General Chat

Good morning all dry so far and 5 degrees. I think the morning is supposed to stay dry som I might just go into town on the bus. there are a couple of things I need. slept very well. did take 2 paracetomols before bed and that seemed to work I had only taken a couple during the day. This week was alreadyscheduled to be busy before I had the appointment. Tomorrow friend and her daughter are taking me to a garden centre, Thursday our ladies U3a group have their Christmas meeting at a local village hall, about 24 of us 'bring a plate'. And Friday it is our small group that go out and about together's Christmas lunch. I am being picked up down the road for the latter two. Hopefully leg will behave.

I think the leg pain will continue until the operation site heals, as it was a scrape not a cut and stitch it is a more open wound and as they said not to cover it, the chance of infection where it is, is more likely than if it was stitched. Havine said that, at least two in the past, both cut and stitched, got infected, no idea how or why just 'luck of the draw' I suppose. that is why vaseline is used now as a barrier.

Ann I have posted one half of my cards now. I usually post beginning of December as a lot of them will have letters in and that gives the recipient a chance to answer in with their cards. I still expect to get more after I come home than before I go as our area was on the list of those whose post is delayed through staff shortages.

Yes it must be very tight getting the larger ships in through the narrow channel deep enough for them. I saw a photo yesterday of the Pilot transferring from a 'tug' to the Prince of Wales outside the harbour. He or she will be skilled at knowinf the correct way through the gap.

Many many years ago one of the older ships (I think it might have been the Vanguard,) was being taken out ot the harbour on route to another country for re-purpose or scrap. She went off to the side somehow and ended up with her bow right up against the buildings on the left hand side of the harbour exit. No damage to buildings I think but well remembered by many and often published on facebook etc.

Yes, it's the LED headlights in newer cars that dazzle so much at night, but I think it's been raised as an issue and they are looking into it as most people find it dangerous. My present car is the first I've ever had where the sun visor drops low enough to block out the sun! Manufacturers don't cater for shorter people. First OH was tall and had trouble with his head touching the roof in some cars though. Oh to be average size so everything fits including clothes!

I just had a google and think I may have solved where the coil shaped light is as it should be just under the centre of the MPH circle that's on the left of the kilometres per hour circle. However, something new to me, the one on your car only lights up when it is cold enough for it to be necessary to wait to start it up, so that is probably why you couldn't see it! Your car does have a lot of switches and lights doesn't it!

You had a good shop up on your trip out and got all sorts didn't you. I wonder whether your factory shop has toasters in case you need one, but you may be ok with the caravan one now.

You got a lot done today Vera and it's good to have extra you can freeze for another meal. I like bubble and squeak. Lots of things do fall to women, even after menfolk have retired from their jobs. OH does write his own cards, including the ones to his few remaining family menbers and those we send to neighbours.

It's really windy now and I think I heard bins go over twice. I hope it's better tomorrow as I'm meeting a beading friend for lunch at a garden centre and to look at their decorations.

What a lot of work you put into all those blankets Mandy I hope they appreciate them the time it took to make them. You're a great nan.

I came home in the dark and it was'nt a pleasent journey. Why are cars light so very bright now and mine arn't?

Annx yes my old car was a deisel and I always looked for the little spirel light to go out and always started it with my foot on the clutch anyway. This car has so very many lights on the dash, doors and everywhere else it can have them I hav'nt notice the spirel if it has one. I do know the car has to be hot wired before you start it.Having to have the seat so far forward makes it hard to get out when you have ducks decease and the seat is a bit high to so I shall have to see if I can lower it a bit. I have ordered one of those things you clip on the sun visor as sometimes the suns so low and me being short it dos'nt work unless I clench my bottom to make me higher.!! does the Magpi go back and eat the bread after he has hidden it?

It good your leg is getting a little easyier now and that the paracetemol help too. Hope you get a good night tonight.

Vera you've done so much today and your oh did'nt even have to get lunch today as you made the soup.Perhaps he was'nt feeling too good today.

Gwyn how you getting on with the Advent ring? I don't like the right candles we did have then two years running but they were bought by the reader. They are very expensive. I just use the dinner candles in either white of cream for our ring.

I went off to Holsworthy this afternoon just about 1.30pm. Got deisel first and then the library to take two books back and then I walked into town. went in the factory shop to see if they had any cotton roll neck tops but they did'nt so bought a pack of 5 twirl and some fry's mint cream bars. Popped in the co-op for some flour but did'nt like thier range as I don't like flour from Asda. Then down to waitrose and got the flur their and some smoked haddock for dinner tonight, treated myself to the uncoloured stuff and I am having that with a jacket potato. Also bought some of the fruit fools, strawberry ones by Bonn Maman and some prawn crackers. Then went down to Mole Valley just down the road from Waitrose and got chicken food and some nice pickle, rowntrees pastils for the boys and a oyster joint of ham which has a date of 1st Jan on it and it will do for Christmas only £3.45 and plenty big enough for me. Also while in Hosworthy I got two more of the 50p pend in the hardware shop and some oasis for the flower arranging. The first thing I did was post the parcel and cards I had to send and but a couple more second class stamps incase I need them forgot to get some cash out while I was in there.

Afternoon All,

Raining, dull and miserable here! OH had a routine Drs appointment so has been to that and has had to make another appointment for this afternoon for a 5 minute chat about something else. Long gone are the days when at the end of a consultation your GP would ask if there was anything else.

Mel, putting the clutch down when you start any car helps it, particularly a diesel, which operates with much higher pressure in the cylinders making the engine harder to turn over and start. Many diesels have a coil shaped light among the dashboard lights and you should always wait till it goes out before trying to start the engine, as it allows the engine to preheat the glow plugs a few seconds which helps it fire and start. I thought your old car was a diesel as well?

Vera I was in total agreement with you about getting out and about while you can and said how I used to be out somewhere a lot of days myself as well, even before OH retired. It only became less once my knees got worse for walking far or climbing steps. My dread is them stopping us oldies driving just because of our age. How do they expect us to get to Drs/hospital appointments etc without our cars especially when you have no relatives to help or they live over 100 miles away or abroad. Many Post Offices have closed and now it is happening with Pharmacies too. I wonder how much longer I will be able to keep up with the constant change in IT and be able to even shop online with the rate tech changes. I don't like driving at night now because of my eyes, especially now there are so few lights on.

I'm glad you didn't have too bad a night's sleep AnnG and that the wound seems to be healing and getting less painful. It was a bit early to send it, but I'm glad my card arrived as I wanted to be sure you got it before you went away. It always amazes me how they manage to manoeuvre those big ships through small spaces. Any mistakes could be so costly couldn't they! I used to enjoy going to see the Tall Ships in the past as well and going on board.

I chucked some broken up, old seeded bread on the patio while we had lunch as I'd spotted one of the Magpies in the garden looking for food. I was in a hurry and didn't want to get wet, so didn't soak it or put it on the birdfeeder. We did have a chuckle as the Magpie soon spotted it and had his beak bristling with bread each side as he crammed his mouth full while checking if anything was watching him. He then scurried across the gravel up the path on his skinny black legs with his head lowered as fast as he could and disappeared under the arbour to apparently hide it, as he soon reappeared and repeated the process twice with two new hiding places!

I bet your christmas tree by the front door looks lovely Mandy. Good idea to unravel the lights and check they work before you are ready to put them up. I'm not sure we will decorate this year as neither of us can get up into the loft to get them down! I might make a wreath for the door though as I have a copper ring I could use and the Holly tree does need a bit of pruning. The berries have nearly all gone, but I think I have red beads that are big enough.;-)

What a change from yesterday's bright sunshine. It's very dark, very wet, windy and not very warm. The weather app on the computer is saying it's 10 degrees but feels like -1. I don't think that's right but it certainly feels a lot colder than 10.

It sounds as though you had a frustrating day yesterday Mel. You should try and eat something during the day even when you're busy but you don't need to stop to make a proper meal. Something like a banana, as Ann suggested, would tide you over. Are you managing to get your car started now?

I'm sorry to hear your leg was giving you pain in the night AnnG. You might need to keep taking the painkillers for a bit longer. I hope you have a better night tonight. I can imagine that it would be quite a sight seeing those big ships coming into Portsmouth harbour.

You are wise to wait for a better day to get your outside tree up Mandy. I think you and your son would get soaked doing it today and possibly blown over in the wind. I bet it looks lovely when it's up and the lights are switched on.

I have had a busy day so far and, apart from changing his own bedding, OH hasn't helped at all but has sat reading most of the day. I think he's having an "off" day and I have tried to bite my tongue and not say anything. I have changed my bed and done 4 loads of washing and made a load of leek and potato soup. We had a big bowlful each at lunchtime and I'll reheat the same tomorrow. I've also got 2 good sized helpings in the freezer. I've chopped, washed and frozen the rest of the leeks I had so they are ready for next time I'm in the mood for soup making. I had some cabbage left over yesterday so I also cooked and mashed up potato and carrot and added the cabbage so that just needs frying up as bubble and squeak for tonight. Of course, in between these jobs I am the one writing all the cards and sorting Christmas presents but that always seems to fall to the woman, doesn't it.

As far as I can see the rest of the week will be busy too. Right now I must go online and organise a couple of vouchers as pressies and then wrap my Secret Santa present to take to the Ladies Club Christmas tea tomorrow. And I thought I wouldn't have enough to do when I stopped working ;-)

Afternoon all,

We have a very cold rainy day ,son was coming to get the Christmas tree in its stand ,we always have the real tree stand one side of the front door with the lights on but I messaged him and he's now coming another day perhaps tomorrow as its going to be a drier day .

Anng that must be quite a sight to see the big ships come into port, hopefully all on board will be home for Christmas now until they sail again .

Oh Mel you had quite a day yesterday with one thing and another ,hopefully fingers crossed you've solved the problem with the car now .

I was going to dust and hoover upstairs but I got side tracked by going in an upstairs cupboard and getting the Christmas lights out ,I've checked them all to make sure they are working and left them in a couple of shopping bags in the conservatory, I can get them up when i want now a few at a time .

Mel the miniature programme is on at 2 o'clock today .

I'm up to 13 degrees now but it is like Gwyn dark and very windy. My dad was in the navy as was his brother and their father. Dads brother died on the Archeron just off the Isle of Wight on I think the 27th Dec.

Gwyn amd the two big carriers look even larger when they come through the fairly narroe entrance. I would have loved to have been there yesterday.

I just took a look Ann.
Great pictures of the homecoming.
I used to love to watch ships coming into harbour in Portsmouth.
They are so close, because of the natural narrow entrance.

A gloomy dark day here with really howling and whistling wind.
I think I'll be staying in.

Morning all,

Overslept this morning did'nt wake till 10.18am and I wanted to go to the post van today but there no way I am going to get there now. I have 10 old pound coins to change up ( found in a box of change in a draw) and wanted to post a little parcel.

12 degrees here and pc is telling me rain ahead.

I am going to turn on my red ceiling lights tonight the ones oh put up years ago and said he was'nt taking them down. I have used them every Christmas since and only at Christmas. They're a terror to clean as the spiders love them.

Just had a memory moment looking on line . A set of wonderful photos of the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales returning to Portsmouth yesterday after a 6 month (I think ) draft away. I can remember waiting on Plymouth Hoe to welcome back HMS Eagle after a 6 month draft. <3

Good morning all and 'white rabbits' or whatever. December already, always glad to see the back of NovemberA particularly horrible month of November 2020 to remember, not that December was much better and January 2021 when T died was even worse. Still I won't dwell on that, it does get easier to live with memories.

Nothing planned for today it is 12 degrees so not cold but very very wet. I think Louise who I went out with yesterday is going to pop me round the chemist to put my order in for my next prescription which I should be able to pick up next week when I go to the hairdressers.

Slept ok, Had an hour in the middle of the night when my wound was hurting and I had not taking pain killers before bed. So gave in and was able to get to sleep once they worked. I have been taking 2 at a time I think next time I need a dose (I am not taking them constantly from today, I will see if just one works. It doesn't seem to be just the wound that hurts but all round that bit of my leg so I am assuming it must be where all the injections went in (I lost count of how many).

Mel that was quite a day that you had maybe the clutch on your new car has to be fully engaged before it will start. Do you have a book for the car? That will tell you. If you think that the car will stall if you try to engage gear without putting the clutch in then that might remind you.

And it is not good to go so long without eating, You will make yourself ill and you can't afford to do that with being on your own. At least have a banana which will give you energy.

Gosh what a day I have had. Slobbed around a bit this mroning then had a nice long shower and did a wash. Fed the girls and the Robin and Wren and then I thought I would try the car again. No luck still would'nt start. Came in and took my pill about 1.36pm and thought I would get something to eat. Sorted out some mealworms for the wild birds and then BIL arrived while I was on the phone to his youngest sister so I hung up and he rang on his phone as mine on speaker is so quiet. After that he said he would be able to fix oh's pc up for me and transfer my data onto it. we went in the study and I switched it on and everything is working ok. He has a horrid mouse on it thats a gameing mouse and it moves from one screen to another so I keep losing it as the cursor disappears so fast with the slightest touch.

I had still not eaten then BIL tried to start the car and it went first time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He did it three times and then I noticed he had his foot hard down on the cluctch and he had waited till a lot of the lights on the dash had gone out. I think that may be where I was going wrong. Anyway he said he would take me down the church to put the Advent ring up so we drove down there and I did that. Coming back up to the car I could see BIL taking to Susanna who had the donkey and a pony I had'nt seen before taking them in for hay. The donkey dos'nt like a lot of people but I went up to him and he had a nice nuzzle about my coat and I tickled his muzzle and we got on fine. Susanna said she has a girl coming to look after him but Zebadi dos'nt react to most people like he did with me.

BIL brought me back and then left. Still not eaten I thought I woud go and try the car again to see if I could get it to start and blow me I did BUT the seat was too far back for me to press the clutch right down and I think thats where I was going wrong. I put the seat forward and tried again and it was ok. Then I had to take the recycling up the top so I went up in the car and did that. Corned the girls an dcame in and a parcel arrived. Came on here and I still hav'nt eaten anything so now I am going to go and do a nice bacon and egg granary roll.

I'm posting this before it disappears

It’s been a sunshine and blue skies day but so cold. At the moment it’s 5 degrees but feels colder. I should have taken the opportunity to get out into the garden this morning but somehow I just couldn’t get in the mood.

Annx and Mandy, I had never heard of Shein so thought I would have a look at their website. I never did get a look at it as each time I tried to get in I was forbidden access. I wonder what it is about me that they don’t like?

AnnG, it sounds as though you had a nice little trip to Dunelm. We don’t make a special trip there as one is at Colchester and the other at Bury St Edmunds and neither in the town centre, but if we do happen to be in the area we usually pop in and have a look around. They have some nice bits and reasonably priced.

Sorry to hear that you are having trouble starting your car Mel. Is this your new one? I hope Stu can sort it out for you quickly and cheaply.

Annx, you mentioned that I, like AnnG, seem to be out and about a lot of the time. That is true but the reason is that we try to do as much as possible while we still can as we are aware that when we can no longer drive we will be very limited. Our bus service to anywhere isn’t good. We are already limited by not driving after dark anymore so we can only go to theatre in, say, Colchester in the summer for a matinee. I’m not even sure about my next hospital visit which is mid-afternoon so it will be dark when I come out. At the moment it looks like a taxi each way which will be at least £80. Our friends are mostly our age and don’t all drive so we can’t rely on them for lifts. This is why we get out when we can, even if it’s just a cup of tea with a local friend.

First thing this morning I repotted an orchid. I am an orchid killer but I’ve managed to keep this for a couple of years and it has bloomed twice. I am hoping this one will survive my handling and bloom again. A granddaughter bought it for me so I’d like to keep it going as long as possible.

I also managed to write half a dozen more cards though some of the addresses look as though they have been written by a drunken caterpillar. I meant to sort out label printing so that I didn’t have to write the addresses. For some reason our printer, just a normal Epson, doesn’t want to print on any normal size label. Needless to say I forgot that I intended to sort the printer until I was starting to write the cards and then couldn’t spare the time to fiddle about with it.

I’m feeling very full up at the moment. We usually have our main meal at around 2 pm on Sundays and as I gave OH stew last Sunday I decided to give him his favourite roast dinner today. I like a roast too. We had loin of pork with potatoes, parsnips and carrots all roasted and a big helping of cabbage; apple sauce and gravy as well of course. That was enough but we followed it with apple strudel and cream. I usually have a glass of wine but today I had 2 glasses and we finished up with a large mug of tea. Now I can hardly move!

On to the next job now, a bit of filing and admin. First, I have to pay the Council for another year of garden waste collection as the invoice comes to me. It seems to go up every year. For this coming year it is £69 but we couldn’t manage without it as our only other choice is to take all our garden waste to the tip the other side of town.

Temperature has gone down another degree just while I have been writing. Snuggle under that duvet tonight and stay warm.

Evening All,

I was expecting rain today but we haven't had any. The wind is getting up now though. OH has gone for a short walk. He wasn't keen till I said I'd get him a hot chocolate when he gets back. :-D

I haven't done much today. We had lamb shanks for lunch with plenty of veg. It's good to see OH polish his food off now. I did parboil some potatoes that are cooling before bagging up with a drop of cooking oil for the freezer for Christmas dinner A roast chicken sounds nice Mandy and there's usually some for another day or sandwiches which is good. It's good you just need to finish the tassles to get Chelsea's blanket done. You've done well to get three made and I wonder what you will do next. I still remember the pretty fabric Christmas trees you made one year, You've made some fantastic things over the years.

I like Dunelm and my current duvet cover is from there. I haven't been for ages though as the nearest one must be 10 miles away and means driving through the city which isn't pleasant these days with so much traffic. AnnG you seem to always be going somewhere like Vera, but when OH was working full time, being on my own a lot, I too would find somewhere to go a lot of days. I still would if my knees were better, but at least I can still potter more than some.

The ginger and white cat was in the garden earlier. I think he must have still been a kitten before as he has filled out and grown now and looks very well cared for. He keeps on the move though so no chance of a photo yet!

Mandy for somebody who doesn't get out a lot Dunelm is a treasure trove.. I did manage to buy something I wanted, a small stir fry (wok) pan. I still have the large one we used when T was alive but it is too big for one. So that was a good buy, and had a really good look round, friend bought a step stool and a Vileda mop.

Foot is still sore but not as bad as it was.

Morning all,

3 degrees here and I think there was a slight frost when we got up but now we have a clear blue sky with hardly a cloud.
We were going to sons for coffee but son reminded us this morning that the town is closed today ready for the lights switch on later so the traffic will be diverted so we decided to stay home .
We're having roast chicken tonight so I need to get the veg done and I need to get the tassels on Chelsea's blanket and its finished .

Anng I've never been to a Dunelm but I do look online and they have some lovely
things ,is the wound less sore now .

Mel I think it sounds as if you need that PC man in to sort out your PC and the one your OH used too before it really gets so you can't get on it at all.

Well the last day of November and just 25 days to the big day I really don't know where this year has gone its passed so quickly.