General Chat

We sat out in the sun this afternoon but the wind picked up a bit so we came in .

Frank we do love having the children but find it very tiring ,they just love coming and we find all sorts of things to do ,Chelsea has some knitting on the go ,i think it's going to be a scarf ,might be a Sunday one ....very holey LOL might just be ready for next winter bless her ,they also like baking cakes ,doing jig saws and playing with Max so they have plenty of fun.
It won't be to long before they won't want to come as they'll be out with their friends .
That's lovey Conrad has taken in the little dog i bet she will be by his side all the time , he has a friend for life now.

Vera our son DIL and family only live about ten minutes away ,we live one side of town and they live the other ,your right about them growing up fast ,Jake is the oldest he's fourteen in May Chelsea is eleven ,Katie is nine ,Lacey is six and Lewis four .

Colin is going to make a run for the childrens rabbits ,we always laugh when he makes things as he always makes things so sturdy which i know you want but he does tend to go just that bit to big LOL

Beef was lovely and tender ,there was plenty of roasties and veg which i love , Colin had a mini cheesecake and i had a little chocolate trifle for pud so now we are both full to the brim .

Afternoon All,

How awful there was a fire in the bungalow the new neighbours have bought Gill. No wonder Sandra is a bit twitchy now. If the bungalow was where the old lady lived, maybe a few neighbours had a key? It does sound deliberate as breakins into newly renovated property are usually to steal the new fittings not start a fire. What time did the other neighbour notice the flames? Was it dark by then? It seems it wasn't left unlocked, as whoever did it, locked the place up behind him after setting light to it, otherwise the neighbour who spotted the flames could have got in. It's really lucky the neighbour was at home to hear the smoke alarm otherwise it would have been much worse. I can't understand the workmen fitting a bathroom onto a floor in such bad condition it needs replacing and to not mention it before making a start! I think if I was the buyers I would be having second thoughts about it too. What a nightmare for them.

That's good the hens have laid you an egg Mel.......they obviously know a good nest box when they see one! How often do you worm them? I can't remember mum worming hers, but it could have been done when I was at school.

Jane, the whole costume Janice has made is superb! Especially as she has done it for someone else's child. I love the fur tuft on the tail.......very realistic. I think they will be thrilled. Larry looks like he is auditioning for the front part of a pantomime horse! :-)

We are still bemoaning our soon to be loss of our Waitrose in the next village. It has been there over 40 years and I have used it since the beginning.

That's nice you will have a new doggie friend Frank. What name has Conrad given it? Will you have to speak to it in Spanish? :-D

Anne I was very lucky to spot my old house in the 'Open Gardens' event last year and got a chance to go and see it. They were so pleased to see me and I got a tour of the house to see the changes they had made as well as the garden, which I set out many years before. I liked some of what they had done, which was what I planned to do if I'd stayed but OH much preferred the old garden.

AnnG i keep meaning to say what lovely photo's you took in the gardens at Hidcote ,the sea looked very choppy at Stokes Bay although it looks like it didn't put the wind surfer off .

The property is a semi Frank, so the neighbour on the other side was lucky to as it could of spread had the whole place caught fire. Like you said Ann the place was locked as the new neighbour had to open the door to let the firemen in. Kevin was telling OH that his old place is back on the market and that he regretted buying next door, so now we're wondering if they did it themselves. It's hard to imagine the police not taking it any further and a bit worrying as they may come back and next time the neighbours may not be as lucky.

We've all been asleep this afternoon as none of us slept very well last night. I've only just woken up but now have a migraine, I sometimes get one when I'm stressed or have to much sleep, so I've taken a painkiller and I'm going to shut my computer down for the evening.

I haven't read any posts just skimmed through the bits you said to me, so I'll catch up properly tomorrow. I hope everyone is okay. See you all tomorrow.
Night Night

If the Police have asked down the road, maybe someone will remember seeing something Gill. I expect all this and the lack of sleep has caused your migraine Gill so an early night will do you good.

Thomas pic has arrived now! I wonder if the attraction is the smell of the birds who have been bathing in it?

I thought about your hubby today AnnG. We saw lots of golfers out on the greens when we went out. It's been a lovely day for it!

AnninG your photos are lovely. What a great time you must have had and Luke really did like his jacket. What lovely children too.

You need a good nights sleep after last night Gill. Hope the pain killers take the migrain away.

I was out in the garden most of the afternoon till it started to get dark. Oh said he was going in the shower so I stayed out incase I turned a tap on. I had another egg today so thats 3 in all today and much like I was getting before their move. They knocked their water over today and it all leaked out and it had the wormer in it so I made up a smaller amount and they all crowded around it so how long they had been without water I don't know. I have put it in the corner now so they should'nt knock it over again. Last day tomorrow then I can fill it up and it will be ok.

I am dying to do some more craft but can't think what I want to start next. I seem to be doing more housework and no craft. I don't seem tohave the time lately.

Mandy hows the unicorn doll coming along?

I only got one scratch on my thumb which bled like anything but I just carried on. Washing dried nicely today and I'm glad as it was the sheets and pillow cases and two large towels.

Morning all,

Was awake at 4.15 am. WHY does my body do this ?? Every morning I wake between 4.00 and 4.15 am. Went to the loo. and dosed until 6.30. Got up and made my TEA.

I have ordered Ros an orthopaedic gel cushion for her back. She is getting so much pain from it. With the surgeons saying they can't do anymore operations, It's a case of trying anything to help relieve the discomfort. I keep telling her to rest. But she will insist on doing HER GARDEN.

Another lovely morning here, don't know yet if it's chilly our there. I am hoping to rotate the Veg patch and try to put some seeds in. Eos has bought another two packs of canes for the runners. So they can go in situ. ready for when the plants have grown enough to be put in. I MIGHT attempt to put the glass in the greenhouse, as I don't know when one of the boys are available to do it. Jonathan is busy with his own garden at the moment. Harvey is still up to his neck with this bungalow conversion. So Someone has to do it. !!! ME !!!!

I see you are busy Mel, be careful of that Rose scratch. They can go septic. Keep it covered won't you ??


Have things settled down now Gill, I expect you were all tired after the episode with the fire, the police and firemen. Is there any news of who or how the fire started. The next door neighbours were lucky, that it was caught in time, before spreading to their property. It doesn't bare thinking about. :-( :-( :-(

I haven't had the photo of Thomas Jane, OUT OF SIGHT OUT OF MIND. !!!!

Morning Frank, morning all

Lovely and sunny here today, OH has gone to his mates, he hasn't seen him for a while and I think with everything that's been going on here he just wants a break.

The police aren't taking it any further Frank, not sure why though. There's no workmen there yet, I should imagine the insurance will want to take a look before they can do any work on the kitchen, but there is the bathrooms to do, so we're not sure when they're going to be done. How lovely that Conrad has a little dog you'll enjoy taking her for walks when you go over to visit. Can Ros help you with the greenhouse glass? I help OH when he needs to put some in and it's safer with two people. Sorry to hear her back is playing up, I hope the orthopedic gel cushion works. It's horrible when you have disturbed sleep, I hope you have a better nights sleep tonight. I had a good nights sleep last night OH had to wake me this morning to take my antibiotic I've only got three left to take and they are doing the trick, my gum is still a bit sore, probably from the lancing, but all the swelling has gone down now, so that's good and I can finally eat properly which is great. :-)

Love the photo of Thomas Jane, he's very fluffy isn't he? The costume your sister made is brilliant, she's very clever.

I hope you're feeling better now Vera and your headache has gone. We give each other birthday and Christmas cards and I was wondering if you'd like me to send some to you. If you'd like that I'd need your birthday and of course your address which you could PM me if you like. It's up to you, but it's nice to receive them. Sandra loves receiving cards off everyone on here, she doesn't have much post so gets all excited when they start arriving.
She already talking about her birthday and it's four weeks away yet.......bless her. :-D :-D

How lovely your girls are now in their new home Mel and giving you eggs to. Will this one be drier, as I know the old one used to get rain water in it? Have you seen any hedgehogs lately? We saw one the other night.

Love the pictures of your old houses Ann and Anne, how similar they look, I had to look twice at who's post I was reading, at first I thought it was one person till I looked closer and read the names properly.

So you've bought the eggs for the children's egg hunt Mandy, they're going to love that. I must check online when Easter is, all the dates this year seem to be different to past years, I noticed the clocks don't go back until the end of the month. I don't think it's ever been that late.

We saw an owl flying over the garden last night, because of what's happened next door we're keeping an eye out more. I was outside as it was going dark the other week and thought I'd saw an owl but it was so quick I wasn't sure, this time around both of us saw him. They are lovely birds aren't they?

Good morning Frank and Gill,
Morning all. Lovely morning here so I was up early and did a small hand wash, just to keep clear before the new machine comes. That is tomorrow, a bit of a 'nail biting' time as it is going to be only by luck that the new machine fits, if it doesn't we have to get a plumber in to shift the kitchen sink a fraction as the bowl is likely to be an obstruction. It is only millimetres, new measurements versus the old. OH is at golf hence the early rise.

I have also potted on 20 small basket plants which have joined the others in the conservatory. now sitting down with a coffee.

Frank it sounds like you could be having a busy morning in the garden, lovely to get out there after the winter weather.
I am sure that ros's back still hurts even when she is gardening, but like me with my sciatica and back, if she is doing something she loves she doesn't feel the pain so much. don't worry too much about her, I am sure she knows when she needs to rest, otherwise she just wants to feel 'normal'. She obviously loves her garden, and loves the fact that you appreciate it too.

Gill Easter is 19 April Good Friday

I don't have anybody's birthdays or addresses :-( :-( I am happy to send cards. Oh I forgot I do have yours Gill but not your birthday or Sandra's.

I think it is very bad that the police say they are doing nothing about who started the fire. I suppose they will quote shortage of police to deal with it. I think the insurance is going to be very difficult as it always is with an empty property, especially if the police are not showing an interest beyond giving it a crime number.

good that the antibiotics have worked anyway. And that you had a good night's sleep.

Vera pleased that the headache eventually cleared. I hope you have this lovely sunshine and can get out in the garden today to potter.

Jane, I think Thomas has made his way here, I have just seen a cat in the garden that is the image of him. (he is not supposed to be in our garden but often sneaks in to eye up the bird population.

Mel how many eggs so far today. As Frank says take care of that rose scratch.

Morning all,

Quite bright today but not as nice as yesterdayas there's more clouds in the sky. Oh is outside working on a stand with one of his saws on it. He has it on castors so he can wheel it in and out of his shed. I had to laugh and so did he as you cn hardly get in his shed so I don't know how he is going to wheel it in even!! There will have to be changes coming I can see.

Gill I'm pleased your mouth is slowly getting better after the nasty abcess. Yes I have seen hogs in the garden and have started to feed them. Last night I had one in the feeding ring and I had put dried food in ther and a bowl of water. When I turned the outside light on it ran from the ring to under the decking of the ponds a usual route. I did see one down at Prickly Bottom earlier in the ev en and have seen that one three times now. So they are out and about now.

I think the clocks go forward in Spring, Spring forwards is how I always remember it.

Oh has let the chickens out for me again this morning and they have food so I only have to change their water and they are done for the day untill its corn time this afternoon.

I said I only had one scratch from the rose bush yesterday. I did but I also have a tiny thorn in the knuckle of my little finger on my left hand which is swollen this morning and painful so I shall have to get a needle out and dig it out.

Thanks Ann. Iv'e had two eggs this morning all nice and clean. The suns out now and the sky has cleared a bit so lots of blue sky now and our neighbour who bought the field next to us has lit a bonfire of the trees he cut down so if the breeze is blowing the wrong way my washing will have to come in.

Mel, I hate bonfires lit in the morning, so thoughtless.
Thanks for your birthday and address, noted now although your birthday has gone!
Glad you have had eggs, shows they are happy in their new home.

I would have had 4 eggs but one had a soft shell and they broke it!! I am goi9ng to look for two more washing up bowls tomorrow and see if they fit in better than the ones I have in there. If anyone wants a small square washing up bowl I have 4 going spare if you would like to come and collect them!! Ha ha. :-D

I have been trying to get a photo of Robby feeding his wife and every time I go out without my camera I would have got smashing shots but when I do have my camera he flys off to feed her in the hazel tree or under the Christmas tree in the big pot.

I did get quite a good one trying to get the Long Tailed Tits the other day.

Yes Anning its gone and it was a big one too.


Sent it.

Silly me Mel, I meant to say the clocks go forward not back ;-) I'm pleased the hogs are back at yours we do love to hear about them. If you soak your hand in warm water it'll open the pours so it'll make it easier for you to get the thorn out. Don't forget to put some antiseptic cream on it and keep it clean for a few days, you don't want an infection, trust me they hurt. Yes, my tooth is a lot better so I shouldn't need anymore antibiotics, it's so nice not to be in pain anymore. More eggs, that's brilliant, they must be very happy in their new home and feel settled so that's good. Hope the smoke doesn't get on your washing, it's so annoying when they do that especially on nice days when it's obvious people will have their washing on the line. It happens here from time to time and normally when I've got the bedding out.

I'll PM you Sandra's and my birthday dates AnnG. Could I have yours then I can send you a card? OH and I don't think the insurance will pay out with there being no signs of a break in, if they do then I'll have my insurance with them lol. A load of workmen have just turned up along with the boss, so it looks like they're carrying on with the property. The owner was there this morning, so maybe the insurance have give them the go ahead to carry on with the work as the bathrooms still need doing. I think the drive is booked in to be done in a few weeks so the skip will need to be removed, I should imagine they'd want all the work finished inside by then if they have to get rid of the skip. I just wish they'd hurry up and finish it as it's becoming quiet stressful now.
Thanks for letting me know when it's Easter. We have two Easter eggs each. Tesco's were selling them for 75p, which we thought was a good price. We've all got a cream egg one, then there's a kitkat, an aero and a mars bar, we don't have treats very often, so we're looking forward to them.

I'm back in doors for a REST.

I have rotarvated the Vegetable patch and raked it all over, it's now ready for planting the seeds. I have also put up some chicken wire, on the fence, behind the shed, for the Blackberry to train along. All the glass that fits has been fitted. There is two pieces that I must have measured wrong. They were only going be replaced because the last time I fitted the glass, it was a few inches short. I've done exactly the same again. WHAT AM I LIKE !!!!

Ros always buys eggs for Jonathan's two boys. She sends money to either Jan or Jo. to buy Ella her egg, and I think likewise for Alexander. to Kerry and Mark.

We have our flights booked to go and see Conrad. 21st May to the 9th of June. so a bit longer than usual. We will leave our car at Harvey's and either him, Julia or Lewis will take and collects from Luton Airport, which is only a few miles from where they live. So no parking fees and fuffing about on the bus etc. We always have the Airport Assistance, with wheelchairs to the Plane, and the same at Murcia in Spain. It saves us a lot of walking, and are usually first on the plane.. We won't know what seats we will get until we book in. But will try to get close to the exit, so we can be assisted off the plane at the other end.Conrad will be waiting for us at the other end. We haven't seen his new Villa, we should have gone last Sept, but as you know Ros has a HEART ATTACH. Thank goodness she is feeling just fine now, so no worries.

Thomas is just like BIGGLES, he always drinks from the bird bath, at the bottom of the garden. There is always clean water in a bowl in the kitchen, but there must be something they like better in the birds water. ;-) ;-) ;-)

Absolute cracking day out there, I have been in a T shirt and Joggers, and haven't felt chilly at all. So it looks like SPRING HAS ARRIVED. Well I hope so. !!!

My goodness I didn't realise the time, I have the dinner to get ready for tonight, A MAN'S WORK IS NEVER DONE. lol lol

See you later,xxxx

Frank I see that you are flying to Murcia. Is that to the new airport now. Up until last year we flew to Murcia to stay in Alcazares but the new airport is too far for our friend ro collect us and the taxi is too expensive We were sad when they changed the airport.
You have been busy and got a lot done, well done, maybe that will help you to sleep tonight.

Thanks for the dates Gill. I have never had an Easter egg bought me by OH as he says that is for children not adults (his excuse!).

Frank you have been a busy bee today. Fancy making the same mistake with the last two panes of glass for the greenhouse.

AnninG he should spoil you this year and buy you one.

I have bought a large box of Black Magic (still my favorite even though not as good as they used to be) for myself for Easter and the same for oh. We both prefer dark choc. I hav'nt bought the boys next door Easter Eggs just presents as Sam the younger one dos'nt eat chocolate and if I give them eggs George eats both so thats a no no. sometimes I find mashmallow bunnies or chicks I give them but this year I have bought them Harry Potter pencil cases and a bag with the Griffindor badge on it. I don't see any of my grandchildren (5 at least) so the boys next door are my surrogate grandchildren. I love them to bits.

I have washed the shed windows this morning and the moss off the wood on the front and the window in the back of oh's workshop which he has had a good clearout of this morning. You can actually get in there now.

Washed up after lunch and hoovered the kitchen and dining area and a bit of the hall. Done two lots of washing and the suns still out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Time to corn the girls now.

Hallo everyone
A lovely day here, sunny and warm but very windy again. A good drying day for the washing so I did 3 loads and a bit of handwashing. All dried and put away now and only a few bits need ironing.

Frank, you have been very busy. I know it's not really funny but I had a little chuckle at you measuring the greenhouse glass and getting it wrong TWICE. It's the sort of stupid thing I would do.

It sounds as though you have also been pretty busy Mel. Where do you all get your energy from? Whatever you are on, I want some :-D. I love your bird photo. Long tailed tits are pretty little birds and very twittery (is that a word?). From time to time we get a small flock appearing in the garden, they're on and off the feeders for a short while and then they disappear again and we don't see them for ages.

You're not alone AnninGlos. My OH has never bought me an Easter Egg either. I do have to be very careful with chocolate as it can bring on a migraine but I'd settle for some other sweets or even a bunch of daffs. I don't think it would cross his mind.

Speaking of migraine, you said you had one a day or so ago Gill, I hope you are feeling much better now. Have you had a diagnosis of migraine? If you haven't and you think that's what you get, do go and talk to your doctor as there is good medication available on prescription. If you have been diagnosed and your doctor hasn't given you medication then go and ask for some. I have a beta blocker and a low dose aspirin to help prevent them and then triptans and a strong co-codamol to take if I do get one. My worst one put me in hospital for 5 days with stroke like symptoms and loss of memory, so if you get migraine please get help.

Jane, I did smile when you said there seemed to be a lack of shorter length trousers because for the last few weeks I have been saying the same about long trousers! I want a pair of brown trousers and a pair of something a bit brighter. I'm 5'8" and reasonably slim and if I can find my leg length at all it is invariably in black only :-| I eventually got a pair of size 12 long in M&S in Ipswich but I had to have dark grey which wasn't what I wanted at all. One day last week I decided to wear a skirt. I hated it. It was unlined so I had to find a slip, then I had to wear tights and I was uncomfortable all day.

I have just noticed the time so I'm off now to prepare something for tonight's meal. No idea yet what it will be but it will be based on the remains of yesterday's roast lamb.