General Chat

Morning all,

Dull and grey out there and pc says high pollen and 16 degrees. Not a breath of a breeze to speak of so I think its going to be another of those silient days.

I feel better this morning and ready to face the world again. Going back to drinking I have never drunk much during the day but I suppose I should now I am getting older. I'll give it a go.

Ann your neighbours do sound very strange with what they get up to. Its such a shame they went and built those extra houses at the end of your close. Do they still use the gates? When I first moved here there was no planning permission granted in our village for ten years as we are a place of natural interest but as soon as the ten years were up houses started appearing everywhere in places you would'nt imagine. They are going to build more houses on the fields before you get into Shebbear and on the left after the crossroads they have bulit about 5 or 6 all squeezedin to one of what was the villages strip fields. I can remember at one time when someone owned this field they applied for planning permission and were turned down saying the land was too wet. I wonder what it will be like now there are houses on it. Nobody has moved in yet as building is still going on right up to the road.

Good morning all, a bit grey looking out there but I don't think we will get the much needed, now, rain. It is 0650 and 14 degrees.

I could have posted before you Vera, I went to sleep about 11 and was awake again before 2, leg started hurting again and I couldn't settle so came in here to my 'office' and had a look on here, read Ann's very late post. Then went back to bed and slept to around 4 for the loo, then dozed until 6am so not a very good night for me. It was hot but not that bad here.

Nothing planned for today. My leg does seem to be fairly ok during the day but doesn't like being in bed for long stretches at a time. Almost like cramp would be.
I suppose the only thing I must do this morning is water all the pots.

You were posting late last night Ann and I’m early today. I thought I’d be the first to wish you all good morning as I haven’t been to sleep yet. At 2 am I got my big fan out as my bedroom was so unbearably hot. It’s much more comfortable now but I am still wide awake. Looking at a screen won’t help me sleep so I had better put my iPad down and come back later today. I hope you’re all having a better night than me.

It has been hot hasn't it. Apart from getting lunch, wiping the fridge out and fetching the groceries in and put them away we've done nothing today. OH went out early to put the small load of washing out and fetch it in later and watered 6 pots and then did some of his work inside.

Mandy could be right with the long hours you spend in the garden on the hot days Mel. When OH doesn't eat or drink much after lunch till he gets back late after a meeting he has had shakiness in his arms sometimes till he's eaten and had a drink. You should be feeling better by now hopefully.

Yes, I spent hours digging with a trowel to get the rocks nice and level when I set out the borders 24 years ago and now they are higgeldy piggeldy where the man drove over them. Luckily we intend to replace them with bigger slate rocks as we redo the front garden, but I hope he doesn't think he can do this when they have been replaced. He bought the house that is at the end and after building a lean to across their drive, they have now had a big extension built in the back garden and the sons are banging away early and late doing something else now. The sons always seem to be working on cars in their parents' driveway. We see bonnets off etc and sometimes breakdown trucks come to tow them away. We don't know how above board it is, but they and the bungalow either side of them had the sliding security gate that's locked put across the opening from the end of the close into the narrow road in front of them.

Vera I still see a glimpse of my OH in a suit sometimes, as he wears one to the council meetings and to give talks and for things like school exclusions. When I first met him he was really slim and always smartly dressed for work. He would usually wear black or navy blue double breasted suits with fine pinstripes and a matching waistcoat. His trousers had turnups and he wore well polished black doc marten shoes with thick crepe soles. The polish doesn't get an outing so often these days though. Our standards have both slipped, but it's nice not to have to make so much effort, or so often now and can wear what is comfy! I remmber stockings that would mysteriously twist and tights whose crotch was determined to distance itself from your own and both would produce annoying ladders that needed clear nail varnish. Skirts were fine till you sat down, then would crease across the front, underslips that would slip below your skirt hem prompting 'charlie's dead' from your colleagues. By the way, have your OH's missing trousers turned up yet?

Yes AnnG and Mandy, you wouldn't get me going away so soon either till I knew what the cause was. I hope they let their travel insurance know. I don't know how old she is, but she is slim and has so much energy, was up ladders cleaning the windows recently and we see them both cleaning both their car and their son's car. The man is a couple of years older than me.

I bet it was lovely sitting outside with a nice glass of wine! I used to enjoy that till my meds meant no alcohol. I think I will get some alcohol free though. In a nice wine glass it would still be nice to do.

Mel it sounds as if you needed water and food. It must have been a long time since lunch when you woke up. Why was your ankle swollen?

I thought that too Ann. No way would I travel abroad if zi had had a funny turn and needed tests. She might have had a minor stroke.

Those people at the end of your road are a real pain aren’t they?

It was great in my early teens as there were loads of young Navy boys at our church and in the youth club.

It has been a pleasant day here. Some sun late afternoon otherwise cloudy. Temp around 20/21 warm but not too hot. I sat out on the patio with a glass of wine at 8pm and it was lovely.

Evening all,

Phew it's been hot here ,we sat out this morning and it was lovely under the gazebo I the shade so nothing done today except a few more poppies glad you all liked them.

Mel do you think you might be a bit dehydrated or your suger levels might be low , you spend a long while out in the garden ,I know you haven't been out there today but dehydration can creep up on you , the ambulance woman that came when I was poorly said at least two litres a day and more when it's warmer weather , its so easy to keep going and not realise the time you've been out , hope your feeling better now .

Oh no Vera I'm glad I'm not the only one who does things like that ,I've found peas in the fridge instead of the freezer .
Our neighbour gave me some lovely Rhubarb yesterday so I chopped it up and put it in a couple of bags in the freezer it will make a couple of Rhubarb crumbles .

Ann what is it with all these drivers that keep going over your drive and borders they seem to be drawn to them like a magnet ,that's something that would annoy me .
You would think your neighbour would rest up a while if she had a funny turn and their not sure what's wrong ,don't think I'd want to be going away .

Got my appointment for my ultra sound tomorrow, hope it's not to hot a day .

Phew it is hot. Computer is saying it is 23 degrees and feels like 27 but it feels more like 37 to me. I've just had a shower and put all clean clothes on and already feel like I need to shower again.

This morning I changed my bedding and put a lightweight duvet on the bed but I suspect I might be chucking that off tonight. I also made a couple of lemon cheesecakes but they don't seem quite as good as my usual efforts. We had a piece each as a dessert with our dinner and we'll have another piece instead of a cake later and the rest is in the freezer.

I cooked a Sunday dinner but made it a bit lighter than usual. I did chicken breast and OH sliced it thinly and I put potatoes and steamed veg with it. There was a bit of chicken left and I also have a couple of slices of ham in the fridge so I'll put them together with some salad and that's tomorrow's dinner sorted.

I had a real senior moment on Friday. I got a pack of peas and a pack of sweetcorn from the bottom drawer of the freezer, took out what I wanted and put the packets back. Today I went to get some veg from the bottom drawer of the fridge and there were the peas and sweetcorn. After 2 days out of the freezer they had gone soggy and mushy and went straight in the bin. I'm sure I am going doolally in my old age as I'm doing these stupid things more and more often lately.

I like a man in uniform or a suit too. These days OH's suits only make an appearance at weddings and funerals but he does look smart in them. When I first met him he had a couple of italian styled suits, narrow trousers, short jackets, narrow ties. My Dad hated them and thought OH was some sort of teddy boy. We were introduced on 18th December 1960 by a mutual friend at her house, all very proper. I didn't like him that much at first but he belonged to a jazz club I wanted to go to but didn't want to go on my own so when he asked me for a date and suggested the jazz club I jumped at the chance. The rest, as they say, is history. I must ask him if he remembers when we met. I bet he won't even remember what time of year it was, let alone the date.

OH has got the hose out and is watering the garden and will probably be ready for a sarnie and cuppa when he comes in so I had better go and get that ready. Stay cool and sleep well tonight everyone.

Not dne a thing today except do lunch and then my ankle was swollen so I threw my self on the bed and have just woken up. Don't feel right somehow. A bit shakey and energyless.

Afternoon All,

It seems a little cooler and the sun has gone in now since earlier. Washed a duvet cover, turning it inside out to stop fading and did all the press studs up thinking things wouldn't find their ways inside it in the wash, but no, the studs managed to come undone so that didn't work!

I must admit I like to see a man in uniform or in a suit AnnG, so I would have liked seeing the smart servicemen at that time. I remember there were still a few local teddy boys around when I was in my teens. These dates do stick in your head as you say. I remember when I met my first OH he was wearing ice blue drainpipe jeans, a white polo neck t shirt and brown cordurouy jacket and winklepicker shoes.

When we went out yesterday an ambulance had pulled up diagonally oposite a neighbours. OH was standing by our car while I locked the front door and was really annoyed as the old chap at the asian house at the bottom was driving his huge 4 wheel drive all over the rock border edging on our front garden to drive past the ambulance. As if he couldn't wait or ask the ambulance driver to reverse a little way further back where it widens out at what used to be the end of the close. The ambulance was driving away by the time we got home. OH was in the garden this morning and overheard the neighbour saying his wife had had a funny turn and was having tests. They are still going to France for 5 days tomorrow though.

The food drop will be here soon, 5 subs this time and 3 can go back!

Afternoon all,

Its cloudy and theres not a breath of wind and it one of those very quiet days 18 degrees but feels warmer.

Got up late after the first visit to the loo at 6.13am then slept till 9.40am.

Had a bid on ebay for something and then it was retracted. Never had that before. Also had an offer on something else which I accepted so I have that to do up.

Had a walk round the garden and so much needs to be done theres brimbles everywhere. My Iris Rose Queen in flowering in the pond this year and one I have in a pot also has two flowers on it. I am so pleased its a beautiful pink colour.

Good morning all. woke at 0545 and couldn't get comfortable, my leg had stiffened while I was asleep, so I decided I am better up. already at 0630 12 degrees and sunny. Not a lot to do today. Wish I could sleep later as it does make it such a long morning if nothing is planned. I do have a few plants from yesterday to put in but other than the always there weeding not a lot to do in the garden.

68 years ago today I started going out with T. (1956). Strange how easy it is to remember those days so clearly. He was almost 18, a RN apprentice, very smart in his uniform. In those days, where I lived, many of the lads were in uniform. the remainder were young 'teddy boys'. with draped jackets and longish slicked back hair.

Its purple cream and white they have asked us not to wear as I had another look on the invite.

I hav'nt eaten yet since lunchtime so I think I better get something. Did'nt get the windows cleaned onthe shed but there's always tomorrow........just want a sit now and watch a bit of telly on iplayer. I have been watching Monarch of the glen again as its years since that was on the telly.

I have taken 22 strawberries off the barrow and put them in the shed. The shelf in there is chocablock now and they are even onthe windowsill. I got so hot I had to come in for a drink. There still some to do but I bet whatever was eating them will have the rest tonight. I need to clean the windows of the shed now as they are a bit green and I need more light in there now.

Meant to say BIL turned up a while ago out of the blue bring more petrol for the mower. While he was here he got the top filter thing out and cleaned it as I can't reach that or even if I could I can't get my fingers round to get it out. Then I aszked him to get the chickens food out of the car which he did and put it in the bins for me and then two bags of potting compost taken down my shed and the potting get put in my bin in there so I don't have to fight with any of that.

The something has been in the strawberries again so I am going down there now to put the ones with berries on in my shed.

Yes, I think we all agree about the poppies. They are great.

It is difficult to know what to wear to weddings these days. So much depends on where it is being held, how formal the bride and groom want it to be, what sort of reception there will be etc. Once upon a time the mothers of the bride and groom had something new to wear and all the guests came in their Sunday best but I think the suggestion of nice trousers with a pretty top will fit the bill Mel. You must send us a picture of you in your wedding outfit.

The weather is very “heavy” today. It’s around 22 degrees so quite hot but it’s dull and muggy and we have had 2 or 3 heavy downpours. I faffed about this morning but didn’t seem to achieve very much. This afternoon I’ve had a go at sorting out a cupboard under the eaves in the study. It’s quite big and goes back a way but is only as high as the point where the roof slopes. You have to crawl backwards and forwards to get at the junk in there so my back is aching and I feel exhausted now. I feel satisfied though as it’s another job done. We now have a bit more room in the cupboard, more stuff for the charity shop and a lot of stuff for recycling. For some reason we kept lots of boxes from tiny to large size thinking they would be useful some time. Well, I have been quite ruthless and just kept a couple of particularly nice ones. All the rest are flattened and put out for recycling.

The show last night was very good. You know how there’s always a bit of controversy over who really wrote Shakespeare’s plays. In this Anne Hathaway, speaking after Shakespeare’s funeral, claimed she wrote them. It was both beautifully written and acted but there was only a tiny audience. The theatre is small and only seats about 150 but I doubt if there were more than about 30 people there. They were an appreciative audience though and clapped long and loudly at the end.

I think I might have a quick wander round the garden and do a bit of deadheading before we have another downpour and then it will be time to sort out tonight’s dinner. I hope it’s not too hot overnight and we all get some sleep.

Don't complain about free grapes. Its nice when you get soemthing not expected and you don't have to pay for them.

What a nuisance the appointment coming when you were in Northumberland.

Tesco was here at 3.15 (for 4-5 order!). No problem with that as I was here.
But I wonder where the punnet of seedless grapes came from. Just checked the confirmation list no grapes mentioned and nothing missing. I fact a pack of mini magnum ice creams that they had said was unavailable and would be removed, was not removed and was available. So free grapes but how odd.

Yes the poppies are lovely. Well done Mandy.

I was taken to the local garden centre this morning by Cynth so was able to buy some replacements for the gaps where things have failed.

I thought I said Mel, at the beginning of the week I emailed the booking office who assured me that I am on the list and that I am waiting for three appointment. 1) a telephone consultation!!!! 2) the op appoitment and 3) a post op appointment with the consultant. But the booking office don't handle appointments for ENT, they have their own booking office. I am assured that all is ok but I do now have the email address of ENT. I will give them another week and if not heard then will see what they have to say. I can see what the problem is, unlike those with their own transport I need an appointment in Glos royal not any of the other hospitals scattered from here to royal Wootton Bassett. Also I guess that being ENT most of the appointments could be cancer related (More than mine is) and therefore more urgent. And I bet 'my' consultant only works one or at the most 2 days a week with NHS. So more patients to fit into fewer days. I do recall him saying it was not urgent.
to be fair they have come up with 3 appointments over the two months, one in the wrong hospital and two when I had told them I was in Northumberland. An annoying thing is, they had an appointment for me, which I didn't know about, on 11 June but cancelled it before contacting me to 'bring it forward' to??? you've guessed it, a date when I was in Northumberland.

Hav'nt you heard anything more about your appointment Ann. I would get in touch with the hospital again if I were you.

I have decided on trousers and a pretty top if I can find one I like and its in my size. Trouble is I have a big tum and bust so can't buy a trouser suit cos I only take a 12 or 14 in trousers. I think I shall have to go to Barnstaple and have a look around. As you all say I want something I can wear afterwards or its money wasted.

Been doing the big pond and now I am going to have some fish cakes for lunch.

I did reply to Mandy's email but ar'nt the poppies great.