK THEY WILL PLANT THEM FOR ME ????

I'm wondering if our house is haunted. :-0 :-0 :-0 Very often I am in bed, and feel someone getting in the side of me. I reach over and it's not Ros. This morning while shaving, I heard my named called. !!! I looked in the bedroom and Ros was fast asleep. It happens on a regular basis.

Hope Fitz gets good news today.

William you made me smile about "How now brown cow" I don't think my teachers ever approached the subject. They let us get on with it.

If ever (and not very often) we had new shoes. If you put them on the table it was a thick ear. !!! Never walked under a ladder and tried not to let a black cat cross your path. We always stood on the kerbside when a herse went by. and When a ambulance went by would sing" Hold your collar, never swallow, never catch the fever" As there was a lot of diptheria around at that time.

Might try to do the lawns later, if they are not too wet.

Morning All.

We had a lovely sunny day to let the balloons off for my grandson..By the time we got home for lunch the skies opened.

Sunday afternoon managed a quick walk along the sea front..It was sunny but the wind was abit chilly.Mocha was glad to get home and relax today.Two many small children and babies this weekend he wa s restricted and it was tiring for us as well

I just managed to cut our long wet grass and the rain appreared..I have wet washing everywhere again..Mocha came with me again Kim like last time..At the time I said I didnt know whether Alan would miss me more or the dog ;-) ;-)

Im off soon to equire about some Zumba exercise classes at the school around the corner,Getting fed up with line dancing now....But we will see.catch you all later.

Afternoon everyone,
Just a quick look in .

We have lovely bright sunshine ,don't know how long it will last so i'am keeping an eye on the washing .

Fingers all crossed for Fitz today ,wishing him well and hoping its good news .


BBL

Just back quickly to wish Fitz well Jane. Had forgotten it was today and hoping it is all good news.

Fiona got mixed up with your dates, but sounds like you are not feeling too good with a fresh cold. Rest up as much as you can.

Mocha will expect a trip away every weekend at this rate. :-)

Mel that's a marvellous sleep, would give anything to nod off for 10 hours. Good for you.

Frank from the "70s I have felt spirits around me and when my brother died. More again when my dad passed away, it was so strong and mum was seeing him. Again when my mum died, we have had a lot of activity in this house. I occasionally smell her perfume or talc and can smell cakes baking at night when I'm watching tv. Sometimes I can smell my brother's aftershave. These incidences come and go. I know my dad is always with me on ANZAC Day as I watch the march and think of him. That whispy coldness or a touch on the cheek or hair is so subtle. I think doing the family tree brings them to life. My daughter was always complaining when I discovered more information that she could see people at my shoulder. It used to get so icy at times. Off to the looney bin now, lol.

I never walked on the cracks in the pavement, used to throw salt over my shoulder for some reason. Always looked in nanny's room behind the clock - one of my grandmother's sayings. Lots of others that I can't remember.

I've got my thyroid ultrasound tomorrow and son is having one too. Last one 1998 for me, so hopefully nothing too serious.

Off to the couch, have a good afternoon everyone. 11.28 pm EST