General Chat

AnnG you have a lovely garden and it is looking very colourful just now with a great variety of plants. The handrail is a good idea and now it is done it looks as if it was always there! It means you won't be concerned about anyone losing their footing now too which is good.

Mel I didn't realise you had a stable.......you seem to have everything there! What a shame about the baby bird, but it must have been keeping very still or hiding when you shut it in. I can see this hot tub will be taking up your weeding time on the borders! lol. Does it have a cover you can put on it at night?

Jane that is a great photo of you all at The Ivy. I couldn't help but think about the person who was missing though and wonder how James feels. I like your top and your new glasses.

I think you asked whether cat bells are really effective the other day or something like that. Well, from what I've read they save about a third of the 55 million birds that cats kill in this country every year. It's really shocking. Some cats do learn to walk without the bell making a noise though, which is why my friend puts 2 bells on hers! lol. However in America they now have a brightly coloured big scrunchie type of collar with no bell and as birds spot that easily it is said to save half of the birds cats kill each year, so is more effective than a bell. Sadly it is mostly baby birds that get killed as they have had no chance to learn about cats and they are not strong or experienced enough to fly very well. Baby Robins and Sparrows are said to be favourites. They say bells are less effective where rodents are concerned though but most people don't mind them being kept under control.

We have noticed Hello Kitty sitting further and further into the road at the top of the close recently and when I got home today, his owner was scooping him up off the road. He told me the attraction seems to be the rabbits in the field as they are making a bit of a comeback. I never thought, but I should have asked him what his real name was!

Evening All

We had a really lovely meal today at the Ivy,and yes I did have the Shepherds Pie. So did Gareth.I had Courgette Frittes to share with Hannah to start .They came with a tasty dip . No pudding for me. 3 of us got through 2 bottles of wine.Hannah had a couple of glasses of Prosseco and James had 2 small beers.(he was driving home)
Vera I think you would enjoy it there .Brilliant service ,lovely atmosphere . Bit of a trek to the loos though :-S Booking would be a good idea if you did go as it was very busy,and this was just lunch time. I imagine the evenings are even busier .
I did some shopping before hand . Nothing as excitng as new clothes .Just a new Blood Pressure machine, Earbuds, and a facial spritz spray(that is to take to hospital ).
The Market was thriving there and I spotted a cheese stall and bought a Black Bomber.Just a very small one .H&G had one for one of their tiers on the Wedding Cheese Cake. It is just the most tastiest creamy strong Cheddar.

:-D :-D Peeking over the fence on a ladder made me chuckle Gill. I hope you dont have to move the bird feeder. I woud have thought a Squirrel would be more likely to take a leap of the shed roof onto the feeder rather than cats.

Oh BOLLARDS Ann :-D :-D What next in your close? I love the sound of this Bracelet you will be making. The Angels sound a bit fiddly don't they.
Poor little Blue Tit Mel. Do you thing it died from fright being stuck i nthe Hen house?
Very sensible of OH not to be in the tub if there was Thunder and lightening around .
I would love to be in the tub though if it was just raining.
The weather looks pretty grim here tomorrow :-| the sky is actually looking a bit suspicious now . Hopefully Thomas will be in soon as I would like to lock up before Gentleman Jack starts. Mel I think there is going to be a fair bit more kissing going on and even more .
Frank will be on his way home about now. At least at the airport .I hope that it is not going to be a stormy flight for them. Turbulance is the one thing that frightens the pants off me,after one particularly scary few minutes on a flight from Florence one year.I have never felt so scared in all my life.

It has come over so dark here now all of a sudden.I am sitting in almost pitch black .Time to put some lights on and shut the big windows.

I record Gentleman Jack Mel, I'm like you and feel uncomfortable sometimes if the kissing gets to much. I do like the way she speaks and doesn't take any nonsense off the men. The way she looks at her pocket watch when she wants the conversation to stop she then rings the bell so someone can see them out, then walks away leaving the men standing there with their mouths open as if to say "What happened there" Give them their due, they don't give up and keep coming back with the intentions of talking her round, but she just does the same thing again. You'd think they'd learn and just buy for the price she wants, as it's clear she's not going to change her mind. I do find it quite funny when she doesn't really care about what they have to say. I guess she thinks it's her way, or the highway, which of course the men don't like. Not that they can do much about it though.

I had to laugh AnnG when you mentioned OH looking over the fence and meeting the eyes of the neighbour, it was me who looked over and if that had happened I'd of probably fell off the ladder lol :-D :-D Your garden is absolutely gorgeous, I wish mine looked as good as yours. Good idea to put the handrail up, it'll make it easier to move from one level to the other and make it safer for your visitors to.

The Angel sounds as if it's going to be really lovely when it's finished Ann, although it does sound like it might take a while to do, but well worth it in the end. Those cakes sound delicious, I love fresh cream. It's a good job someone told you another route back from beading class or like you said the water would of been higher and you may of got stuck. Pleased to see you made it home safe and sound. I hope you don't have to many problems with people around your drive now the other neighbour has put up bollards.

I don't think I'd be able to fall asleep standing up Jane, my legs would definitely give way, it beggars belief how he managed it, even if he was propped up a bit. Did you take a pic on your phone? lol ;-) ;-) It sounds like you had a lovely meal out today.

Funniest ever TV cockups is on now, so I'm going to watch it before the F1 starts, I've been avoiding the news all day so I don't see who won the race. I think this is the latest it's ever been on, I hope I don't fall asleep before it finishes.

Yes I would like to have been as quick thinking and fiesty dealing with the men like Gentleman Jack and to have worn her smart black outfits! I'm not embarrassed at the kissing but find it a bit yuk and a turn off as I just couldn't fancy a woman at all. As Jane said though it will get more steamy. I remember someone I worked with getting a bit too touchy feely when we were alone. Nothing explicit, just fussing around me, straightening my collar or picking fluff off me which I hadn't seen her do with anyone else. She made me feel uncomfortable and for the first time in my life I just sensed it was more than it seemed. Luckily she soon had a promotion move to another office.

I see you are getting geared up with what you will need in hospital Jane. I was looking at thin dressing gowns the other day as mine is a thick fluffy one and hospitals are usually boiling hot. By the time I may need one next winter, they will be back to stocking thick fluffy ones again. lol I've not heard of Black Bomber cheese, but it sounds very nice.

I did go in the garden just before tea time. I cut down the docks that were growing down the end by Prickly Bottom along the edge of the little wall.

AnnG the pics on the blog are lovely and I like the rail too. I see you have a fairy in your garden. Do you think she is related to mine? I love fairies.

Gill the men in GJ have been taking her coal and thats why they don't want her to go down the mine. I hav'nt seen tonight yet so I am going to watch it now.

Dry here at the moment, rain forecast later. OH is at golf so he will be hoping to get round before the rain. I am going nowhere.

Aaw poor little bluetit Mel. It must have been very quiet when you went to shut the door, any noise they usually panic.
The Begonias will get done eventually. Strange when you have days when you can’t be bothered to start anything so nothing gets done. We all have them I’m sure. Maybe more so once we have retired as there is no urgency normally to do things.

Annx, yes strange that the rail immediately looked as though it has always been there. We actually used a different colour to other things in the garden – Sage (Ronseal) and I really like the colour, not too in your face as the darker blue would have been. Ooh that would have made me uncomfortable as well in the office. I worked with a lady who was openly gay, still in contact with her. She is a lovely kind caring person.

Jane, as I said in my email, I liked your photo and especially your top, really suited you. Glad you enjoyed your meal it sounded really nice. I don’t think i would have managed a pud after that lot, even the wine fills you up. Not heard of Black Bomber cheese, never seen it at our food markets, will have to keep an eye open for it. Do you always use the BP machine at home? I keep meaning to get one. What make is yours and is it reliable comparing well to the GP’s machine?

Gill Hopefully the shed will not cause any problems. Our shed backs on to our neighbours fence and so does his own and the only problem we have is when we can’t get to ivy that grows behind it.

Mel I think all fairies are related don’t you? Glad you managed to get a bit of gardening done yesterday anyway.

Thanks all for your comments re the garden, we are really pleased with it so far this year and really don’t want a lot of heavy rain to beat down the poppies and peonies.

Hope Frank is home safe and sound if tired!

Morning AnnG, morning all

Sunny so far today, but it's forecast for rain later and through the week.

I know what you mean AnnG about the rain spoiling the flowers, ours have perked up a bit since it stopped raining, but no doubt will be battered later when the rain starts again. I bought lots of bulbs last year and wished I'd kept the labels, the ones that are getting the battering, look lovely when they're dry, but I don't know what they are called. We have decided to go back to the shop later in the year to see if they are selling them again, then we can find out their name. They look a bit like Crocosmia, but in purple and while, the stalks are very thin, but the flowers are lovely and big, which is why I think they droop when they get wet, the stalks can't hold them up with the weight of the rain. At least they perk up again once they've dried out.

I must of missed that bit about them taking her coal Mel, no wonder they don't want her to go down the mine. I still like her no nonsense attitude though, she's like that with everyone, but seems to have a gentle side to her to. The poor Blue Tit, had it been trapped in your shed for long? It must of been upsetting when you found it.

I love the photo Jane, it's a nice family one and your top is lovely. I pretended to move a branch on one of the 12 foot Red Robin's just incase the neighbour saw me look over the fence, I don't think they did. I don't know what I'd of done if they'd been there though. I'd of looked a right nosy parker wouldn't I? LOL :-D :-D

Hope Frank and Ros got home okay and it wasn't raining. No doubt they'll sleep in this morning, with not getting to bed until late.

Going to watch Gentleman Jack now while Sandra's asleep. OH has gone to see his mate today, so I can watch it in peace with a nice cuppa.

Morning AnnG and Gill and all,

Its bright here at the mo but there are clouds int he sky. There's enough blue sky to make a sailor a pair of trousers so I am hoping we don't get rain today. It is forcast for the next three days though and thats when the men are supposed to be coming to find our water leak. Oh said to ring them and see if they can put it off till next week when it should be dryer. So that my first job of the day.

Di is calling in to see me this morning too so that will be nice as I don't see her that often as she works at the big house cleaning.

I only have the top half of my shed door open so the Blue Tit must have got in that way. I made sure I made a lot of noise when I shut it last night and walked up and down a bit too clattering things about.

I was supprized to see Monty Donn plant out tomatoe plants the other night on gardeners world as he has said before we can't plant them outside because of a fungus in the air. That why I have mine in the shed but they don't like it much as its not light enough.

Anng I have used that Sage paint inthe garden and it was always my favourite. We used the blue (Barnsdale Blue) on some planters for a chap next door and somewhere in the garden years ago but like you said the sage blends in well. We have the top gate into the walled garden painted in Sage.

Morning All,

I got up early this morning as the window cleaner is due.........but where is he? OH is having a lie in as he has had the trots again. It also happened after our Sunday lunch last week so I am wondering if they have started using MSG in their seasoning as that can cause it. He has beef, which I don't and I only have a spoonful of the gravy. He's also had headaches so it's made me wonder. The hand gel is out again just in case it's another bug! He has a meeting tonight so I hope he will be ok by then.

Your bulb sounds very much like Gladiolus Byzantinus Gill. It has smaller flowers than the big Gladioli and you see a lot of it in Cornwall. It is a lovely fuschia pink/purple in colour and does have a tendency to droop easily.

AnnG we have that colour paint you used for the handrail in our garden and it does go well with everything. Our home BP monitor is one of Lloyds Pharmacy's own that we got when they were on offer. All you need to do is get the nurse to check it's accuracy against theirs which is what I did. You could always ask them to do it again in the future if you had any doubts.

I need to pop to the shop, but daren't go till I know whether the window cleaner is coming or not........he's so unpredictable! So I think I shall sit and do more of the beaded angel/fairy. It will so shock my friend if I showed her mine finished on Friday, but doubt I could manage to do that. I'm actually thinking of starting again with different colours as I'm still not happy with the replaced shade of green as it still doesn't stand out. I also want to experiment with mixing the wing colours instead of them being all the same.

I expect Frank and Ros will have needed a good sleep once they were home. The pups will miss their new playmate!! :-(

I missed you there Mel. I think our sailor would have to be in shorts today! It's gone quite dark now. I need to do loads of washing, but as you say the forecast is more and more rain the next few days. I haven't watched Monty yet, but didn't know about not putting tomatoes outside before. Our second replacement one seems to be doing well after I doused the soil with Jeyes Fluid before planting it. There is also another little self set one growing in a pot that I have left in case I lost another one and needed a replacement.

OH is up now so I think I can nip out to do my errands.

Poor G Ann as it takes you down so when you get the trots. Make him drink plenty.

Am I being silly but what is MSG? Is it Monosodium glutamate (sp)

Good morning to you all,

WE ARE HOME. !!! The plane was late arriving in Murcia, therefore late arriving at Luton. We finally got home at 2.45 am Poor Harvey, arrived at the medium parking to pick us up where he had 45 minutes FREE PARKING, but with us being late. and fluffing around getting the Assistance to pick up from the PLANE. 30 minutes sitting on the plane waiting, collecting cases and customs. We didn't get the bus to take us there for almost 30 minutes., waiting for the bus to arrive. (They say the service runs EVERY TWELVE MINUTES) WHAT A JOKE. Every one queuing behind us. When he put his parking ticket in to see what to pay, IT CAME UP WITH £38.00 Which he had no option but to pay. He will take it up up with Luton Parking today. If it's right that means It cost you that for being there more than 45 minutes.

We left everything in the car overnight, and now have the job of sorting it all out. It makes you wonder if it's all worth the HASSLE. lol lol.

We flew home in a BRAND NEW BOWING 737 800. It's smaller all round than the old planes and is no where near as comfortable. The seats are as hard as rock and less leg room. The chap who wheeled us to the plane said "PEOPLE WITH FAT ARSES COULDN'T get down the isles, and had to re assigned to another flight." So I can see that going down like a BOMB with the larger passengers. It makes you wonder who DESIGNS these planes. :-| :-| :-| ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-)

As you can imagine I haven't read any posts, we will have to go shopping later today. I think we will eat out this evening, as we are both totally knackered before we start.

Harvey has his new KITTEN *WINSTON" It's to replace the one that got run over last year. It's nine weeks old and a real tough little begger, Ros had to have a cuddle, and he scratched her hands to pieces. Harvey keeps him locked away during the day, so he can't get out of the CAT FLAP" He has him out all evening playing with him. One morning last week, He (HARVEY) was four hours late going to work, as he couldn't find the little begger. He had hidden under one of the sofa's and he just couldn't find him.

Lola and the pups are doing well, and I expect they will be found new homes in the next few weeks. Conrad is still unsure if he will keep Lola, it is such a responsibility with him being out most of the day. It's not fair on the dog, and Conrad is so busy, that he can't be sure he can get home every day, to feed and walk her.

Will push off now, I don't like this English weather. ;-) ;-) ;-)

Just heard some bad news. Valerie next door fell in the garden and has broken her hip. She is in Hospital, Ros will try to visit later this week. Also Denis on the other side of us is inhospitable also after suffering more heart attacks. It all seems to happen while we have been away. Also a very dear old Lady, who we all loved has passed away aged 99. Her 100th would have been in July.

That was quite a delay Frank one way and another. You must feel so tired today, I expect you and Ros will be having an early night tonight. Poor Harvey, I hope he can sort out the parking fee, that seems an awful lot, especially if the first 45 minutes are suppose to be free. Do you have a picture of the kitten, Sandra would love to see it if you do. Yes, I think the kindest thing would be for Conrad to find Lola another home if he's not around to see to her needs, plus dogs are pack animals and don't really like being left on their own all the time.

I took a look at the flower you mentioned Ann, it's very similar to the one I have but mine is slightly bigger and also comes in white with red markings on it and what looks like a dark dot in the middle of each flower. I do like the one you mentioned so might see if I can find some as I'd like them in my garden. I must buy some sort of supports though, if they are anything like the ones I have, I also need supports for them to, I did put canes in the pots but the weight was to much and made the canes lean over, so proper supports are needed I think. Good luck with your Angel, I'd love to see a picture when you've finished it. Sorry to hear about your OH being unwell again. I don't know what MSG is either :-S Hope the window cleaner has been now.

I have our tomatoes in the greenhouse Mel and they do great in there. I do need to keep on top of the watering though, but have got myself into a routine doing it now. Sandra's strawberries on in there to, she's had quite a lot this year so she's pleased and I have two climbing bluebell plants which are really growing and have lots of tiny bluebell on them which look like tiny lights when the sun has gone down before it's completely dark. The bluebell climber we put outside is finally showing signs of flowers, I think that type of plant prefers to be in a greenhouse or a conservatory for it to look it's best.

Next door is attaching some wood to the other side of our fence, I hope he doesn't push to hard on it or the fence will fall down. I'll be glad when he's finished all that type of work and starts on the planting in his garden. He did say he was going to attach some trellis on his side, so at least I knew in advance of the work this time. It's still sunny here, but has gone a bit cooler now and the clouds are building up, so I expect the rain will be here within the next few hours.

Sorry to hear of all your sad news Frank, it must of been a shock to hear. I hope you and Ros are okay. <3

Frank. that was quite a delay. Don't like the sound of that new aircraft though, sounds very cramped. What airline did you fly with?

Also sorry to hear all the bad news that happened while you were away, what a shame your elderly friend didn't quite get to her 100th birthday.

Annx I am assuming MSG is Monosudiam Glutemate (sp). But what do you think they have put it in? I am always wary of carverys and food poisening because some of them leave the meat sitting for far too lo9ng. If it is not too bad though maybe your OH does have an intolerance to something.

:-D I have just tidied out my knicker drawer. Out of interest I counted how many pairs. How have I managed to accumulate 83 pairs of perfectly good knickers??

Glad you got home safely in the end Frank even if it did take a long long while. That parking charge should be seen to if the plane was late it was'nt his fault was it?

Poor lady not reaching her 100th birthday but at least she reached her 100th year, bless. Poor Val taking a fall like that and breaking her hip. At least if they keep her in for a while thay may find anything else thats wrong with her and she will get better meals in there than what Tony cooks.

I had a lop eared rabbit called Winston and his wife was Bella.

Yes MSG is monosodium glutamate. I have been looking it up and hadn't realised that they put it in so many foods now. It's in all the junk type foods, processed meats, pizza and chinese food, but also in chips, crisps, gravy seasoning, meat seasonings, canned vegetables and soups to name a few. I agree with you about the meat on carveries Ann. It's why we go as soon as they are open and are first in the queue before the meat has chance to cool down and before everyone has breathed all over everything..

We are beginning to think it could also be the osteoporosis medication he takes on Mondays that could be causing it as it is listed in the side effects. We are giving the carvery a miss next Sunday as it will be far too busy being Fathers Day, so if he still has the problem after his tablet on Monday, we will know it's that causing it. He has decided to make his apologies for tonight's meeting rather than risk having more problems while he's out.

It's becoming a real medical day as I checked my BP after getting the monitor out to see what model it was and my BP was only 109/59 and pulse 57 which is getting a bit low I think. I usually check it in the evening so will check it again then. It may have gone down with losing a bit of weight otherwise..

Oh Frank what a game at the airport and what a charge they make for overstaying when you are picking someone up! I hope Harvey gets a refund as it wasn't your fault. Then to find both neighbours are in hospital. I thought the same as Mel that Val will be better fed in there. The poor lady aged 99 that didn't quite make it to 100, What a shame for her.

When I popped out earlier and had parked at the side of the road, all those baby ducklings (half grown now) were waddling together down the middle of the road and oblivious to the cars going by. :-0

Annx that does seem a bit low. If you have a dizzy spell or feel faint. Do see your GP as it could be caused by low BP. We had one shower of rain this afternoon but although it is very grey, the rain seems to have eased off now.

No, wrong, it is raining but very gently. at ;east it is watering the garden.