General Chat

Morning all,

Another beautiful day here in deepest Devon with wall to wall blue sky.

Oh has got his old mower ging again after taking nearly all yesterday to fit a new solinoid. He put the battery on this morning and it still did'nt work but he had a fiddle and got it going so now he is going to spray the lawns again.

Gill I shall emial you all the census I can find and then share the actual ones.

Afternoon all, Started off as a nice sunny morning, but as usual, it's gone dull and cloudy.

I was still awake at THREE this morning, my brain just wouldn't shut down. I was awake and up by 6.30, so as you can guess I am feeling JADED. ;-) ;-) ;-)

Have a nice (if you can call it that) few days with Hannah, give her a HUG from me, and hope everything goes well for her. I am sure Chris will manage on his own, like me he is quite capable to look after himself. lol lol

We go away next Tuesday the 21st. We are driving to Hrvey's and Julia will take us to the airport at Luton which isn't to far from them. It will save us the car park charges, and we will know our car will be safe at their house. The only drawback for one of them, is to pick us up at MIDNIGHT on the 9th June. It's a bit late, it will be either Harvey of Lewis as Julia will be at the Caravan in the South of France. She is going down with Harvey at Whitsun, and staying there until he goes down in August, then she will come back with him. As she is now officially retired, she can do as she pleases. What a lovely break she will have. As Harvey foes a lot of the cooking in the household, it won't be to much a drag for him. Lewis can cook also, so I am sure they will manage. If they want to, they can come to us on Sunday's after we are back.

Thanks Mel, I will see if I can =follow your instructions. Pleased to hear you might be getting another couple of "Girls"

Gill you certainly are getting on with your tree. I will have to contact all my nieces and nephews to get their partners maiden names, DOB, date of Marriage, Childrens DOB and dates of Marriage, and any Grandchildren. That will take me weeks to load on my tree as there are so many of them. ;-) ;-) ;-)

I see Freddie Star has dies in POVERTY and might well be cremated as a poper (sp) and his ashes lain in a Spanish graveyard. It appears none of his children have beenintouchwith anyone since his death. HOW SAD IS THAT :-( :-( :-(

AnninG. I hope you enjoy your stay in N. Wales, it's a beautiful part of the Country, but for the hills, but that's why people go there, so we just have to get on with it. Just be careful and don't overdo the walking. <3 <3 <3

Lamb again tonight. I have podded a lot of peas, scrapped the Jersey royals, carrots, I have done Ros her Broad Beans, which she loves, Cauli, Broch, Home made mint sauce. Cheese sauce, Yorkshire and gravy all made. I have emptied the food caddy, and tins and plastics. Washed and dried up Breakfast things, now for a rest and a read of the paper and my book.

Have a nice afternoon everyone. xxx

Mel, I have hjusr tried that. I don't have an icon with a little person on it. So I am back to square one. !!!

Afternoon all from sunny Wales.We have been for a walk first in one direction along the promenade by north beach and then round the town choosing where to eat tonight
Stopped for a coffee in a small cafe, we keep finding them in unlikely places.

And then away from the B&B in the opposite direction. Walked four miles all told.

Sat on a seat looking at the view and eating the banana and piece of fruit cake left by the front door on a help yourself basis so no lunch needed.

Stopped to chat to the owners who were sitting out the front and came back up for a cup of tea.

Evening All,

Lovely day here so after lunch we went to see Exton Hall in Rutland as they had an open day. It's in a beautiful setting and really well kept with stables turned into cottages. They had so many different cakes we couldn't resist. There was a plaque in the tearoom saying that their head gardener, who was a Ghurka for 25 years, had died last autumn. I'll see if I can send a pic or two.

Frank, just something you may want to try. Look for 'Address book' above your email list and click on it. It should then show an option saying 'Add New Contact'. Click on that and you can put the new person's email and name and be able to click on save after. . :-) I was awake till gone 4.00am this morning and OH went and got me a COT then.

It sounds like you are enjoying your break already AnnG and how nice of the owner to leave cake and bananas for you to help yourself.

Had a pleasant easy day today we mainly walked around the area, first in one direction to North beach then Stopped for coffee, walked round town and booked s table for this evening in the Lion Hotel. Then walked in the other direction. The views are stunning and probably the best one being from our room.

Spent a long time talking to Louise, she and Mark only came here at Easter but are very enthusiastic and making a good job of it.
The meal this evening in the Lion was very good. We shared chicken goujons with salad and a dip and then both had pie,peas mash and gravy. My pie was lamb and red currant, T’s was beef and ale, a glass of wine each but no room for a sweet.

Nice photos Annx thank you

It sounds like you've both had a great day Ann and AnnG. I love the photo's Ann, especially the one with the water in the fore ground, from the first email you sent, that would make a lovely picture on canvas for a wall. You've done a lot of walking today AnnG, you'll sleep well tonight. That's another thing I liked about living in Wales, the views, it took me quite some time getting used to seeing them each time I went shopping. It was lovely. The only down side about shopping there was the silly season as we called it, when all the tourists came as you could never get a parking space, but it was nice to sit and chat with them on the beach, everyone was always very friendly.

Thanks Mel for all your help again today, I'd missed one child so she's been added now thanks to you sending all the census's. I'm getting there slowly but there's so much to do I think it's going to take me a very long time to complete it all for OH. I don't mind as I enjoy doing it, when I don't hit a brick wall that is, that can be frustrating. I'm moving along nicely now though because of all your help starting me off. Thank you again, you've been brilliant <3

It sounds like you've got a bit to do as well on your tree Frank. I wonder why none of Freddie Starr's children have been in touch about their dad, I'd of thought he would of had money to pay for his own funeral, it just goes to show you think you know someone, then it turns out you don't.

Well, I'd better get back to OH's tree I'm almost finished on this part and I want to get it done before bed, then I can move onto the next sibling tomorrow.

How nice to have bananas and cake left for you to help yourself on the way out.

I got cross eyed on the pc and decided to go and do some work in the garden. I started by cutting out the dead wood from the rose and it also had brimbles in it so they were cut back too. I went and emptied my barrow and came back to where oh had been cleaning the mower decks and picked up all the grass cuttings he had left on the lawn outside the patio and my shed. I also cleaned the shed windows to let more light in as my two tom plants are in there. Ones got the first lot of flowers on it. Went back and did more on the rose and had to come in for a wee and oh said he wondered where I was. Silly fool he could have seen where I was from the decking where he was standing. He would have seen the rose move when I pulled the brimbles out. I tied osme of it in too. I have pulled nettles out around the gunneraa and in the back field under the rose and in the crocosmia. I am geting there but there is always so much to do.

Love the pictures Ann. Its lovely and tidy there. I need their gardener to come and help me.

Oh has sprayed the west lawn now with this iron stuff to make it go greener and kill the moss.

I bet my hands with ache in the morning as they did this morning and I have pulle more stuff out today than yesterday. The old backs a bit achey too.

Morning all

Another sunny day, I could get used to this :-D

Save journey today Jane, I'll be thinking of you and Hannah, she'll be looking forward to seeing you today.

you were very busy in the garden Mel, it's nice when you get on top of big jobs isn't it? Fancy your OH not knowing where you were ;-)

I finally managed to finish off Florence Teale last night Mel, she ended up marrying three times so it took a bit longer than I thought and took me until 1.30am this morning. I'm hoping to enter the rest of her siblings today, she had a fair few of them and I have a list written down to go through. Some I found quite easily but others have different birth names to those entered on the census's. I think that was quite common back then, but I'm sure I'll sort them all out eventually. I can't thank you enough for all your help getting me started, OH is really pleased with all the new people on his tree. I know the feeling of going cross eyed on the PC and have to take breaks myself. I'm really enjoying building his tree now the brick wall has been knocked down.

Next door painted the fences between him and the neighbour on the other side yesterday in black, it looks really nice but I hope he doesn't do our side as we have painted them cream and there are a few gaps the paint can come through. Apparently they haven't had a garden for 17 years so they are keen to do something with the garden next. Their gardens front and back are a lot smaller than ours now the extension and large drive have been done, so it shouldn't take them to long to sort them out and make them pretty. It does seem strange seeing a car down the drive after so long, but reassuring we didn't like it being empty all the time. They are moving in, in two weeks all being well. The insurance are in the middle of sorting out the kitchen, then there's only the drive to be sealed and it should all be finished ready for them to move in then.

Going to grab a cuppa now then carry on with OH's tree, he's off to see his mate for the day so I'm hoping to have all the siblings in before he comes home.

Good morning Gill, and All. Safe journey for our Jane too. xxx

Wall to wall sunshine here, I have been out the back and it's very warm already. Ros is just having her porridge, then she is going into the garden again, she just loves being out there, even though her Siatica plays havoc, with her back and legs.

I will get a shower and shave when I finish here, I have been up since 6,15. reading my book. It's all about the HEROIN producers in Columbia and the distribution world wide, and what the USA are doing to stop it, from blowing up boats, shooting down planes. This is a great read, and so many twists and turns.

I stayed up until 10.00 pm last night, but was out again by 11.30. Just could not sleep. When I went back around 1.00 am the only thing I could think about was my Wonderfull and very missed DAD. We had so many chats, when I was nursing him with his Cancer, before he passed away. I was the closest of any of the children to get to him. It could be that I spent so many hours day and night in his company. Doing everything he needed, from feeding to cleaning him (bed bath) Changing his dressings etc. The District Nurse who called each day, said I was in the wrong job !!and should have taken up nursing. This was also said to me by the nurses who called while I was nursing both Ros's Mum and Dad. I hope and pray, that I don't have to do it again in my lifetime :-( :-( :-(

Gill it will be nice to have neighbours, especially if they are going to put down a nice garden, and keep it looking nice. TRACY next door came out yesterday, talking to Ros through/over the fence. She was praising her, for a beautiful garden that she looks out on to when in her room upstairs. John over the road also comments on our front garden. Eos has planted the pots with lovely looking ferns. She will plant small planes around the base for a summer display. I keep telling her she should enter the BEST LOOKING GARDEN IN THE VILLAGE, I know I can say, without contradiction that it is the best in the close. xxx

Mel your job in the garden, must be like painting the FORTH BRIDGE. How on earth you do all that, as well as all the other things you do, makes me feel TIRED just THINKING about it. lol lol.

Anne those pictures were beautiful, as we are not ones to travel around the villages, we don't see anything like you do.

AnnG, if your weather is like ours, you will need some SUN CREAM on your arms and face. Being so close to the sea, you won't notice how strong the sun can be, Take care my love. I do hope you are enjoying your holiday.

Just think a week tomorrow we will be in Spain. I will soak up the sun around the pool most of the day reading my book, with a supply of cold beers or G & T with ice and a slice LOVELY OR WHAT !!!

I hope Jane finds Hannah feeling a lot better, than she was last week. I know Jane was so pleased with the news that she was going to be a GRANDMA, <3 <3 <3 and hugs to both of them.

I telephoned my Nephew last night, to see how my sister was. It went to Answer Phone, and as yet I haven't received a call back. Likewise, I have been waiting for my SIL to ring, but I doubt that will happen either

I see we have a breeze coming up,.I hope it doesn't bring in the clouds from the WEST. as that's the direction it's blowing.

I hope you all have a lovely day, whatever you are doing. I will try to get back later.

Good afternoon all
It’s a nice day here today. It’s sunny at the moment though it clouds over from time to time and the wind seems to be getting up a bit now. No rain today so far.

I hope Jane has arrived safely. I am sure she will be a great support to Hannah. ((((hugs)))) for both of them <3

Enjoy your break in Wales AnninG. We've been to Llandudno a few times as OH had family there and we had a holiday in Anglesey once when my kids were young. I certainly remember some of the hills :-)

Ann, thanks for the lovely pictures. I hadn’t heard of that place in Rutland so that’s now added to my list of places to visit. I did laugh at the story of the shepherd’s pie and custard as it reminded me of the time my father was visiting his sister and her family for Sunday dinner. After the roast auntie asked Dad if he would like some apple pie. He said yes and she cut him a large piece and put it down in front of him. The only problem was she had forgotten to put it in a dish first. It was just sitting on the table mat in front of Dad. Good job he realised before he poured custard on it
:-D

Gill, it will be good having next door neighbours again instead of an empty house. Our neighbour has got his move sorted out at last. He is going on 24th of this month. I’m hoping the people moving in will be nice though they seem to have led him a bit of a dance over the purchase of his house.

Not long now Frank and you will be in sunny Spain. As you arrive back we will be going off to Austria for a couple of weeks

Ann and Frank, I hope your backs are feeling better now. We went to a quiz on Saturday night. I was fine when I left but my back was very sore by the time we got back - goodness knows why as I only sat at a table and stood in a queue for food. I’ve now had two sleepless nights with it so I am feeling headachy and grumpy. OH, bless him, has hung out 3 loads of washing for me and given all the garden furniture and the bird bath a good scrub. He has also planted out most of the plants I bought last week (I got another 3 on Friday)

Time for a cuppa now I think

Afternoon all,

Mandy (secretary) I must tell you, that after sitting in front of my MacBook for well over an hour, I have FOUND out how to forward my life story. I have sent it to the chap from my school days, and a girl I went to school with 70 years ago, who lives in Australia and has done so for 50 years. Oh what a CLEVER BOY I AM loll.

Still warm and sunny here. I sat outside with Ros, while she trimmed the dead bits out of the Passion Flower round the arch. I have got the GROW MORE powder out to feed and water the plants tonight, as it gets cooler.

My back and right side will never be great, what with the STROKE and Arthritis. (Part of getting old, I think) Not that I like it, because I DON'T. Poor Ros is almost to the point she can hardly move, but forces herself to get in the garden as she just loves it, and with her doing it, It wouldn't get done

Dinner already to go on later. Lamb from yesterday in onion gravy, Runners, Broard beans,Peas and carrots and Brussels. Was going to make a rice pudding, but couldn't be bothered.

Vera, I have never been to Austria or and of those Country's,An old fried of mine has a son working and living there, and when he last visited, said how lovely it is. I do hope you enjoy yourselves. Have you been before, or it a new adventure. ?? ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-)

We are really looking forward to going to Spain. Conrad always makes us most WELCOME, and we try to pay for meals out,as a thank you for a cheap holiday. I think Jan will come out after Alexanders FOUTH Birthday. Where has that time gone ??

Like Vera, I think it's time for a cuppa. I will see if Ros wants one yet, as often she doesn't, when bended over on her garden seat.

Tally Ho all. xxx

Afternoon all,

I was so busy this morning I forgot to come on here!!!!!

Its a beautiful day but the winds up quite a bit and thats cold.

Oh is working on the old mower and getting grumpier by the minuet. He can't get it to mow now. Its just one thing after another.

I did look up some births for Gill this morning and then I hoovered right through and did two lots of washing which now needs to come in as its dry.

We had lunch and I have washed up so I think its back out in the garden as I need to pot on some fuschia cuttings I took last year. They have been in small pots on the windowsill in the kitchen all year. They got greenfly so I bunged them out on the patio about a week agao and there they have stayed!!

Doris Day has died aged 97.

Well that mucked my afternoon up as oh said he needed petrol so we have been to Hatherleigh.

Monday 13 May A drive out in the car today taking the road to Pwthwelli and then the country lanes through beautiful scenery to Abersoch. All along the lanes the verges were covered with wild flowers, bluebells, red campion and cow parsley, so pretty. Abersoch is a beautiful bay with a lovely sandy beach and colourful beach huts. We sat outside the beach cafe in the sun overlooking g the beach for quite a while before we drove on to Plas Yn Rhiw a small country cottage (NT). The house is shown as it would have been in the thirties when two sister, the Keatings Eileen and Lorna bought it deselected and restored it in 1938. They then gave it to the.NT in 1952 as long as they could live in it. The last sister died not long ago. This was near Aberdaron. We enjoyed a cup of tea and share a scone after walking round the beautiful garden, the flowers were much advanced to ours with some really unusual purple blue geraniums, and lovely aquilegia. We drove back to Criccieth, managed to find a parking place. Took my book and our bananas and cake and sat on a seat in the sun

Evening all,

It's been a beautiful day here ,really warm in the sun but a bit chilly this afternoon in the shade .

Ann lovely photo's of the Hall and it's grounds ,naughty naughty eating the cake :-D but you couldn't let OH eat cake on his own could you LOL

Oh well done Frank glad you managed to sort it ..... so does that mean i'm now being made redundant :-0 :-D now what can i spend my redundancy money
on ;-) :-D

We have been out in the garden ,Colin has painted the new panels and posts and i have planted my cucumber plants and had a good sweep up round the front door ,i also gave the door a good wash as it was so dusty , i went to get our tablets from boots and they weren't ready so i'll have to go tomorrow as she said they would be ready after two o'clock but i didn't want to go up again this afternoon .

AnnG how nice to be able to help yourself to cake and fruit from the B&B it will keep you going until you have your evening meal .

Oh dear so OH is not in a very good mind then Mel ,it can be annoying when things keep going wrong ,hope it's all sorted now .
Yes i saw that Doris Day had died she as a good age .

Hope Jane arrived ok with her case of meat and veg :-D

Evening All,

What a lovely day again. Ideal for you on holiday AnnG. The verges do look so pretty this time of year don't they. We see lots of wild garlic in Cornwall too. I don't understand why our verges here in the Midlands can't look the same! They are getting full of rapeseed this year. The cottage sounds interesting as did the unusually coloured geraniums.

Yes Mandy, the cakes were all home made and about 8 different kinds........I could have easily gone back for seconds, but didn't!! If you don't get redudancy I should claim 'unfair dismissal!! lol. Your garden will look smart with the new posts and panels. My bent over tomato had wilted this morning so I took it out and will try to get a replacement tomorrow. There were quite a few ants in the soil round it so they have been treated to some scalding water from the kettle!!

The Hall grounds were really manicured and everything well cared for. There was a chapel that OH went and had a look at and there were gardens round the back but a bit far for my knees so I didn't see them. I told the car park attendant about my knees, but he wouldn't let us park closer to the house or let hubby drop me off closer, yet we later saw others being allowed to park nearer in a field. This is the first time the Hall has been open to the public, so it isn't a regular thing yet Vera and we couldn't go inside which I would like to have done!

I planted up the rest of the containers this morning and was disappointed to find the red geraniums I bought are most definitely pink and some maroon and white petunias are plain purple and not double! I should know better and buy ones already in flower really. I need about 4 more plants, so will get something to go with what I have. OH planted the runners, so all that's needed is a final weed now.

Mel is it Clarissa that your OH is trying to fix? It is frustrating when you think you have sorted out one thing and then it still won't work. It would be nice to have a gardener do some of the hard work wouldn't it, although your garden looks lovely with the striped lawn when it's just been mowed.

That sounds a different kind of book Frank!! Your description of lolling in your chair outside in Spain with a cool drink and book is very appealing! ;-) Will you be keeping an eye on those puppies as well? :-D

Fancy the Auntie putting your dad's apple pie on the place mat Vera. Her head must have been miles away at the time! Which part of Austria are you going too? I've been twice many years ago and loved the cleanliness, friendliness and fresh air. Such beautiful scenery too.

Gill, not long before your new neighbours move in now then. I expect they will have plenty to do in the garden as it must be a bit overgrown after all this time. It will be nice that the place is occupied again as you say, but I hope you don't end up with any black paint runs onto your side of the fence. We had that happen with our neighbour once. The worst thing though was when the neighbour the other side decided to spray paint the fence between us and the spray went all over 4 of our windows and white window frames and back door and the white meter boxes. What a game that was to fetch off and there is still some on the meter boxes.

I've not caught up with the posts, my mum has been taken to hospital with heart problems, they are keeping her in overnight and doing more test tomorrow.

I'll try and catch up with the posts tomorrow.

Thanks Mel for the emails I'll take a proper look at them tomorrow.

I'm going to get something to eat now then go to bed, I'm shattered.