General Chat

Lovely to hear all your news Frank and I hope Jonathon comes to do your veg patch and Lewis to cut your lawn. As you said it will be nice to see him after such a long while. You'll have lotsd to talk about. What are you cooking for Sunday dinner? if its beef can I come too please?

I have had a walk round the estate and the border needs me up there so I think I may go up there weather permitting. I had a little dig and the ground is nice and soft after the rain. Lots of that bitter cress I need to get out and more twitch but where I had dug it is coming out easily. I need to tie up some of the peonies and the delphinium and still have lots of dead to clear away. There are three lots of bearded iris flowering, well in bud and I need to see if I can dig out some of the special iris that has migrated to the Heleniums.

Washing on the line and another lot just finishing. The race this afternoon is at 2pm so I shall try and get lunch for then.

Good morning to you all,

I too slept like a log last night.I was up by 7.45 this morning, had my ASPRIN and two COT.Then sat and watched Match of the day for a while.

Jonathan has my rotavator which he has had for ages, I rang him yesterday to bring it back as I want to tidy up our Veg, Patch. He said he would come round this morning and do it for me, then he wants to take it back. CHEEKY BEGGER. He should buy one, like I did.

Lewis is also suppose to be coming up, to cut the lawns for me, and stay for Sunday Dinner. It will be nice to see him, as he hasn't been up for some ti..me.

Martine gave Ros a Menu for a new Chinese Takeaway. I rang to order a meal for delivery. On the Menu is said £1.50 delivery. within two miles, as I am 4 miles away, they wanted the £1.50 PLUS 80 Pence a mile, so adding £4.70 to the meal price. I said don't bother. So Ros went to our usual one in Towcwster. She needed a couple of things from Tesco, so picked up the meal afterwards. Some of these Takeaways want to earn money from the delivery as well as the profit from the meats.

We are going down to DEVON on the 17th May for a few days, I expect we will come home Friday or Saturday. as Jan, Jo and Ella are coming upto Kerry's, for Alexanders SIXTH Birthday. We will take his presents down with us, then Jan can give them to him. Ros has bought various Childrens Garden Tools, as he loves helping his Dad in the Garden.

No sign of any visitors, to do the jobs.I hope they don't let me down.

Off now, for a coffee. see you later. xxxx

Morning Mel It is sunny here and 15 degrees. the sun is quite warm where it is sheltered so I has better go and check the greenhouse

Morning Anng and all,

Yes thank you Anng I slept like a log but had toget up twice in the night for the loo but back to bed after and alseep again as soon as my head hit the pillow.

Dull and cold looking out there this morning not been out yet but oh is out at he workshop doing things to his mower. Sky is grey and the clouds are moving quite fast fromt he west. At leat I don't think its raining.

Good morning all. Had a bit of a shock when I switched on, for some reason I was not able to access my Word programme, couldn’t get it to open at all even though I was on here yesterday. However not having my techie to shout for I switched off computer completely and back on and it seems ok for now. Wonder what happened there

It doesn’t look very nice out there so maybe another no gardening day. So it will have to be card making.

Annx that black fungus sounds horrendous. I wonder if it is something to do with their genetic make up combined with the virus. I hope they can find the problem. It sounds a bit like the flesh eating disease.

Oh Falmouth, love it there, we once took my parents and stayed in a B&B that they had often stayed in but Dad was not up to driving all the way there from Fareham Hampshire any more. They loved it – they were in their 80s then. We have not actually stayed in Falmouth but have stayed a few times in easy reach. The last time we were there, staying in Truro we couldn’t find anywhere to park in Falmouth when we went so gave up, it was heaving.

Because we used to go away for longer periods and actually even before that we have always had the scheme where we look after their house and they look after ours when away. We both have each others keys permanently and it has worked for 29 years. We have had a couple of times when we have both been away at the same time but not many. Our garden won’t need watering but the things in the greenhouse will and also if it is really hot so will the baskets. But Louise over the road is happy to do it for me. (it used to involve looking after the cat as well when we had one).

Vera Yes it is the thought of a heatwave that is worrying when you go away. Hopefully it will be fine now. I also like to know that somebody id keeping an eye on the house when we are both away the same time.
You sounded a bit better when you posted last night so I hope that means things are improving for you. It is already 13 degrees outside but still looks grey and damp. I don’t think it is actually raining though
Where are you going in September? You may have said and I either missed it or have forgotten.

Mel hope you managed a good sleep last night if you

Even though I hav'nt done much today I am very tired so I am signing out and saying night night see you all in the morning.

We've been going to this lodge every year for about 10 years since it was new Vera. If it's cold it warms up in minutes and has 2 tvs which is good. Two brothers and their wives run them and their wives used to do the cleaning, but with a few more built now they get cleaners in. I expect it will be fine as businesses can't afford to have outbreaks after a year losing income, but I shall take some spray as you say and do a quick wipe of handles and surfaces. Their times of coming and going are the same as yours this year to allow for a deep clean. Hubby read in the paper today that they expect things to be more or less normal by August which would be good to be able to feel relaxed again.

The baby Robbies are so cute Mel - pom-poms on legs. The red acer is lovely too.

That’s good that you have someone to water for you AnnG. At least if there is a heatwave your plants won’t wilt. I’m sure our neighbours would be willing to do the same for us but we don’t ask them as they are not in good health. As it always seems to rain when we are away the plants usually get well watered anyway.

I’m sure you will sort your holiday list out just fine Ann and I expect your holiday cottage will have a deep clean between visitors. I know the one we are going to in September does. We can’t get in till after 5 pm and have to leave by 9 am so that the cleaners have time to do it thoroughly. Take an antiseptic/disinfectant spray or some surface wipes with you and you will be fine.

I did a couple of jobs this afternoon and got a Sainsbury delivery booked for Friday. When we were in town this morning I would have liked to get some fish from the fish van in the market but there seemed to be a lot of people clustered around it and I am still being very cautious, but I think we are going to have to start leading a more normal life soon, particularly now so many people are vaccinated.

It stopped raining a couple of hours ago and is apparently about 15 degrees but it doesn’t feel like it. I suppose it’s because there hasn’t been any sun. At least all the rain has meant I haven’t felt guilty about not gardening today.

Afternoon All,

Slept really well and didn't want to get up this morning when I heard the rain hammering down. It's stopped now but no sunshine.

The Black Fungus, although usually rare, is now appearing in some covid patients in India, most I read this morning have severe diabetes, transplants or steroid use. It's causing grave concern though as the mortality rate can be up to 80%. Within 2 days of symptoms people can be losing their eyes, nose, jawbone or other body parts. What a nightmare there on top of everything else.

Mel those little Robbies look well fed and healthy so they should do well. How pretty that red acer behind them is too, it's beautiful. That Fox was so cheeky and in broad daylight too! You got some nice plants. I love Nemesias and that colour combination would be lovely, but we rarely see them for sale round here. It will be interesting to see what the mix of your Sunflowers will be like when they flower. I shall want to see a pic! If it isn't too late to start them I might send off for some seeds. There is room for some at the back of the bottom border.

I hope you soon pick up a bit Vera as it isn't nice when you don't feel right. Once your appetite comes back, some nice food will help.

AnnG that was handy you having had someone to water your plants. We never ask anyone and to be honest ours usually manage to survive ok for a week with trays in the shade and plastic bags over the tomato pots. Oh I see you have found someone to do it!. :-)

I've just finished the food order for tomorrow's delivery. After ordering for a fortnight all the time it's hard to adjust what we need for a week plus a few things to take away. OH's dry comment is that with what we have we could survive for 6 months anyway! I promised him soup for his Sunday lunch tomorrow! :-D

They are saying hotels will be jammed from the 17th so I'm glad we are travelling before then. It could be a busy week though, so we could be heading to the local chippy rather than dining out for our F&C watching the harbour boats at Falmouth!

The art teacher is going to send me pictures so I can print them and join in when we are away if I'm arround. If it's rainy it will be good.

We have that fine rain blowing in the wind which is quite high and a bit cold so I am staying indoors. Good that Louise will water your plants. At least its someong you know.

I have just found something I want to try and make so that will occupy me this afternoon.

Awe Mel Baby robbins are so cute a ball of fluff.

I have found somebody to water the plants my friend Louise over the road is happy to do it so that is that worry solved.

It has not stopped raining all day, it is not cold though but dark and miserable and so much that I could be pottering with out in the garden.

How annoying Anng will you be able to find someone else? What about you little club people? Could one of thos edo it for you?

Vera sorry you're not comfortable again today. Perhaps after today and when you have some food inside you you will feel more like yourself. I hate feeling under the weather as I keep thinking of all the things I could be doing.

Treated myself to some plants this morning. 3 from the shop, a million bells, Nemisia in pale lilac and yellow and a rock plant Phlox. Travelled on the way home stopped at the crossroads and Jules had some little begonias out onther table so I had a six pack from her as the shops were 50p dearer and 6 cabbage plants which I am going to try in a tub out ofthe way of the rabbits and if they don't do any good the chickens will have them. Also she had Gladioli in pots, I am hoping its the Acidanthera one. They were 50p each. So have some nice things to pot up now.

Glad you like the fox pictureds. Not that clear but were taken through my shed window.

Great photos of the fox Mel, it looked comfortable there. And interesting to see the bee nest.

Oh dear Vera, hopefully as the iodine works its way completely out of your system you will start to feel better. This horrid weather doesn't help I am sure. May is usually a nice month but it has not been that good so far and this lot is horrible. only consolation is it is warmer 13 degrees here, I had a sweater on and have had to change into a Tee shirt.
Just having a panic as Our neighbour has had the dates of her holiday changed (she is going with friends) and now she is away the same time as me so I am having to find somebody to look after the house and water the plants while I am away. Luckily it is only a week so only really 6 days.

Good afternoon everyone

How are you all on this wet and windy day? I still feel like something the cat has dragged in and something has really upset my “works”, possibly the contrast dye I had to take which was full of iodine. I am making myself do things or I will just sit in a chair and mope which won’t really make me feel any better. I did eat a small dinner last night but haven’t fancied anything since. OH is just getting lunch and is making me a banana sandwich as I can’t fancy anything else.

We ventured out this morning in all the wind and rain. I needed to pick up my meds and we wanted to pick up our framed picture of granddaughter and take a few more bits to the charity shop. OH said he would go for me but I wanted to get some air and thought I might feel a bit better doing something. OH insisted on coming and doing the driving as I was still a bit shaky. We got drowned! Instead of taking a new umbrella that daughter had bought me I took an old one that I knew was broken but had forgotten. Why did I keep it? It blew inside out, a spoke snapped and I couldn’t close it down. OH forced it shut and it went in the nearest bin.

Lovely pictures of the fox Mel and the bee nest. You have reminded me that I need to check our bee box. Last year three quarters of the holes were filled and, as far as I could tell, there were leaf cutter and red mason bees in there.

I hope Frank is OK and his ribs are healing. I think he said he was going to Devon on 17th May, which is the first day two families can meet indoors.

Mandy, that’s a lovely bag. I can’t imagine why you were disappointed with it. It’s a shame about your washing machine but it’s handy that your son is so good at fixing things. I’ve got a load of towels in the machine at the moment and I know how annoyed I would be if it broke down on me now.

OH is calling me to have my sandwich so I’ll post this and come back later.

Morning Anng and all,

Yes oh is usually right with the weather and it started raining last nightabout 10pm. I had lit the bonfire hoping to get rid of the rubbish I had swept up and thought "thats torn it" thinking the fire would go out. Its rained most of the night and the fire is still smouldering again this mroning and its still raining.

Spanish Grand Prix tomorrow hope its not raining for them.

Hoping Vera is more like herself this morning and that hse had a reasonable nights sleep. Makes you feel so much better if you cna get a few ZZZZ's in.I went to bed about 12.30am last night and got up tweice in the night for the loo and then woke at 8am and lay for a while as oh was already up.

Yes not long before Frank wends his way down here. I think he said the 14th May????

Love to those who hav'nt posted recently. <3

Good morning all. definitely not a gardening day today it is raining hard and has been for quite a while judging by the puddles on the patio. Not what we want for holidays at all, our weather is not good so far this year. Even Adam Frost on Gardeners' world said his garden was a good three weeks behind.

Annx I have not seen anything about a black fungus, but then I deliberately don't read everything about the virus. Oh Long Covid is horrible, it is similar to ME isn't it? In fact I believe they have always said that ME can be caused by a virus. I hope they are doing research into that.
It would be good if you heard from Fritz I often wonder how that lovely grandson of Jane's is doing.

Oh dear Vera, I am so sorry that you had such a rough time. I wonder why everything seemed to conspire against you with this procedure this time. At least it is done now and hopefully you will be picking up again once you have some nice food inside you. Just follow your body's instincts and only do as much as you feel like doing, don't push yourself. <3

Mel it sounded funny when you said you had been sweeping the road...... instant picture in my head of somebody with one of those road sweeper trolleys and a brush out sweeping a main road.
At least your OH has progressed with fixing it. He was right about the weather.

Yes my tum gets in the way of clipping my toe nails too. Don't seem to lose it either even when trying to.

Annx with the hot tub, if you wear a bathing suit it won't matter if it is not private, just like a swimming pool. Do try and use it if you can (get your moneys worth), it could help your knee.

Frank hope your ribs are healing a bit more now. did I remember that you have a trip to Devon to look forward to?

I hope Gill is ok and that Sandra is now sorted out.

I am growing a packet of mixed sunflowers so not sure what they are going to be like. The seedlings have a redish tinge so think they may be those flame coloured ones. I still have some seed for the giant ones so may give those a go to see if any come up.

Oh did get the three barings out of the mower deck but I don't think he has that arm thing off which he has been battling with all week.

My tum gets in the way too Ann so you're not alone but I find it easier if I sit on my pc chair and put my foot on the chair at the table and it is my jewelry cutter I use on my little toe.

I think your bag is lovely Mandy and I love the fabric and style. Yes they do have hot tubs since a bout three years ago. They aren't very private though as the shrubs they put round them hadn't grown much last time we went, unless they have shot up since. I bet the warm water would help but I'm not sure I could get in now!! lol. I remember Jane's photo of her in the tub and her looking very relaxed. It was good she managed to enjoy that last break. I've emailed Fitz to ask how the family is now, but he did used to not look at his emails very often so I'm not expecting a reply any time soon. :-D

Thank you Mel. I did spend ages doing the grass and It took a while to cover the paper properly. You are having a really good spruce up with sweeping the drive now. I bet it looks nice. Did your OH manage to get the part off the mower? He's right about the weather tomorrow. OH started looking for a match to go to but soon changed his mind when he saw the forecast. It sounds awful. He's watching a match on the telly instead.

Are those of you with sunflowers growing the really tall ones?

Oh Vera you have been through the mill this time ,it's good you got it done so you haven't got to go through it all again ,rest up and i hope you can get a good nights sleep so you feel better tomorrow .

Ann sounds as if you're getting some things sorted to take away with you ,have you got a nice hot tub with this cabin ,i'm sure it will help your knees being in the lovely warm water ,do you remember Jane got in the hot tub didn't she when they went away it was a lovely photo of her and Janice with a glass of wine .

O poor Vera it sounds like you had a really rough time yesterday. I hope you feel better tomorrow and try and get some good sleep in. <3

Been sweeping the road this afternoon and only one little bit of it. It was covered in moss which had died with this dry weather we have been having.

Oh said I shan't be out there tomorrow as we are having 40 mile an hour winds and rain all day.

Ann I think your picture is very good and you can see they are dandilions in the field. You get grass so well in your paintings and pastils.

Oven is going off.