General Chat

It sounds like your OH has got himself sorted with meds now Vera I hope he's feeling better soon. At least he can sit on the bus and get off where you need to, so he won't have to walk very far and can still enjoy his holiday with you. I'm sure the meds will kick in soon so he'll be able to get around a bit more then. It's a shame there isn't a restaurant at the hotel, but at least it's not far to go to have a meal out. I hope he sleeps okay tonight and wish him a speedy recovery. Sending get well wishes from Sandra and I.

Thanks Jane for passing on the picture of my niece, she's a brave woman I don't think I'd be able to do anything like that. Did you all see the man's face on the right of the photo, talk about funny lol

My niece is an instructor like her dad and teaches rock climbing, she also teaches aerial skills Jane, she doesn't work for a circus, it's a group of friends that have made up a kind of circus with the skills they do, she also uses hoops with the silks and they all perform in lots of different places around the world.

She visits her dad in Bulgaria and Spain depending on which business he's at, at the time and they rock climb together.......what to be young, again, she leads a very exciting life. She's only been doing the fire eating for about a year now, but I think she looks very professional.

She was asked what it was like, after the fire eating photo was taken and her reply was "HOT" :-D :-D

I can't see the pic can someone please forward it to me. I have clicked on it and even looked on the net to see if its on there.

I've just sent it to you Mel. Hope it went through okay this time.

My dad used to say Spondulix but I hav'nt heard it recently either.

Another word he really liked was salubrious and we went on holiday once to St Ives I think and there was a Salubrious Place there.

Iv'e just googled it and I was right. Dad had taken a picture of it at the time just to prove it was a road.

Pleased to see you've now got the photo and you can see it okay Mel. Yes, you're right it's amazing.

My headache has finally gone but it's left me feeling very tired, so I'm going to have an early night. See you all tomorrow
Night Night

Could you pass the email to me Mel as mine doesn't have a pic to open.

Glad your headache is better Gill, have a good sleep it will help.

Morning all

A mix of sunshine and showers today. I was just dead heading my plants when it started to rain, so now everywhere is wet again. It'll have to wait for another day to be completed. At least it looks a bit better than it did.

I've sent the photo of my niece to you Ann, hope you can see it now.

OH's pre test appointment has been pushed back a few days, I hope they don't change the date of his operation as we've planned things around that date now. Poor Sandra is still waiting to go to the Zoo, so we've said we'll go on OH's birthday next month if he's up to driving by then, we can combine the two birthdays then and will be able to go before the school's break up for the summer holidays. Hopefully the weather will be better and the Zoo will be nice and dry to walk around, it's to wet to go now.

We've had a little squirrel coming into the garden the past few days but she keeps trying to get onto the bird feeder, she's already eaten through one of the containers, so I'm putting nuts on the grass to try to get her to eat from there instead, as it's the nut one she's going for on the feeder. Today she finally found them and we noticed there is another squirrel with her. They look very small so they must be babies.

We've also noticed a hedgehog roaming around our garden just before dusk so we've been watching her and putting nuts on the grass for her to. She had a great time climbing all over my small pots around the base of the bird feeder yesterday, so she must be eating the bird seeds the birds throw out from the top, it lands in all my pots so the hedgehog is now happy. I've just noticed the squirrels are burying the nuts in my pots, no doubt the hedgehog will take them out later........nature it's a wonderful thing isn't it?

I've just run a bath so I'm going to have a soak now as I got wet in the rain and my clothes are damp. Lots of washing to do today and a bit of housework, I've noticed a few cobwebs that need attending to, so that's my day sorted. I might have another go at OH's tree later, I've found lots of people lately, so I'm getting there slowly.

Morning everyone

I am glad your headache is better Gill. I am not surprised it left you feeling tired. They can really drain you of energy. Your niece sounds a very talented young lady.

Jane, I have all sorts of visions of the shenanigans with hair washing in your house :-D. I wouldn’t want OH washing mine - he would probably drown me. I got a bit worried when you said you were having a knee op. I thought I had got it wrong all this time when I thought it was your hip that was wonky. We got talking to an English couple at the hotel and they have been walking miles and leaping on and off buses and trams. I was amazed when she said she had both hips done last year. You’ll be a new woman when it’s done.

Enjoy your new course Ann. Everyone on here seems to be so good at crafts. I am very jealous as I am a right dumbo with anything like that.

The reason I have time to write all this is that we are having another hotel room day. There is no way OH can even get to a bus stop. The meds haven’t really kicked in yet. Doctor said he mustn’t sit in low chairs and, of course, being a hotel it’s all low armchairs and sofas. There is a dining type chair in our room so he is currently sitting on that. Standing is the worst. He was in agony this morning just waiting a minute or two for a lift down to get breakfast.

To be fair to him he has said I should still get the buses and go on trips out but I don’t want to be more than a few minutes away in case he needs me. I am just going out on my day’s trip now - a visit to the chemist, followed by a tour of the local supermarket where I shall choose something exotic for our picnic lunch in our room.

The hotel are very good. I put the “Do not disturb” notice on the door yesterday as I didn’t want the cleaner coming in while the doctor was there and left it on while I went to get the prescription. When I got back there was a large drawstring bag hanging on the door handle. When we opened it there was a complete set of clean towels and a couple of extra toilet rolls in case we ran out. I forgot to say that they also gave us a voucher for free drinks (alcoholic or soft or coffees etc) as an apology for us having to wait for our room.

Well, have a good day everyone. It’s currently 31 degrees outside and supposed to get hotter so I am off to do our shopping before it does.

Morning all,

Dry morning but still cloudy with a little blue sky.

Got up at 7am for the loo and then slept till 20 past 11am. Can't get going now. I wish I did'nt sleep so long as you lose most of the day.

Bought the program last week for our village show so may have a look through that to see what I can put in this year.

My elastic went in my in jim jams and I could'nt find a safety pin or the elastic threader yesterday afternoon so could'nt do it. I was then looking for something else inthe late evening and found some nice big safety pins so I sat and did the new elastic while watching Springwatch last night. I must say it was a pleasure to put the jim jam bottoms on without them keep slipping down.

Gill it will be nice if you can get the squirrel to come to the back door like Rosie did for her nuts. The squirrels in our garden have bitten off the perches on my plastic peanut feeder and they are what holds the whole thing together. On the other metal one they have bitten through the wire and I have tried to put more wire around it as the woodpecker also makes big holes so the peanuts fall out!!

I think Em and Ed have taken the boys to Centerparks this weekend as the boys have a couple of days off school. Will have to check by phone I think before I leave eggs on the step.

Good morning all,

My you have been busy chatting. !! I see you are just about coping Vera, What a to do. I bet your OH will begad to get home to his own surroundings. It must be very difficult for you also, not knowing how he is going to be from day to day. Sending my kindest regards to you both. I now Ros suffers with Siatica, and there are days that she can hardly walk. The Mothers Club are holding a "Treasure Hunt" next month, and the woman who organised it, was a bit rude, when Ros told her she would not be able to take part. Carolyn stepped in, and told her straight, just how BAD things are for Ros at time,

Gill I have informed Jane that the photo never arrived with me, I expect she will send it again. I wait with baited breath ;-) ;-) ;-)

Conrad has sent a note to say the two female kittens have already been rehouse, leaving only the while/blond male. who I think a woman is going to have in a few weeks, It will just leave LOLA all on her own. :-( :-( :-( :-( I bet she will be looking all over the place for her other two.now that they have gone.

When I fed and watered the Tomato;s the other morning, I have really pulled my neck and shoulders. I think it was when I lifted TWO watering cans, full of water and carried them to the greenhouse. Serves me right, for not ding one at a time. I think we have some heat pads in the draw, so when I get showered I will put them on my neck and shoulder.

Not feeling at all comfortable sitting here, so I am off to the shower. xxxx

Oh Vera, what a shame the meds are taking a while tokick in. I suppose it is not long since the first dose. Also a pity that your OH can't move around for the pain as that is possibly is what will release the muscle.When do you move on to your next place? Is that by coach? It does sound as though the hotel have been helpful to you. Is your OH able to have a hot shower?

Frank I am sure Lola would have been surprised when her 'kittens' were taken (senior moment you had there :-D) I hope the pain in your neck/shoulder soon eases. maybe you are right one watering can at a time.

It is dry here at them oment but keeps threatening to rain.

Mel, maybe you would feel better if you just got up when you wake at 7am instead of going back to sleep.
Have you decided on entries for the show?

Gill, pleased to hear that your headache has gone, take it easy today.
Hope your OH's op doesn't get altered, although I think more are than are not these days which is an inconvenience.
Your niece is great with all she does isn't she?

Afternoon one and all

Oh Vera I am really sorry you holiday is not turning out well. Poor OH with this Sciaitca he must be feeeling absolutely miserable with all this pain. Trouble with nerve pain is it not easy to deal with.I hope that by tomorrow he will at least be able to get out of the room and maybe see a bit of Vienna. Im sure he would be fine for a few hours if you did want to get some use out of your bus tickets.It seems a real shame that you are missing out too. The Hotel sounds very good and thoughtful .
What delicious things are you having for your indoor picnic?

I have just sent the pic again Frank. I always feel so sad when kittens and puppies have to leave their Mum. I'm sure Lola will soon get over missing her babies. She will probably be glad of a bit of peace and quiet :-D

I think Mel we need to call you Lucy Lastic :-D :-D Good job you werent wearing your PJ bottoms when anyone called .It could have been a bit embarrassing if they suddenly dropped :-0 I hate wearing PJs in bed.I think the last time was when I was a little girl. It is always nighties for me.I do have some lounger type of PJs that I put on sometimes if I am just slobbing out.

Funny old day today. It is cloudy with a fairly warm breeze. We cant make out if it is going ot rain or not. I am going to chance it and get a load of washing out on the line. I expect that will then put the kibosh on the weather :-S

I think H&G are at the 3 Counties Show today.They are staying down at Gareth's parents for the weekend.

Hope it doesn't rain for H&G then Jane, It has been a bit iffy here and such a shame when the shows are spoilt by rain. We have been a couple of times to the Three Counties but the past few years have not been able to get there. Love seeing all the animals and there are usually some excellent displays in the arena too so hope they enjoy it.

I didn't realise you had sent the photo to Frank, Jane, I've sent it to, so hopefully he'll be able to see her and the massive flames she's blowing into the air.

It sounds like Lola's going to have a bit of peace and quiet now Frank, although she'll probably miss her babies for a while. I remember when we got Pixie as a kitten and she noticed herself in the mirror and cried, it broke my heart as it was obvious she was missing her mum. They soon get used to being apart though and Pixie was fine after a while as I'm sure Lola will be. Sorry to hear you've hurt yourself, I hope the heat pads work and you feel better soon.

So sorry to hear the meds haven't kicked in yet for your OH Vera, I hope they do soon and he can move about without pain. It's such a shame the bus ticket isn't being used after paying out all that money for it. Enjoy your picnic lunch together. That was nice of the hotel to give you a little package for your room being ready late.

I'm the same as Jane Mel and don't wear PJ's I much prefer a nightie I find them more comfortable and less hot to wear. That was lucky finding the pin so you could fix the elastic in your PJ bottoms. Have you decided what to put into the Village show yet? You can do so many things it'll be hard to decide what to do. Yes, I'm a bit worried the squirrel might break the wire on the nut container which is why I'm trying to encourage it to eat nuts off the grass instead. There's lots of baby birds around and yesterday a baby starling was washing herself in a large puddle down the bottom of the garden it was so cute to watch, she then flew on top of the fence to her mum and siblings, she looked a bit cold and soaking wet so cuddle up to mum, but mum just jumped over her and left her sitting on the fence, poor thing. She soon flew off with her siblings though, so no harm done.

Hope H&G have a nice time at the show Jane. How are they now? I hope your washing dries and it doesn't rain again, if it does we all know who to blame lol

Yes I was wondering if the date for OH's operation might be changed AnnG, I really hope they don't change it though as he'd like to be fully recovered by his birthday and that's only a month away. Finger's crossed it won't happen.

OH's friend saw the Salvia Hot Lips I planted from cuttings into our front garden yesterday and would like a cutting for her garden, she said she's never seen one like it before, so he's going to take one of my cuttings to her. I take cuttings of this plant every year, it's so pretty and the cuttings take very easily. His other friend likes the climbing bluebell so I'm going to give him one of ours from the planter in the front, I have one in each of the two planters and they would benefit from being moved into larger pots, I already have another three of them in pots in the back garden, so thought I'd put one in a pot for us and the give his friend the other one. I thought it would cheer him up as he's having lots of problems with a water leak somewhere under the concrete floor of his bungalow and the insurance are taking forever to sort it out, he has a big hold in his hall and it's been like that for ages and now he's feeling a bit down about it. They are re-routing all his pipes through the loft so it's a big job and will probably take a while to complete, that's when they actually start the work as they've left him with the hole for a month now. Hopefully giving him the plant will cheer him up.

The sun has come out now, it's so nice to see even if the garden is still soaking wet so we can't really do much gardening at the moment. It'd be nice if the sun could stay around for a day or two as the front garden is full of weeds and really needs seeing to.

Gill this chap sounds like he is having the same trouble we had with a leak under our concrete kitchen floor . It was a total nightmare for months. They capped off all the pipes under the floor and rerouted all pipes . I really sympathise with him.Been there done that and got the blooming T Shirt !! It is no fun . Nice gesture to give him the plant :-D.

Ooh I do hope OH's op isn't put back ..Maybe it is just the pre assessment .The trouble is you just never know if something will be cancelled. I will have to ring the ward on the morning before I go in to check there is a bed. I have to be in by 7am so will ring about 5am !!!!
I hope Sandra can get her trip to the Zoo soon. It will be a great day out and I know how much she loves it there.

I have got 2 nighties to take to hospital .I just hope they are long enough :-D. They have to be decent ;-)I always think wearing PJs to bed is like wearing clothes and yet most people I know wear them.

AnnG I bet the ground at the Three Counties Show is a but mucky and muddy after all the rain. Bit squelchy :-S. I am sure H&G and parents will really enjoy it though . No doubt Gareth's Dad will head to the Cows (seeing he keeps his own) My Sister hasn't mentioned that she will be going this year .She has been going for years and loves it.It expsensive though.I think Gareth's Mum told me it is £25 to get in ! :-0
Chris seems to have disappeared . I have a feeling he might have gone for a Siesta :-S

On the day Jane yes £25 but £21 if bought in advance. Seniors £21 on the day a bit less in advance. Very expensive if there are two of you. Like the Malvern shows we have stopped going there too.

Afternoon All,

Big black clouds and a few spots of rain earlier but it is sunny now!

Thanks for forwarding Gill's email Mel, but there was still no pic for some reason. Gill has sent one as well and it does have the pic so I could see it. My word, she's a brave girl and she must have big lungs to produce that huge flame!! :-0 I think I would want a fireproof suit on and a fire extinguisher in my hand. What a photo to pass down the family too.

How nice you have baby Squirrels and a Hedgehog visiting now Gill. I used to find peanuts buried in my pots when I repotted things. Hopefully your hubby's pre op check shouldn't affect his operation date.

Vera what a shame for you both that your holiday can't be enjoyed as you would have liked. I have had sciatica and hubby has it worse than me sometimes and there is nothing you can do till it starts to abate. The hotel are being thoughtful which is nice. I know once when we were in Tuscany OH wasn't well (a migraine I think) and just needed to lie down quietly for a while. I went for a little walk towards the sea and a chap on the same holiday saw me and joined me. His wife was on the same holiday and had had a brain tumor operation recently and had to rest a lot. I returned on my own after watching the sea for a while but the little jaunt did me good, so I would stretch your legs for half an hour if you can, although it sounds too hot for anything more than a stroll. Hopefully your hubby will start to see some improvement soon.

Frank, little Lola will be wondering where the pups are at first won't she, but be glad to have a bit of peace also. I hope your Simon can get his boat properly fixed for when they want to take it out. This time of year on the canals is lovely with all the wildlife you see.

I have this paperwork from the researcher now to respond to so that's my next job. I sorted the house insurance and saved £100 on what I was quoted so that was good.

The beaded fairy now has half of her 6 wings so I am getting on well with that.

I meant to say Jane that sometimes they put straw or bark down and of course there are quite a few marquees and hangars to go in. I think one year they also made a sort of board walk. It has certainly been raining here but the weather can be quite different where they are. Just looked and it looks as though at least late this afternoon it has been cloudy/sun so maybe they were lucky.


Edit: just seen this Jane in the local paper

Mr Nottage said they had targeted drainage across the showground at the foot of the Malvern Hills to cope with any access water.

He said he had drafted in the lead groundskeeper from Gloucester Rugby Club Graeme Balmer who had introduced a number of measures including planting superior grass with greater density and absorption to counteract boggy conditions caused by flooding.
Sitting at the foot of the Malvern Hills it was a significant project to counteract where the water would naturally flow within the showground but that was part of our targeted approach to be ready for any conditions the British weather might throw at us,’ he added.

“I feel it has paid off in that this scheme of works has saved us from having to close and we have seen some particularly adverse conditions this week. In the midst of those conditions, the showground has stood up to this extreme test of the work we have carried out. “Conditions underfoot have remained really good within the showground and access throughout our first day also good and we are confident they will remain so throughout the weekend.”

The show continues today and Sunday with more than 6,000 animals expected to be on the showground over the weekend in one of Britain’s biggest celebrations of rural life.

Highlights include the Young Farmers providing entertainment with a soapbox race on Saturday and a Santa Race on Sunday.

Annx that was good getting it £100 cheaper.

I did laugh Ann when you said you'd need a fireproof outfit and a fire extinguisher in your hand :-D :-D I don't think I'd even be brave enough to have a go at fire eating. She's very adventurous and loves doing new things, she also seems to have no fear.

It sounds like you're getting on well with your beaded fairy, although when I first read your post I had visions of you giving the fairy a beard until i read it again and realised what you meant :-D :-D I can't wait to see a picture of it when you're finished.

I didn't know you'd had the same problem with a leak Jane, I've not seen his place but OH said it's a big job and it's going to take a while to do. The poor man is 80 years old and lives on his own. We offered him our spare bedroom but he said he'd be okay as his late partner property is empty so he can stay there if needs be. Her son is over from Germany today so he'll have some company. I did say if he needs anything, like his washing doing to let me know, but again he said he could use the washing machine at the other place. He's a lovely man, OH met him when his late partner was in the nursing home where OH worked and they have remained friends ever since. He's taking OH to his op and bringing him home again which is nice of him and OH does the odd job for him that he can't manage on his own. Yes, I think the plant will cheer him up.

It's gone very dark here after a few hours of sun, so I think we might be in for some more rain soon. My plants are loving it though and one has flowered after not flowering for years, pity I can't remember the name of it though, but it's a lovely cerise colour. There is a label in the pot but it's at the back of the border so I can't reach it to read the name.

Going to get a cuppa now then take another look at OH's family tree, I found a few
people before, so I'm hoping to find some more for him this afternoon.

Evening all,

It's been a much better day with lovely sunshine ,i went down to fill the watering cans from the water butt and felt a few spots of rain the next minute it was tipping down ,Colin shot in the shed out of it and i nipped back up the garden and came indoors but got soaked as the drops were so big within a few minutes it had stopped .

Wow Gill what a great picture of your niece with her fire eating ,that was some huge flame ,has she any eye brows left LOL
Glad your feeling better today .

Oh Vera your poor OH with all this pain i do hope he can get some relief soon he must feel really fed up with it it's not a great start to your time away ,hopefully the meds will soon kick in and you'll both be able to enjoy the rest of your holiday .

Poor Lola will miss her babies but it's good they have found a home for them all .
Hope the neck and shoulder has eased with the heat patches on , i tend to fill two cans at a time and come humping up the garden with them ,there's quite a bit of weight in them when they are full .

I hope H&G had their wellies on at the show if it was muddy with all the rain , i remember once at the Royal Norfolk show it was so muddy all the cars got stuck in the car park and they had to get tractors in to pull them all off it was so bad .
We use to take the grandchildren to the show but now they are not allowed to have the day off school any more to go even though it is educational for them .

Sounds as if the Fairy/Angel is coming along nicely Ann i carn't wait to see it .
That was a good saving on the house insurance ,i think you have to shop around these days ,when you think years ago you just paid up when the reminder came in .

Are you all packed AnnG ready for the off tomorrow ? hope the ankle is ok now and all ready for some nice walks .

Have you decided what your putting in the village show this year Mel ,how long have you got before it's on ?
Has the hot tub helped OH's aches and pains ?