General Chat

Well the ironing is all done, apart from Ros's tops. I daren't do those in case I crease them. I think I must have used at least 10 hankies. Couldn't believe there were so many, during my heady cold. I just rubbed the iron over my Tee shits, as they are not seen, as I wear a shirt over them. But I did make a real effort on my shirts. They are something I always did when I lived at home 60 years ago. I still like to see a nice crease down the sleeves, to the cuffs. And of course during my RAF days in National Service I always ironed my shirts when they came back from the laundry. OLD Habits die hard. !!!

The fog has gone now, and the sun pops out, now and then, not that I have seen it. !!!

Gill, You will be one happy Lady, when the next doors drive is finished, and no more builders to disturb your peace and quiet. Have you heard if the neighbours are staying or selling.?? You would think that after all the expense they have incurred, they would a least move in, and see how they like it.

That explosion didn't sound nice Ann, Have you heard yet what caused it. ?? They had a bad explosion at Port Talbot the other evening. A train carrying molten metal BLEW UP, If I understand it properly.

Has everything quietened down with the neighbours now Ann. Do you know if the police took any action against the woman with the AIR RIFLE.

Mentioning the green rubbish going to the tip. Jan, in Paignton isn't allowed to put garden rubbish in her bin. She has to dispose of it herself. What she does though, is put it in the bottom of the bin and covers it with bags of rubbish from the kitchen. She needs to be careful, they don't have a look under the bags, then she would be in trouble.lol lol

Hows Colin doing now Mandy, ?? I bet he was shock up a bit after that. Tell him to take more water with it. lol lol.

I did't know about the virus that hit the bird population, or was it just small birds. ??

I seem to be asking a lot of ?? this afternoon, not being nosey, just enquiring. ;-) ;-) ;-).

I think I will grab a coffee and have a sit on the patio, as the SUN is out and it looks warm out. Even though I am not out there yet.

Afternoon All,

It was quite foggy here first thing too, but then the sun came out and is still shining now.

Oh Anne, how awful for Paul to get those letters in the post and realise someone had got hold of his details to try and commit fraud. His blood must have run cold when he saw the letters. He did the right thing though and has hopefully stopped any more attempts. I think I would contact DVLA too. I don't even carry anything with my address on in my bag/purse now if I can help it and wish they didn't put your address on prescriptions.

We have had 3 scam phone calls over the weekend and they were all automated, so it doesn't even cost them staff wages to man the lines. It's disgusting they can be sitting in another country, trying to rob the vulnerable or unwary of their hard earned cash without even needing to break into their house!!

I'm just the same with magazines Mandy, always cutting bits out, recipes, patterns, ideas for painting etc! It's why it takes me ages to sort them out!! lol.

What a game with your prescriptions Mel!! They shouldn't expect anyone to travel that distance for them. We have never been able to order prescriptions online or by phone and have to take them in to the surgery, then go to the pharmacy a few days later and hope the prescription has been sent to them. At least posting them to the shop you can pick them up there. I've thought about going through one of those firms that post them, but are often out and they wouldn't put them through the letterbox, being pills.

Frank when I was first married, we bought a big wooden barrel and hubby tightened the bands and cut it in half to make two tubs. We lined them with polythene, I painted the outsides and planted them up, but after a few years, even though they were made of oak, they still rotted and fell apart. There was no way you could repair them as only the bands held them together. I think you would be far better with the imitation ones anyway. Well done doing the ironing ..........more Brownie Points! :-) We saw the neighbours getting the caravan ready to go away when we got home today. They were full of chat about the electrical gadget they have to move it with, but never mentioned about the trouble. I bet they don't realise another neighbour had told us about it! If we hadn't been in a hurry to go out again I would have asked what the Police were there for to see what they said!!!!

Gill, there was nothing more in the paper about the explosion, just that the they are investigating the cause and that the tip will be closed till further notice. That accident you mentioned sounded an awful thing to happen to someone. I've never forgotten reading about two incidents. One was a poor man who fell into a slurry pit on a farm and died, the other was fixing something inside a big stone crusher at a quarry plant and someone switched it on with him inside it.

We went to Ikea this morning and popped into Decathlon next door to it first to look at the cross trainer bikes as I said before that I want to replace what I have with one machine that does both! Last time we went they had a huge selection of fitness machines............not anymore though! They hadn't even got one of what I wanted and seem to do more clothes for different sports these days. I did have a wistful swish with a superlight Badminton racquet that took me back to when I played in matches.. We had brekkie in Ikea, I just had a child's brekkie and chose a little omelette, mushrooms and beans and a yoghurt and OH had the usual breakfast. We both had toast and wondered how do they do it with drinks as well for £5 something in total!!!!! We got some clear plastic mats we wanted and some picture frames, but it seemed further to walk around after the alterations since last time and my knees wondered if they would make it at one point! On the way back we called in Armstrong Mill to look around and then called in their cafe for lunch. OH only wanted soup after his bigger brekkie and I had cod with mash and peas and parsley sauce. OH has now gone to a match near Derby.

30 Apr 2019 17:46
We were out all day today. I am here now though.
We drove about 15 minutes to Abbotsbury Tropical gardens, we love it there and try to visit every time even though it is not NTrust. Today was sunny and when sheltered it was warm. We thought we were going to have a problem at first, As we always do we had a coffee on arrival but just as we were ready to go in I looked up to see an enormous queue. A coach had arrived so we stayed in the restaurant until they had all gone in, it was a huge coach full of American, mostly seniors and slow moving. We had prepaid on line so we’re soon in then, having been before we were able to take a different route from the coach passengers who were moving en mass.after that we hardly saw them. We spent about two and a half hours and covered two miles in the gardens, and were pleased that we still managed to walk up the steep grass hill between the magnolias that we remembered being planted in 2010 the first time we went to the garden. And we only sat down once halfway up. The view from the top is of Chesil Beach and normally you can see to Portland but there was a sea fret today so we couldn’t see as far as usual. On the way down I looked into the wood on my left and the whole wood was absolutely carpeted with bluebells.(more photos).

There is a small enclosed garden near the entrance and we usually go in to see the Kookoburra that is kept there but it was closed off. Peering over the wall we spotted a white pheasant with a very long tail.

So much to see in the garden, lovely Azaleas, rhododendrons and Camelias besides all the wonderful trees plus some sculptures.

We had lunch in the car parked overlooking a field full of sheep and tiny frisky lambs plus a few pheasants. Then drove back to the cottage via Morrison’s where we collected a cooked chicken for our meal this evening.

We dropped off the picnic stuff then took the paper and drove down to sit in the car overlooking the sea and beach etc. Good job it is a NT car park so free to us. Read the paper then walked to the top of the cliff path not very far and sat on a seat admiring the view in the glorious evening sunshine. Back then to watch pointless

Afternoon everyone

Thanks for your concern but my only problem is insomnia which I have had most of my adult life. I have sleeping pills but rarely take them as they are very strong, can be addictive and don't always work very well. My doctor allows me to have them on repeat prescription because I don't overuse them but the chemist himself has to take them from a locked cupboard and I have to sign for them as they are a controlled drug. I did take one last night, it didn't knock me out but I did get back to sleep each time I woke.

Frank, can I adopt you? I would love a man who does the ironing. Son and daughter's ex. both iron but I don't think many men of my generation do.

What a pain to get your prescription Mel. When we lived in the country, medicines were dispensed by the doctor's surgery and I just had to email what I wanted and go out the once to collect them. It's even easier now we are near town. When I collect my medication the chemist gives me the next prescription, I tick what I will want next month and give it back. He does all the rest. They will even deliver if I need them to. Shame you are still getting some broken eggs but how lovely to see a greenfinch. I haven't seen one for years. Perhaps they are making a comeback.

Gil, I bet you are enjoying the quiet at the moment and Sandra can read her books in peace. That was a very sad story about OH's friend, accidents happen so easily.

Mandy, I hope your OH is able to sit comfortably and his bruises are fading. It certainly sounds like low blood pressure. Will you be able to replace the lamp shade with the same so your lamps still match or will you have to buy another pair? You're not having any luck with your cooker. Let's hope the new one will function properly.

What a shock for Paul, Anne. There's some real low life around. It was lucky the letters came on a Saturday when he was at home.

It looks as though the weather is going to be getting a lot colder mid-week. I hope it doesn't stop you getting out and about AnninG. Is it Friday you come back?

We have had quite a productive day today. OH decided his back had recovered enough for him to do some jobs so he set to on the conservatory. He cleaned from the roof down and most of the paintwork and the floor have been washed. I am just left with a few bits and pieces to clean. He also managed a bit of weeding this afternoon.

I did all the ironing and gave all the upstairs rooms a good clean through and then this afternoon I did a bit of tidying up in the garden and planted up another 4 of my troughs. I'm a bit tired and have got a headache again now but I am a happy bunny at getting so much done :-D

Now I just have to prepare and cook our meal and I'm planning on doing something easy based on eggs.

Afternoon Everyone
I am going to send out a PM to everyone now.I hope I remember to include all.It will explain why I wont be around for a while .

Jane <3 <3 <3 <3 you are in my thoughts.

Vera yes it is Friday, home until Sat week then off to Wales.

You have made me think that we really need to give our conservatory a good clean.

I like that Vera, something easy based on eggs. Will it be omlets??

I had two eggs this morning and NONE broken. I have taken the silly bowls out of the nest box and wedged one up so they have two nest boxes like they had in the old house. An egg was in each this morning. Will wait and see what tomorrow brings now. I don't think they had enough room with three washing up bowls in there and nothing to hide them from each other. They like a bit of privasey when laying.

AnnG you have had a busy day today and really enjoyed every minuet of it by the sounds of things. Well done walking up the hill with only one stop. :-D Can't wait to see the bluebell wood as its one of my favorite things. I always wanted one of those big poster they used to do of a bluebell wood for my bedroom wall but mum would'nt let me have one up.

Frank I need you here to do my ironing as I have a nice big pile of it that needs doing. You are a good boy doing most of it for Ros.

It sounds like you need a phone like ours Annx. we are told who is calling and if we accept the call we press one on the handset. If we want it to go to answer phone we press 4. We hav'nt had a nuisance call since we have had it. We did have a call from a Shane last week but I did'nt accept it. Don't know anyone called Shane.

He has his usual curry tonight and I have sweet and sour chicken and egg fried rice. Both done in the microwave for six mins. I better turn the top oven on for his bargees.

Vera it sounds like your hubby is good at cleaning things. Send him to clean my conservatory please and I'll swap with mine who will do your ironing!! ;-) ;-) I must get some more plants tomorrow and start filling my tubs/pots. You have had a busy day.

Mel, you could be right about your hens and their privacy. Maybe the others getting in and out unsettle ones that are laying causing the breakages. Mel Marple will get to the root of the problem! I wasn't ever allowed any posters in my bedroom.....boo hoo.

We are getting a new phone in a week or two so I would be interested to know what sort yours is as being able to do that would be ideal.

AnnG I remember visiting Abbotsbury over a decade ago and enjoyed it. I wish I could still walk like you. You did well with the hill and only one stop. I look forward to seeing the Bluebells. We always visit the woods round here where they are.

Ann ours is a BT8600 Premium Nuisance Call Blocker. Digital cordless phone with answering machine. Its great.

Just looked it up here but its out of stock but they will let you know when it is available again.

https://www.telephonesonline.co.uk/bt-8600-digital-cordless-telephone-with-nuisance-call-blocking.html

Morning All,

Sunny here at the moment, so I hope it stays dry long enough to dry the washing.

Many thanks for that Mel, I will see if we can get one like it. xx

Just watered the different mints in pots, they were so dry. We are off to the nursery in the village after lunch. I need 2 more of the same plants for the front wall pots and to get some for more of the garden pots and wall pots at the back. We also need bean poles for the beans and tomatoes.

With reading about the outbreaks of measles, I'm wondering if I should ask about vaccination as my mother didn't believe in these things so I never had one as a child and am not sure whether I had measles or not.

I hope Frank's cold is a bit better this morning.

Better get a few jobs done now.......phone calls first!

Morning all and a pinch and a punch.

Nice morning here at the moment with sunshine and blue sky with light clouds. No breeze to speak of.


Well thats another month gone by and a third of the new year. Soon be Christmas at this rate!!

Two eggs this morning and both whole so that was good again and I nearly have a dozen for Em this week plus one I owe her. OWE is a funny word not much typed and it looked odd when I did it.

Oh is out on the mower somewhere out the front I think as I can't see him but can hear him.

I wonder where AnnG is going today. Somewhere interesting I bet and we shall hear all about it later on. I really enjoy her posts on where they have been and am looking forward to seeing the photos on her blog.

Hope Frank's cold is a bit better today and he has a good story to read if he's not doing anything else.

Ann hope you find what your looking for in the way of plants for your pots.

We hae the last two of the pastys I made for lunch today so I can get on. I have seedling needing potting on and I would really like to get up the order for a tidy up. The rose down the back garden needs tying over the arch but its so vicious I keep putting it off. It only flowers once but the perfume is to die for. One mass of pale pink flowers. Don't know what it is as it was here when mum moved in. The Rhodo's are out in the back too and the one in the middle of the west lawn is just starting to open its flowers so when its in full flower it usually turns hot so it burns all the flowers up. Mum put that one in and its in the wrong place with no cover to it at all just stuck in the middle of the big west lawn.

Enough waffle I must get on as when he's out I get more done.

Morning all, I won't say GOOD, because it AIN'T for me.

When Ros came back from shopping about 3.30 she had TWO 35 litre bags of John Innis, together with trays of strawberry's and other plants, in the back of Carolyn's car, together with two new Plastic pots.

I went out to bring things down the drive. Which just left the two bags of compost. They both said "BE CAREFUL THEY ARE HEAVEY" It took a big lad, to put them in the car.!!!! I put my arms around the first and cuddled it, carried it to the side gate and put it down, went back and did the same with the second. As I put it down, something went in the bottom of my back. I let out a scream, and staggered back in doors. I have been in pain since, and hardly slept last night, overtime I moved it woke me, I have been under the HOT shower this morning, but no improvement. The heat patches haven't work either. I think the bags must have weighed over half cwt. each. So it's my own fault for trying to do it. !!!

Jane, WHAT is going on. I HAVEN'T had a PM. Either call me,or send a message PLEASE.

Vera, I like you need sleeping pills. I have been like it since my stroke 15 years ago. My brain just will not shut down,even with my pill, I only get ONE good nights sleep every two or three days. Ido hope things improve for you. xxx

AnnG. You have certainly been around DORSET. With the weather as it has been, it must have been lovely walking around these lovely gardens, and enjoying the beautiful plants and trees. It would be nice for Ros and I do do that, but I know neither of us is capable of walking any distance.

So Two eggs Mel, and no breakages. It had never crossed my mind, that they need a bit of privacy when laying their eggs. We learn something new each day. ;-) ;-) ;-)

Had a call from Jan this morning. Conrad was stroking the dog yesterday evening and thought he felt something move. He took her to the vets, only to be informed was was HAVING PUPPIES. During the night she gave BIRTH to THREE. He was coming home this weekend, and Jan going back with him, so I think thats all changed. I wonder what, and how, he will do with three pups. They will still be babies when we go out on the 21st May. so plenty of cuddles. bless. !!!!

Ros is at the Drs this morning, still having water problems, and her pain from the Siatica seems to be getting worse. So hope Dr. can give her something to help.

Jane you have me worried. <3 <3 See you soon folks.

Morning all, I won't say GOOD, because it AIN'T for me.

When Ros came back from shopping about 3.30 she had TWO 35 litre bags of John Innis, together with trays of strawberry's and other plants, in the back of Carolyn's car, together with two new Plastic pots.

I went out to bring things down the drive. Which just left the two bags of compost. They both said "BE CAREFUL THEY ARE HEAVEY" It took a big lad, to put them in the car.!!!! I put my arms around the first and cuddled it, carried it to the side gate and put it down, went back and did the same with the second. As I put it down, something went in the bottom of my back. I let out a scream, and staggered back in doors. I have been in pain since, and hardly slept last night, overtime I moved it woke me, I have been under the HOT shower this morning, but no improvement. The heat patches haven't work either. I think the bags must have weighed over half cwt. each. So it's my own fault for trying to do it. !!!

Jane, WHAT is going on. I HAVEN'T had a PM. Either call me,or send a message PLEASE.

Vera, I like you need sleeping pills. I have been like it since my stroke 15 years ago. My brain just will not shut down,even with my pill, I only get ONE good nights sleep every two or three days. Ido hope things improve for you. xxx

AnnG. You have certainly been around DORSET. With the weather as it has been, it must have been lovely walking around these lovely gardens, and enjoying the beautiful plants and trees. It would be nice for Ros and I do do that, but I know neither of us is capable of walking any distance.

So Two eggs Mel, and no breakages. It had never crossed my mind, that they need a bit of privacy when laying their eggs. We learn something new each day. ;-) ;-) ;-)

Had a call from Jan this morning. Conrad was stroking the dog yesterday evening and thought he felt something move. He took her to the vets, only to be informed was was HAVING PUPPIES. During the night she gave BIRTH to THREE. He was coming home this weekend, and Jan going back with him, so I think thats all changed. I wonder what, and how, he will do with three pups. They will still be babies when we go out on the 21st May. so plenty of cuddles. bless. !!!!

Ros is at the Drs this morning, still having water problems, and her pain from the Siatica seems to be getting worse. So hope Dr. can give her something to help.

Jane you have me worried. <3 <3 See you soon folks.

I will PM you Frank

I've just sent a copy of Jane's PM to you Frank.

Morning all Sunny again here but it looks like we've had some rain as everywhere is damp.

I've just finished brushing down the side of the bungalow as all the mess from next door had come through under the fence, so that's nice and clean now. Our wheelie bin for the garden rubbish stank like anything so OH has taken the rubbish to the tip and will clean the bin when he comes home. I've done two loads of washing already today and Sandra is doing a bit of hoovering, bless her. She wanted to help.

I hope you haven't done anything to bad to your back Frank, like a slipped disc, maybe you should nip to the hospital or call your doctor to have it checked out, it doesn't sound good. How lovely three puppies, I bet that was a shock for Conrad. I'm sure you'll give them all cuddles when you see them....and the puppies to lol. I hope all goes well for Ros at the doctors, she seems to have a lot of water infections doesn't she. You asked if the new neighbours are moving in, we don't know what's going on at the moment, they say they are moving in but then I overheard him on the phone talking about selling, so we'll just have to wait and see.

How lovely to see a Greenfinch Mel, I've never see one or even heard of them before, I might take a look at Sandra's bird book later to see if there's one in there. I'm pleased you have finally had whole eggs and no more have been broken, lets hope it stays that way now.

I'm looking forward to AnnG's post, it's lovely to hear all about her holiday, she's doing so many lovely things and then a trip to Wales shortly to. Let's hope the weather is nice.

Sorry to hear you have insomnia Vera, I don't sleep much either but then I've always been the same, l'm lucky though it's not insomnia with me, I'm just a bit over active. Mind you every now and then I'll have an early night and sleep for almost 10 hours, my mum used to say it was me recharging my batteries lol :-D

So you haven't heard anything more about the explosion Ann, I'm sure they'll be something in the paper, I hope no one was hurt.

BREAKING NEWS. Conrad's dog has had two more babies. One is pure white. She is so protective,that he can't get near them. One was still in it's sack, when he went to try to release it, she snapped at him. Then went on to remove the puppy herself.

Gill, I expect your new neighbours are still weighing up their options, which way to go. Time will tell !!! Yes poor old Ros. If it's not one thing it's another. She has been given another type of tablet, so here's hoping it does some good.

Ros saw an old friend in the Dr. He lost his wife a few months ago. The woman who was one of the founder members of the Mothers Club. He is not doing well. He won't go out and socialise, not even go to the pub for a pint. When we were younger he played SKITTLES with the team through the winter, and enjoyed his beer. What do I do, contact him, and ask him to join me at the pub/club. ?? knowing him, he won't.


Ros is busy putting the Lilly bulbs into pots, on the patio. As for the pots to go on the tree stumps, they will have to wait. either until my back feels better, or when Barry next comes to do some work. At the moment I am struggling to get from chair, to the kitchen and toilet. If it's no better tomorrow I might well contact the Dr. to see what he thinks. I don't want to bother A & E if it's not important. They have enough to do with SICK people.

The Liac tree is in full bloom and looks so nice behind the arch of Passion Flowers and Honeysuckle, Which will bloom as that goes over. (I THINK) lol lol.

Going to hobble back to my chair and book. Might catch the news at 1.30 pm to see whats going onion the world.

Oh how lovely 2 more pups Frank, you're going to enjoy your trip to Spain now, knowing there are so many puppies to cuddle. Mum's are very protective of their young so it's not unusual for them to snap if you get to close, especially when she's in the middle of Labour. I'm sure she'll be okay when all the pups are delivered. Yes I'm sure the new neighbours will sort themselves out in the end. I do know that his old house is back on the market, they were telling OH, so maybe they're thinking of buying it back if it's still for sale.

Sorry to hear about Ros's friend passing away and how her husband is now. Maybe you could take a few cans round to his place, if he doesn't feel like going out he might just like the company at home instead. It's still early days so he's bound to feel upset and not want to socialise right now. How is Ros, it must of been a shock to her to. So it's another water infection Ros has, I hope the new type of tablets do the trick and she's feeling better soon.

Maybe you could ring the doctor for advice on your back if you don't think it's serious enough to go to A&E. It sounds like you need some advice now rather than leaving it until tomorrow.

I've been so busy today, just changed the bedding and I've got lots more washing to do. OH has washed all the windows but it looks like it's going to rain so that might end up being a waste of time. Never mind, all the light is coming through now so it's nice not to have to sit in partial darkness for a change.

Going to have something to eat now. I haven't eaten today yet and I'm hungry.

Iv'e been a busy girl too. I hoovered the kitchen and dining area and sucked up all the cobwebs including the ones in the boiler cupboard. Washed the bathroom mats after the first was of clothes and dusted the table and chairs. Not something that gets done often as its a long way down there now but I must admit they look so much nicer now and have made a vow to doit more often, promiss. ;-)

Did lunch and we had the last two of the pastys out of the freezer and then went to Holsworthy for chicken food and grease for oh for the digger. Also bought two 50 litre bags of compost in Waitrose and am hoping its not as wooly as the last two bags. Bought some runner bean seed , Streamline this year one I always used to grow. They did'nt have the Benchmaster I had last year and the year before. You grew that one did'nt you Frank? Also bought a small pack of Sugar Snap peas which I shall grow in pots and see if they are any good. Dropped a bag of stuff off at the Hospice shop and had a quick look and found a bag of paper rafia in seven different colours for £2 so I was pleased I went in today as it will be great for my rafia goddesses. I have a lavender, mauve two green colours and a creamy white and a brand new silver one still in its box. The mauve on has never been used either.

Had another egg before I went out but this ones shell was a bit soft and it had a dented end when I took it out but it was'nt broken by a hen so thats good.

Taking hens I have to fill their water drinker up so I better so that now before I forget.

This morning we woke to a dull misty day and we had a brief shower while we had breakfast. The rain didn’t last long and we went out about 10.30. We drove to Broadwindsor via Beaminster, a drive through villages and winding country lames once we cleared Bridport. We have been to the village many times before, mainly because we first discovered a craft centre there and it is a good destination for a dull or rainy day. Incidentally it is also where Tony’s Great Grandfather is buried. Not that he is over bothered by that. The last time we visited two years ago the craft centre was dying fast with only the cafe and main souvenir type shop open. What a surprise, it is now thriving, the restaurant and main shop have been modernised, we had the most delicious scones there and, whereas it used to be expensive it was very reasonable. The shop has a great assortment of upmarket things for gifts or special treats like luxurious candles, body treatments, lots of gifts for men expensive shaving brushes but also some things that were really nice but not over expensive. And around the main building are now small units, an artisan bakery, jewellery, a patchwork’s and needlecraft shop, crafts by local people. A nail bar and a hair and beauty salon. It was thriving, really good to see something actually rejuvenated.
We drove back via more country lanes and Morrison’s, then had lunch in the cottage. Late afternoon we drove down to look out at the sea, it was sunny by now and after a while we went for a walk through a meadow and along the cliff, avoiding the part closed off because of a cliff fall. The Hawthorne was smelling lovely and the sun was actually warm. We walked out on the beach which was now deserted and when the sun went in and it was getting late we drove back to the cottage. Quite a relaxing day really.