General Chat

Good evening all

I have been feeling much better today so have been catching up with the housework, ironing etc. I must have had one of the bugs that have been doing the rounds plus my hay fever has been really bad this last couple of weeks. you could actually see the pollen coming off the silver birch .It's better today now it's been raining and turned colder.

I will see if I can catch up on the posts tomorrow but I have seen all the lovely photos on the e-mails

I'm glad your feeling better now Anne. Hopefully its all over now and you can get back to normal. Has Ruby been good lately? I hope she looked after you while you were off colour.

On our way to Dorset today. A grey but dry start to the day here.

Safe journey Ann.

Morning all,

Dull here and its been raining and still is that light stuff that gets everywhere. Don't think there's much in the way of wind but I hav'nt been out yet.

It was quite chilly yesterday evening and I had the heating on for a bit as I was so cold.

Good morning Ann and Mel, and to all my other FRIENDS,


Nice morning here apart from the cold breeze, Slept well last night and was in the garden by 9.00 am trimming round the lawn edges. Then out came thew mower. Front first then the back. I have just come in. I did have a few sit downs while I was out there, but now I feel completely whacked. !!!

Hope you enjoyed your stay in Devon Ann. Brixham is a place I could easerly live. such a lot seem to be going on there, and beautiful surroundings. Hope you enjoy your week in Dorset also.

Mel, It seems we left the drizzle behind us. It did rain for a while Wednesday evening, but I noticed this morning, that the garden is as hard as rock, so if we don't get any rain, I will have to get the new sprinkler out. ;-) ;-) ;-) Another new toy I bought. !!!

Naughty boy again, I came straight to the current page, and din't look back to see what you all have been up to. NOTHING NAUGHTY I HOPE. lol lol.

Simon rang yesterday, he and Sally managed to use the Narrow boat over Easter, even though there is a seal that has come loose and is leaking water slightly. So the Engineer chap is coming back to fix it. He said how HOT it was around here over Easter. So it seems we were all lucky weather wise.

I'm now going to stretch out for an hour with my book. My body doesn't feel as though it belongs to me. If this is getting old, I DON'T LIKE IT. :-P :-P :-P

Enjoy what ever you are doing today Girls. xxxx

Good you had a nice nights sleep Frank. Now after all that mowing I think you deserve a good sit down with your book.

Mandy I love the doll you made for lacey. I think its nicer than the unicorn dolls. Just love the colour combinations. All my favorites. She so cute. You should m ake some and sell them.

Morning all

Raining here and the wind is getting up, so we've only been in the back garden for an hour dodging the rain. I've moved a lot of forget me knots to the back border so I now have them all along there and they look lovely. OH brushed up all the leaves that have blown around so they don't go under the wooden base under the shed. We had one put there to level the ground and there are gaps so we don't want rubbish blowing under it.

I was looking at your problem with your post about your side panels of fencing Mandy. If next door have got taller ones could you not just take your shorter ones out and you'll then be left with their fence to look at rather than two different size ones, it would save you a lot of money, then if the post are wooden on your side and they haven't attached their fence to them you could cut them off at ground level. If the posts have been used you could trail some nice plants up them. Just a thought but it would save you so much money and hard work. That's what I'd do if it was me, plus you would gain some more garden for free. Good that Colin got his phone back, pity about the weather though. Hope the physio works well for him.

I thought you had someone come and cut your lawns for you Frank, at least you had the nice weather to sort them out and I bet they look much better now. Pleased to see you had a good nights sleep, I slept for 10 hours last night which is unusual for me. Mind you I didn't feel very well yesterday had a bit of a sickness bug. My mum called around yesterday to give Sandra her birthday card and told me there was a 24 hour bug doing the rounds so I must of had it as I feel back to normal today. Enjoy your book, what are you reading now?

I didn't do any of OH's tree yesterday so I'm going to take another look at it today. The weather is to bad to go out anywhere so it'll keep me busy for a few hours. The workmen have left next door now and I noticed all the rubbish has gone from the front garden so maybe everything is finished inside now, so just the drive to be sealed next week, unless the new owners go ahead with their plans for two gates, but if they are looking at selling they may not bother with those now......time will tell.

Where is everyone. ?? No posting since Gill at NOON.

Have had a quiet afternoon watching David Attenborough, on NAT.GEO. all about spider silk, and how they have made a beautiful designed sheet. They harvested 1,650,000 spiders, and MILKED THEM every twenty five days until they had enough silk. The spiders were all returned to the wild unharmed. Fascinating or what. !!!

Sirloin steaks, chips, mushrooms, fried onions, grilled tomatoes and peppered sauce, for dinner tonight, so we won't be going hungry.

You have had one GREAT experience with the alterations to next door Gill. Not something you would want again. Have you thought anymore about moving.?? When we go to Paignton, we pass an area of bungalows, that have wonderful views across the roof tops to the sea. No idea what sort of price they are, but I did see 5 for sale, but on the wrong side of the road, if you know what I mean.Not that we are thinking of selling up and moving down there. Jan did mention, that we should sell up and move in with her. We have a virtually self contained flatlet, they we stay in when down there. BUT there is no way I could be in that close to her. Anyway, there is talk that Conrad, may never return to live in the U.K. So they would sell up and move permanently to Spain. If and when that happens, TIME WILL TELL. !!!!

Started raining earlier, and the wind is getting up. The weekend is forecast to be high winds and LOTS of rain, so batten down the hatches.

I won't be going anywhere tonight, so it can do what it likes, weather wise. ;-) ;-) ;-)

Evening all.So, I had just written a very long post when the IPad dipped and it all disappeared, a bit later the same thing happened to OH.
So I might as well break my posts into two short ones. We had heavy rain on the M5 on our way here, we only go a few miles on the motorway so it was not too bad. We left the rain behind when we came into Dorset. We stopped for coffee at Charmluth then sat a while watching the very rough sea.

After Charmouth next stop was Morrison’s for provisions. We did bring non perishables with us but needed milk, butter, cheeses etc. We were in the at
Rea by 1 pm so a bit early so we bought sausage rolls and drove down to look out over the beach and sea while we ate them. The sun came out then and is still out now at 2.30 we drove the few hundred yards back up to our cottage and met Linda and Tom the owners again. We have benn coming here quite a few years now so they are good friends. It was, as always tiring unpacking and settling in but it helps knowing where everything goes.

That's good you are settled in now AnnG. Having said we would never want to go back to the same place year after year, we now do it with where we stay in Cornwall. We know the owners well too, know what to expect and know where everything goes, so there's a nice familiarity. Fortunately there are still new places we haven't seen as well as revisiting the ones we love. Your cottage sounds very close to the sea which is nice. Do you have a view of the sea from it? I hope you have a lovely week and that the weather is kind to you.

I am here now Frank. Had a busy day cleaning and clearing all my detritus that I tend to leave all over the place. H*G will be here sometme between 8 and 9 . The place is fit for a King and Queen LOL
The sky is beginning to look a funny colour now .We haven't had any rain at all so far today. Frank why to do you struggle to do your Lawns when Barry can do them for you at a really good price??? Chris did ours this morning .I dont think there will be another chance for a couple of days if the weather is going to be rough. STORM HANNAH...thats my girl :-D :-D.

Anne ,I am sorry you have felt so poorly.The combination with a bug and horrible Hayfever must have been grim. I think the Birch Pollen has been particularly bad this year.We get puffs of Pollen from the Yew Hedge when it is that time and it looks just like smoke . The same from the big Pine Tree. I am glad you are feeling so much better now.
I saw Thomas this morning coming up the garden with a Black Baby Rabbit dangling from his mouth . He went straight under the Yew hedge with it. We have seen Black Rabbits around here for years (not in out garden though) .They are not in big numbers like the brown ones. But I have never seen him with a black one before .I think he has a stash of deheaded bodies under that hedge :-S.I am glad I can't actually see what is there.

Gill it sounds like you can breath at last with all the men gone ,rubbish cleared. Just the sealing of the drive to do. You will get your lives back again :-D :-D.

Frank, I think having a self contained flatlet is ideal for your breaks down with Jan. But it woudn't work if you moved in permanently . You like your own space,love where you live,plus you know no-one else down there. I have always said to Hannah and James we would never move in with them(not that they would want us :-S ) . I think back to when my Nana moved in with Mum and Dad .She did have her own bedroom and little sitting room upstairs looking out over the sea. But after so many years my Mum was a wreck and she just could not cope.Not that Nana was ill or had dementia or anything like that but she could be quite critical of Mum (for no good reason) .It came to the point when it was up to me to put it to Nana that maybe she might like it move into residential care. I felt dreadful ,but she was up for it and it was good for her and my Mum and Dad.Mum and Dad had their lives back and Nana was waited on hand and foot in the home :-D :-D Problem sorted :-D Everyone was happy.

I watched the programme Pubs, Ponds and Power Story of the Village . It was really interesting although the chap who presented it irritated me a bit. . Did anyone else see it?

evening all

We didn't have bad weather today although it was forecasted all we had was a slight rain shower about 3 pm. Ruby had her monthly check up with the nurse at the vets today she was given her flee and tick tablet and a clean bill of health.

Jane it sounds as if the black rabbits could have come from a pet rabbit originally hope you have a good weekend with Hannah & Gareth.

Had some sad news from my youngest SIL when my MIL died she adopted her two cats one of them Mimi decided to move in with one of her neighbours she was 21 years old , they had new neighbours with a rescue greyhound who sadly killed her last week. When ever we visited MIL She used to make a big fuss of Amy even sharing her bed with her during the day

Hope AnnG has a good holiday in Dorset with safe journeys both ways.

Still not feeling 100% but a lot better then I was, the main problem is the feeling tired all the time but at least I'm sleeping well at night.

Anne its good your feeling better and the sleep can only do you good. Lets hope it all passes soon and yuo feel your self again.

AnnG hope you have a pleasent stay in Dorset and find some fossils on the beach.

H and G shoud be at Jane's by now and I bet they're nattering away nineteen to the dozen.

The winds picking up a bit here and we have had rain for most of the day and its gotten colder. Not a great time to be out in the garden today at all.

I have shut the chickens in tonight as if the winds westerly it will blow straight in their pophole.

Iv'e been having a little play today. I have started to make a sort of journal note book thing. Did I send the pic of the pagan St Bridgid's doll I made with the big booies?

Evening all

Glad you are feeling a bit better Anne. I am not surprised you feel tired, being under the weather can really drain the energy.

Your holiday cottage sounds as if it is in a very good position AnninG. I went to Dorset as a child a few times, but hadn’t been for years until last year when we had a few lovely days near Corfe Castle. I hope the weather is good for you and you don’t get battered by Storm Hannah.

Jane, have a lovely weekend with H & G. I hope she loses her queasiness soon. Are you drooling over baby clothes yet?

Frank, it’s good to keep active but don’t overdo it. Mowing the grass is hard work. It’s lovely that you have your own space when you go to Devon but moving in with family doesn’t always work. You seem to like it where you are and it’s not always easy making new friends as you get older.

Gill, you must be feeling a lot happier now that the workmen have virtually finished next door. You'll be able to enjoy Sandra’s birthday weekend now. I posted a card on Tuesday so hope it has arrived.

Mandy, I love the little doll with her pretty hair and her frilly skirt. Great colours as well.

That was quite a drama in your neighbourhood Ann. It’s a bit worrying when neighbours start waving air rifles about. It’s a shame that your nice, quiet road has changed. We are really lucky here with the neighbours but the man next door is moving soon so I am wondering what the new people will be like. I know it is a retired couple so I expect they will be OK.

I’ve forgotten who said it but in an earlier post someone mentioned going to Dunchurch and someone else mentioned The Dun Cow. Would you believe that I had just booked two nights there at the end of May? I had never heard of Dunchurch before then. We are going there because daughter-in-law will be 50 and her sister, who has a big house with a large piece of land, is organising a bbq and party for her. The sister just lives a couple of miles from Dunchurch. The party is on the Sunday but we decided to go Saturday to Monday so that we could look around the area a bit.

Not much rain today but a bit grey and breezy. I’ve cleared out a large cupboard and have a bag of bits for the charity shop and a few bits and pieces that I have never used which can go in the raffle or tombola at a coffee morning I have here in May so that’s another job done.

OH is watching some noisy action film on TV so I think I am now going to get a drink and go to bed with my book.

Morning all

We have a really bad storm here, so far we don't think there's any damage but the wind is really bad along with the rain. We won't be taking Sandra out in this, it's not safe out there.

Yes, I noticed no one was on here after my post at noon Frank, it was a very quiet afternoon on here yesterday. What a fascinating programme you watched on Nat Geo, we can't get that channel as our subscription doesn't cover it. I often see programmes that look interesting on there advertised.

Oh my word, what a to do at your place Ann, was anyone arrested? It must of been quite frightening for everyone else. I know how you feel we had similar here if you remember with the boss of the drive company threatening to kill someone and put his truck through next door's bungalow. The neighbour on the other side of him was telling OH that we've never had anything like it in this street before and OH agreed with him, it's always been so quiet and safe. I noticed yesterday the two houses up for sale over the road have sold, one of them sold the day it went on the market, so we'll have more new neighbours soon. I just hope the one that needs work on it don't end up using the same people who did next door. The swearing that came out of the workmen's mouths, was disgusting. I hope things calm down for you now Ann.

Have a lovely time with Hannah and Gareth over the weekend Jane, I hope this terrible weather does't spoil things for you all.

Pleased to see Ruby has a clean bill of health from the vet Anne, sorry to hear you've not been well and hope you feel better soon. Oh dear the poor cat being killed by the greyhound, that must of been quite a shock for everyone and very sad.

I hope the bad weather isn't spoiling your time in Dorset AnnG, hopefully the storm won't be around for to long then you can get out and about again.

Yes, I'm feeling a lot happier now Vera with no more workmen to keep an eye on. I'm hoping everything is finished inside the bungalow now, or if not, it won't take to much longer to finish off the snagging list they made the other day. I see you've had a go at clearing out a cupboard, it's a lovely feeling when jobs like that are out of the way and the charity shops are grateful of the things you take them to.

I don't remember you sending a pic of the doll Mel, I'd love to see it though. Hope your girls are okay in this bad weather and were nice and warm last night.

Good morning Gill and everyone.
Vera not sure I had heard of Dunchurch either, will have to look it up. We are further down in Dorset to where you were. We are on the Jurassic coast. Although there is a slightly stronger wind than usual this morning it is dry and sunny and the views to Golden Cap are wonderful. I think it was rough last night as there is a folding chair that has blown across the patio and an upright chair has moved a bit. Tom’s poly tunnel is ok though.

Gill if it is bad there not worth going out. Goodness that property soon sold
We won’t let the bad weather spoil our stay Gill.

Anne pleased to hear that you feel better now, hope the improvement continues.

Annx oh dear that was all very unpleasant wasn’t it. I am surprised that the person waiving the air gun around was not charged.

Mel has the storm passed over you?

Good morning you all,

I hope you are feeling better than me. !!! I went to bed to read at 8.00 pm Read until 10.00. Turned on the Radio and it was the end of a RUGBY MATCH. Not my COT, so settled down to sleep. Awake again at 1.00 am LAID until 6.00 am when I dropped off for an hour. Got up to a very upset TUMMY. Aching all over, and generally feeling well below PAR. During my hours of lying awake, I returned to me childhood and remembered the old STEAM TRAINS, our little River where we played and swam and all the things we got up to as children. Being Evacuated (NOT GOOD) I think that stopped me from sleeping.

I see you have trouble in the close Annx. I can't believe anyone would bring out a weapon, even though it was ONLY a AIR RIFLE. That to my mind is an arrest able offence. Loaded or not, and all over the WASTE BINS.

Jane I hope you have a nice weekend with H & G. Will James be home with you as well. ?? I bet Chris, like me, was glad to get the lawns done. They look great this morning, after a slight shower on them.

Mandy, how is Colin doing with his excersices ?? I think it's something I should consider trying.

AnnG I think the places I went in Dorset, when Sea Fishing, was POOLE, NEWHAVEN, and is it, DUNCHURCH?? or am I thinking of somewhere else. ??

My goodness Gill, that house old quickly. Around our village, bungalows don't even get on the market. I can't remember the last time I saw a board outside one. It would appear that someone, knows someone, who wants to move to the village, and it's sold without agents, thus saving fees. and a good bargaining point. !!!

The wind here is very strong, and bending the trees, bushes etc. I hope no damage is done. It's forecast to get worst during the day, with coastal areas reaching up to 70 MPH. winds, So take care if you are walking the seafront anywhere.

Ros is on her Saturday Morning shopping trip with Martine, she will bring lunch back with her. Fresh rolls, possibly PRAWN filling (for JANE) lol lol. or COLD MEATS, with Morrison's salad. I haven't felt like breakfast this morning, I will let my tummy settle. (I HOPE) lol

I have the heating on as well as a jumper, so I know I am under the weather, I never feel cold in doors usually.

Keep well, and enjoy you day. xxxx

Morning girls and guys,

We have had strong winds in the night and rain but I don't think we have suffered any damage but I must admit I hav'nt been out there yet or up the top to see if any tree are damaged.

I got up at 8am for the loo and it was cold so popped back in bed and then woke at 10am!!! Not what I wanted on a Saturday. I did hear lashing rain in hte night but that was all as I must have gone back to sleep again.

Yes what a thing to be waving around in the street. You are not supposed to shoot a gun within a certain distance of anyones property or a road be it an Air Gun or Shot Gun. What a silly thing to do. His gander must have been well and truely up with them putting the bins outside his house. I would'nt like it either.

AnnG are you going anywhere nice today or just do what your moods takes you. Nothing planned??

Its sunny here but still very windy and the clouds are racing across the sky.

Sorry to hear you're feeling unwell today Frank, it sounds like the bug I had a couple of days ago, it knocked me off my feet I can tell you, then the following morning I was better. Mum said there is a 24 hour bug doing the rounds so maybe you have caught it. I hope you are feeling better tomorrow.
<3 <3 <3 Sending get well wishes from Sandra and I <3 <3 <3

It sounds like the weather by you isn't as bad as we have AnnG. The view sounds lovely, did you take a pic, I'd love to see it if you did? Enjoy your day <3

A parcel has just arrived off you Mel, for Sandra, I've had to put it to one side and take the brown paper off it as it was very wet with all the rain. It's lucky it was delivered as the postman didn't give us enough time to get it off him, by the time OH had got to the front door he had gone, so OH got in the car and drove down the road where the post van was and managed to get it off him. The postman just said I don't have time to hang around. I wouldn't mind but Sandra looked out of the window so he knew someone was in, a minute later he was gone. Never mind it's here now and will be ready for tomorrow for Sandra's birthday once it's dried off. It looks like MIL's card has arrived to, we were starting to get concerned about it as she said she had posted it days ago and I know she puts money in it, so Sandra can stop worrying now it's here.

I think all the cards off you all have arrived to. She has a big bag full of cards and presents and a pizza for later after we have our roast lamb. She loves pizza and we all normally have it for dinner but with it being a Sunday we're having a roast to, which is more to OH's and my liking. Sandra isn't bothered as she get to have the whole pizza to herself and of course she has her big chocolate birthday cake. Not a flake one, it's a tray one which will last a bit longer. So she's going to be one happy girl tomorrow.

The weather here has got worse, so no going out for us today, we will treat Sandra to a trip to Chester Zoo when the weather is better, we don't think any animals will be out in this storm and none of us fancy walking around in it either. I've got the fire on as it's not very warm, so we'll stay indoors and watch a bit of TV where it's safer.