General Chat

Hi all

I just wanted to say thank you for all the concern you have shown for my brother. It’s been very supportive and a comfort to me.

He is my only sibling and my “baby” brother, being six years younger than me and we are close so I have been on edge all day. His partner has been texting me. First one at 8 am to say consultant had done a final examination and was happy for the operation to go ahead. Then at 2 pm I heard that he had been taken down to theatre, at 7 I was told “no news yet”, at 10 pm I heard that surgery finished at 9.15 and partner could see him at around 10.30. I have just heard that he has been seen and all is OK so far.

I feel shattered with the anxiety so goodness only knows how his partner feels. Coming after a difficult day yesterday, it’s all been a bit much so I am now going to get a drink and go to bed.

Morning all,

Clouds today out there just grey all over so I am pleased that I did what I did in the garden yesterday.

Not taking the eggs this morning but this afternoon as Little George has rugby and its a match further away so they will be out this morning.

Still need to go to the shop for th epaper though. I may go in the shed and clean up the three rings I was given back. Mainly the church advent crown as I make that on the same frame every year but just remoss it. Then when they are out of the way I can sow some seeds. Oh's sister sent me a packet of different types of seeds for my birthday so I need to sow those. We will see if the deer eat these plants. I think they will probably eat the sunflowers but I may be lucky with some of the others.

Vera You were late last night. I am pleased the op went well for your little brother and now your minds at rest. Is he in a hospital near you so you could visit? I wish him a speedy recovery and best wishes.

Morning all

I'm so pleased everything went well for your brother Vera and hope you had a good nights sleep. We all support each other on here so if you ever need to talk you know where we all are. You can also PM if you prefer it not to go on a public thread. I wish your brother a speedy recovery <3 and hope you are a bit calmer today knowing the op went well.

How lovely to find Robbie's nest Mel. It'll be nice to keep an eye on it, from a distance of course. You were really busy yesterday, hope you're not to achy today. I've planted up the four tomato plants into bigger pots this morning, so they're in the greenhouse now, we bought some tall canes yesterday so I've put some in the climbing bluebells as they needed supporting and I've topped the stones up around the base of the Camellia, not as much work as you Mel, but my mouth is a bit sore and I didn't want to get the dust in it, so that's all I'm doing outside for today. The Qualifying for the F1 is on this afternoon so I'll be watching that and sorting out Sandra's zip on her coat. I started taking it out last night but it's been sewn in underneath a press stud so not to easy to get out, not sure how I'm going to put the new one in around it though, might have to fold it a bit, but I'm sure I'll sort it out for her, then I'll make a start on her cushion covers.

Yes Anne, both the mum's were pleased to see us, unfortunately with having to go the dentist I didn't spend as much time as I would of like with my mum, but she only lives around the corner so it's easier to see her than MIL who lives about half an hour away. They both loved the cards Sandra made, she made ones for us to give to our mum's, as well as cards from her, using the card making things we bought her for Christmas. Pleased to see Ruby had a clean bill of health from the Vet.

As soon as Sandra had finished her dinner Ann she started on her new colouring books, I bought her another unicorn one as she'd finished the one we bought her for Christmas and we also bought her butterfly and flower colouring books which have the picture on one side and the bit you colour on the other so she knows what colours to use. No it wasn't very nice when the abscess burst but we were only a few minutes away from MIL's, I didn't think I had any tissues on me, but realised later that I had some in my handbag, luckily like I said it wasn't to far to go before I could rinse my mouth and sort myself out. Although it's not very pleasant as it keep happening, I'm assuming it'll help clear it quicker so at the moment I'm just rinsing my mouth when needed and drinking plenty so take the taste away. Hopefully it won't go on for much longer.

I rinsed my mouth with salt water last night Mel, but it made me sick I think I may of put a bit to much salt in the cup, so next time I won't put as much in. I had another early night last night as I wasn't feeling very well and to top it all off I stubbed my toe on the bed the other day when I was changing the bedding and with all the walking yesterday my ankle is sore today. I said to OH I hope I've now had all my illness for the year in one go and I'm okay for the rest of the year. I seem to have had one thing after another lately and to say I'm fed up of it all is an understatement now.

The workmen and the boss are next door along with the new owner and we heard shouting then the owner stormed off in his car, so we're not sure what's going on. We were in the garden, so quickly came in and left them to it. Sandra's just got up saying next door woke her up with their drilling, she's not a happy bunny right now.

Missed your post there Mel, I hope the deer leaves your flowers alone. How are you feeling today, not to achy I hope? Looking forward to seeing a pic of Robbie's nest.

Good morning all

Sunny again with not a cloud in the sky at the moment.

So pleased to hear the your "Baby" brother's results from his operation went well Vera, Like you I have only one sibling a brother who's 7 years younger than me, he lives just south of Edinburgh so don't get to see him very often but we do keep in touch. Peter was one of six all married with a least two children who now have their own families so a very large group and lots of birthdays to remember.

Gill I hope your tooth feels a lot better now. It sounds like Sandra's cards were a big success with both her grandmas bless her, it must give her a lot of pleasure making them.

I hope the deer don't eat all your flowers that you have sewn Mel, it sounds that you will have quite a busy day again.

Don't forget to put the clocks forward tonight everyone.

Good morning you BRIGHT EYES, and the rest of you lol lol

What a great nights sleep I had. I was lucky enough that Ros. treated me to a bottle of Red yesterday, for being a "good boy" and getting lots of things done. So I had a couple of glass's of that during the evening.I sat after dinner ploughing through the SOAPS. At 8.30 Midsummer came on. I watched that for an hour and turned in.

Mel. we have clear sky's and sunshine, so you might get it later. You have certainly been busy in your garden, I hate to think, how we would manage that size. Mine is the longest in the close. It's a bit difficult to explain. The road that our close comes off of has bungalows backing onto the side of our garden. Tony next door has a very small garden as do the pair of bungalows by the corner of the close. Mine goes down the side of FIVE bungalows gardens. That's why we have such a long garden. We had it all fenced off, when we moved in 20 years ago, so it"s very private, and a sun trap in the afternoon.

Jan is at Kerry's and has taken Alexander swimming. When Jan rang Ros to arrange to meet at Beckwith Emporium at 1.00 pm. Alexander CALLED OUT. ROS AND FRANK ARE MY FRIENDS. Bless him. He is only three years old.

.I got it all wrong yesterday I miss read 17.30 pm for 12.30 pm It's Man.City who play at 12.30 at Fulham, and West ham at 17.30 pm against Everton.

Glad the operation was successful . How long will he need to be in hospital. ??

I have no intention of working today, so as I got out of bed 7.30 I went straight in the shower, and got dressed.

Conrad sent more photo's of the dog last night. She is a right old "LICKER" she won't leave him alone, I said that's her way of showing HER LOVE for you, and taking her in.

So "HANDBAGS" at dawn next door Gill. The new owner must have seen something that has upset him. I wonder what all this is costing, and wonder if it had been better done, while they lived there and could keep an EYE on things as they progressed.
Glad you were able to see both your Mother and MIL yesterday, and how nice Sandra making the cards.

I expect we will have a delivery from Spain for Ros. Other than that, Jan will treat Ros to a mothers day present when she meets Ros later.

I will have to walk to and from the club at lunchtime, as I won't have a lift home. So will not be tempted to have an extra pint.

Enjoy your day GIRLS. See you later xxxx

The postman has just delivered a large box from Conrad. He had been in touch with Florists in the U.K and had beautiful ROSES sent, in a glass vase. She has put the salt stuff in the vase and changes the water. They now in Pride of place, on the fireplace.

Eos, has had a thick wad of exercise instructions, from the Hospital, this morning. I can't see her doing those. PLUS they want her to join an exercise class. With her Sciatica it will be impossible. I think it's just the case of, doing a bit when she feels able. With the amount of gardening she does, I think she gets enough exercise. ;-) ;-) ;-)

When I get back from the Club, I will sit and read my book. I have tried this morning but with the T.V on (James Martin) I just can't concentrate. I need everywhere quiet.

Have no Idea what time Ros will get back, as Jan is taking Kerry and Alexander with her to meet Ros. and from what Conrad said on his Mothers day card. Ros is in for treats from Jan this afternoon, so it's possible she won't want a takeaway tonight. If thats the case I will find myself something in the fridge/freezer. I WON'T GO HUNGRY ;-) ;-) ;-)

Well I am going to have a nice slow walk up to the club for the 12.30 pm KICK OFF.
See you later.

Afternoon All,

More of the yellow stuff today and OH has just set off to a match in Bedfordshire about 75 miles away so I may go out with my camera next as it is ideal for photography.

That's good news that all is going well for your brother Vera. It was a long operation wasn't it. As you say, you couldn't relax at all till you knew he was ok. I hope he makes a good recovery.

Oh Gill, there always seems to be a barney where the boss is! I wonder what has upset the new neighbour unless it is all the delays? That was lovely of Sandra making cards for you all for your mums. Tell her I have kept all the ones she has made for me!! :-D I thought she would be keen to start colouring the pictures in the nice colouring books you got for her! lol. I hope the nasty taste in your mouth soon goes, but I hope you didn't swallow the salt water rinse and just spit it out as salt water will make you sick if you swallow it. The dentist told me that salt water is as good as anything for killing off any bacteria so I tend to use that as a mouthwash now. I hope you manage to replace Sandra's zip without too much trouble. They are fiddly to do though.

Frank I don't know how you and Ros manage your garden let a alone Mel with her huge plot! I was wondering where you were finding space for planting all those seeds......now I know! I wonder sometimes how I would manage our small plot if I was on my own. My previous house in my avatar had quite a big garden, over 55 feet wide and I could never keep that in as good order as I would like when I lived there and I did the majority of the gardening. I have some photos somewhere and will see if I can dig some out.

I'd better get going now. OH is not happy about Mother's Day tomorrow as there will be nowhere for lunch that isn't packed. I think it may be lamb or pork chops at home instead!

Afternoon Everyone
Vera I am glad the op went well for your Brother and I hope that he has a good recovery and will be back home again soon. What a worrying time you had yesterday just waiting to hear from his Partner.He was late on the op list too which could not have been nice with having to wait all day. I hope today you will be able to relax and enjoy this fine weather.

Oh Gill having the abscess burst on the way to the Mums must have been pretty yucky for you.But it is good it did.Lets hope this second lot of antibiotics will do the trick now.That was one nasty abscess :-S.
So a bit of a squabble next door this morning :-S. I expect the new owner must be getting so frustrated now and also havign to deal with that horrible boss.At least it didnt develop into fisty cuffs.

I wonder if there might be any eggs in the nest Mel.Or is it a bit early yet?It is nice that the nest is in a good place now for you to be able to take pics :-D

Frank,I bet Beckworth Emporium will be absolutely heaving today with people buying flowers/plants and gifts for Mothers Day.I think if it was me I would have given it a miss . It was bad enough at Tesco.The amount of bouquets and plants was crazy and all I could smell were blooming Lillies :-S :-S I cannot stand the smell. The queues for Wicksteed Park . Barton Rd was totally chockablock with traffic.I bet there weill be lots of BBQs and Picnics there today.

I think tomorrow we must give ourselves plenty of time to drive to Cambridge as I think the roads will be busy then too with it being Mothers Day. We will meet H&G at 1pm at The Punter pub where are meal is booked..

Ann,I always think it such a shame so many Churches lock the doors these days.Back in the day you would have been able to go into any Church. I love going into an empty Church and just sitting in the quiet for a while .There is something special I think doing that .I am not religious at all but there is just something.As you said maybe just thinking of people hundreds of years ago who would have attend services every Sunday and maybe had to walk a long way to get there too.
I was reading something the other day about Corpse Rds. It would have been tracks possibly over fields /moorland etc where a body would have been transported along to the Church for burial.On the back of a cart maybe.I had never heard of Corpse Rds.

Time for a spot of lunch now and a sit on the patio .It is lovely out there .

You reminded me of when OH and I went to Bristol Ann, it's where his ancestors lived and we went to St. Mary's Redcliffe church. I remember standing at the beginning of the aisle thinking this is where his family walked when they were marrying or a christening or funeral took place, it's such a lovely church. It wasn't until we came home and I did more research that we learnt his ancestors had lived in a street to the side of the church and we had parked at the beginning of it. If we'd known we would of taken a look at their house. Maybe one day we'll return and have a look.
No, I didn't swallow the salt water, but think I just put to much salt in the cup which made me sick, next time I'll put less in. I told Sandra you have kept all the cards she has made for you, you should of seen the big smile on her face.

The owner came back Jane and I noticed him chatting in the front garden with the boss, they were calm with each other so they must of kissed and made up lol :-D The skip is full now, we were told it's the last skip so maybe they have finished all the ripping out now, they've put the bench in the skip to, the one someone dumped there weeks ago. I've got a feeling the new owners might sell the property as both of them mentioned to OH they don't want to live there anymore and he also mentioned to OH that his old house is back on the market, so maybe if they sell quickly they may move back there. Good idea to give yourselves plenty of time to reach Cambridge, you're probably right with it being Mother's Day the roads will probably be busy.

How lovely Frank to have some photo's of Conrad's new addition to the family, the little dog sounds very friendly. Your garden sounds very big, I can see Ros having lots of exercise in the garden. It might be a good idea though to do the exercises she's been given if she can managed them, as they will be designed especially for her condition. Have a nice time at the club. We've got some lovely sunshine at the moment, so OH is watering the gardens, we've had no rain to speak of lately so all the plants need a good drink.

It's a good job you mentioned the clock being altered tonight Anne, I had it stuck in my head it was tomorrow night, probably because it's suppose to be done in the early hours of the morning. Mind you all week I've been getting the days wrong :-S :-S My tooth is starting to feel a lot better now thanks, I think the second lot of antibiotics are working a bit quicker than the last lot I had because the abscess was almost gone anyway. At least I'm not having nastiness in my mouth now, that seems to have stopped, which is better. Yes, Sandra loves making cards, she's made them for years, although she was telling me yesterday that she is running out of the actual card, so I'll have to buy her some more next time we're at "The Range"

She's just finished her first picture in her colouring book and noticed the next one is the same as the cover, so she's going to copy the colours. She's looking forward to having the famous five books for her birthday to. The felts and colouring books were to go with her birthday presents but we let her have them early, which she thought was brilliant, she said it's like having two birthdays......bless her.

The workmen have just left, so hopefully it'll be nice and quiet this afternoon while OH and I watch the F1. I've pinned the new zip in Sandra's coat so will sew that in place now, then make a start on her cushion covers if I have time. I'm having to put her zip in by hand as my ankle is playing me up again after knocking it the other day and all the walking I did yesterday. I don't mind doing it by hand, I can sew it while I watch TV.

I have spent the last 2 weeks trying to sort out a day and time for a new group to meet with U3A. We are trying to start a gardening interest group, however, most of the people who are interested are involved with other groups. You would think that with up to 31 days in a month, although we exclude weekends, and all days having am and pm there would be a few days to choose between. I think I am down to the second or third Thursday pm or the second or third Fridays pm. 18 of us so not easy. Hopefully I should reach a conclusion this weekend.

We drove to Dunelm in the fog this morning as I wanted a new non slip bath mat. We got the bath mat and then spent ages in Sainsbury's, Dunelm, Homebase and the Range looking for bulbs for our old style spot fitting in the kitchen. Ended up in a B&Q in Cheltenham and finally found them and two cost £12. anyway they fit so that is ok. Had a look at hanging baskets as our plastic ones are looking a bit tatty. OH wonders about painting them but I am not sure, will have to experiment.

The fog cleared at about 11am. Lovely sunny day now

gill you are industrious putting in a new zip by hand. I used to do all that, put in zips, make clothes for me and the children when young. These days if a zip goes so does the garment I'm afraid.

Jane there is a coffin road that I have walked along. It runs from Dove cottage in Grasmere (Lake District) to Rydal house one of the homes of william wordsworth.

Vera, I am pleased that the op is over for your brother, that was a long worrying day for you. I hope he is starting to get over the op now.

Annx did you get any good photos?

Frank, hope you enjoyed the walk and the match and hope Ros was suitable treated.

Gill. I love colouring too just like Sandra :-D. I always feel a bit daft saying I like colouring lol . But I have some lovely books.I find it very relaxing.I have always enjoyed colouring and years ago used to buy those big posters to colour.I like to use real brush pens. James bought me more for Xmas as some of my old ones were dried out(from use) .

Frank,I bet Ros is thrilled with her Roses from Conrad.. What kind of dog is Conrads new pal? I think you said it was a Heinz 57 but I just wondered if you can see if he is part Lab/Collie/ Corgi etc. I think the best dogs are Heinz57. I can never understand my Sister paying a shed load of money for a dog when there are so many dogs in shelters needing homes.( I keep my thought to myself on that one)

Gill you only need a tiny amount of salt in water to swill. Even just a good pinch would be fine.
Fancy parking in the same road as where OH's ancestors lived and not knowing.You may well have seen the house without realising. I have never been to a graves of any of my ancestors. I think some of Mums family are buried at Hartland (not too far from Mel)

Done some ironing this afternoon and am now watching a recorded couple of Rich Kids go Skint. I think this is such a good programme and it always makes me cry.Soppy old Date.
Chris has just watered the garden as everthing is just boen dry. He has planted Peas today.
I do need to iron one more thing and that is a top I want to wear tomorrow . I will do that in a minute. Easy dinner as it is just Beef Stog again . I have Lloyd Grossman Strog sauce which is cheating I know but it is delicious . I will just add mushrooms and cook rice and have soem mixed veg.
It will be nice not to have to cook tomorrow.I do get so fed up sometimes trying to think what to cook for every meal.I think we probably all feel like that .

Ooooh I have just had something arrive for me.................Its a Bouquet from Hannah and James!! Must get a vase .

The sun did come out after I posted this morning.

I did some gardening this morning and we had a quick lunch of just scotch eggs and soup and we were back outside again. I was just into sorting some plants out when oh asked me to come and pick the stones off the old chicken run he had dug. So we did that together and then I just got back to my plants again and tipped out some strawberry plant which had goat willow growing in them and he said it was time to go to Em's next door. Poor Val (Em's Mum) had been moving bullocks as her son and DIL were at a funeral. Phil her hubby was in the field and Val by the gate when the bullocks suddenly charged at the gate knocking it into Val in the face then the gate knnocked her backwards and she hit the back of her head on the concrete. When I saw Phil today he said she bouned off the concrete. She's a bit younger than me. The gate swung back from where she was opening it so stopped the bullocks coming through. They could have trampled her otherwise. She has a classic black eye in a complete circle around her eye.

I had to go to Em's to sign something for her. Thought it won't take long. I had to sign 8 times signature name and address. It was like writing lines at school.

Gill I still have the cards that Sandra made me too. To nice to throw away and mean so much more being handmade by her.

Hallo all

Once again, thank you for your kind thoughts for Bruv. The operation took so long because there were complications. He was still in recovery this morning but they were hoping to move him to a ward this afternoon. Everyone moans about the NHS but I have been so impressed over the way my brother has been treated over the last couple of years. He has had four ops in three different hospitals depending where the relevant specialist is but they all talk to each other and co-ordinate his treatment. This time he is in London and not in a particularly easy place for us to get to. We have been warned not to drive as parking is horrendous and very expensive. We will go by train but there are a few changes and it takes quite a while. I’d like to go tomorrow but weekends are even worse because of the engineering work on Crossrail. At weekends you end up with having to do part of the route by bus and it takes forever. At the moment I am hoping we can visit on Monday.

While we are on all things medical, I am sorry that your doc’s appointment didn’t go as well as you wanted Mel and I hope your X-Rays turn out to be OK.

Ann, I hope you are not in much pain with your knees and glad Benenden have given you an appointment. We’re in Benenden as well but have never used it. The one time I should have done I forgot all about it and waited an extra 3 months for an NHS appointment after I had apparently slipped through their net.

Gill, sorry to hear your tooth has been playing up again but good that the antibiotics seem to be taking hold now. How strange that you parked right where OH’s ancestors lived, almost as though it was meant to be.

Frank, you and Ros do work hard in your garden. We had a big garden (half an acre) in our last house and we loved it but we always seemed to be working in it. We have a small garden now and that seems to keep us busy. I have something in common with you. We also live in a small close and share borders with 5 other gardens and we are responsible for all the fencing. When we wanted to change it last year we had to go for something that wouldn’t look out of place in the other 5 gardens.

Mel, you sound as though your plot is enormous. It must have been fun finding Robbis’s nest. I found half a bird’s egg shell outside today but I think it is from a wood pigeon and I don’t want.anymore of those around, thank you.

AnnG, I hope your U3A group gets off the ground. It’s so difficult trying to organise something for a group of people. Interesting what you and Jane said about Corpse Road/Coffin Road. A village where we lived many years ago had a Plague Road and I always understood it was the route deceased plague victims were taken to keep them out of the village on their way to burial. Don’t know if that was true though. I have a distant rellie, just a side branch, called the Reverend Pyne-Coffin. You couldn’t make it up.

Nice that several of you are getting Mother’s Day flowers. Supermarket was heaving today and everyone was wandering around with a bunch of flowers. Apart from when the kids were little we have never made much of Mother’s Day as I think it’s an American commercial import and a long way from the original Mothering Sunday. My two do usually ring on the day and have a chat.

It’s our wedding anniversary today and we both forgot until I had a text from brother’s partner at the hospital wishing us happy anniversary. I was very touched.

If any of you would like to do so, please pm me with birthdays and addresses. Gill, please include Sandra’s too. I enjoy sending cards though in my case they will be shop bought ones. I am not a craft person! I know a week or two back a couple of you asked for my details. I didn’t do it straightaway and now I have forgotten who asked me. If it was you please let me know and I will pm them to you.

You have probably got a headache by now if you’ve managed to plough through all this. Hope you all have a good night tonight.

Happy Anniversary Vera <3 <3
Can't add more right now as I am on kitchen duty and need to go and stir .

Happy anniversary Vera :-)

Thank you Ann and Jane x

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY VERA <3 <3

Thank you Anne x

Just a quick look in as we have Katie here .

Happy Anniversary Vera <3

Will read all the posts tomorrow .