General Chat

Well I don't really know where this year has gone and I don't seem to have much to show for it so far!

Lost a half an hour post this morning. The screen just went BLANK on me.

Not stopping, as I have overdone things. I decided to cut the back lawn as Barry won't be around for another two weeks. WRONG DECISION. I absolutely Bu@@@@ed myself. I had a job to even get the mower back in the garage. Ros has been rubbing DEEP FREEZE GEL, into my shoulders and back this afternoon. I think I will go and sit under a hot shower for a while, to see if that helps.

Will be back on tomorrow. See you then. xxxx

All sorted with the lap top now :-D Mel ,this year has just flown by .It feels crazy. But as we all know the older we get the years go more quickly :-(

Love the stripey grass Mel . Shame about poor old Pidge got by the Hawk :-( That has happened a few times over the years in our garden.

Mandy ,how did the meeting go with the Police ?

Fitz is as I speak at the Doctors . He was not happy having to wear his moccasin slippers LOL Not a cool look :-D. I told him no-one would be interested in his footwear . So we are waiting to hear from him sometime to let us know what the problem is with his swollen foot.

Mel have you twisted a bit odd to cause the pain in your side? Hope it isn't too painful for too long

Frank, you need to do nothing strenous tomorrow .Just enjoy the the sun. Take it easy :-D Keep rubbing in the pain relief gel.

It is still so hot here.All I have on is a long sun dress and flip flops :-D I think I have been able to ditch the crutch now . Just got a walking stick if I need :-D

Hooray, I have got on at last :-D. I’ve had no trouble getting on to Genes and then the other boards but I haven’t been able to get into General Chat all day. Every time I tried I got the error message. I also use post date to get quickly to the last post.

Talking of errors I made another one today - a typo similar to Frank’s recent one. In an email I put “If you see the post before K. dies”. Oops. Of course, it should have read “before K. does”. Luckily I noticed it as soon as I had sent it, so was able to immediately send another one apologising.

Yes, Jane, granddaughter did feel awkward telling me about the cheque. Apparently she rang her mother first to ask whether she should tell me or not. We had a good laugh about it and had a lovely chat on the phone. She was telling me all about a visit she had made to a NT place, Canons Ashby.

I’ve lost track Mel. Is it bramble jelly you are making? I used to love that when I was a child. That is a very impressive stripey field in your photos but the sparrowhawk gives me the shivers. How much land do you have? And what is the dog show all about? I hope your back doesn’t give you too much pain.

Enjoy your weekend Pippyn. It looks as though the weather is going to be good for whatever you have planned.

We are going to a summer party on Sunday. It’s not far from us so no problem for OH and we are invited for 4 pm to as late as we like. It’s likely to be very hot but might be cooling down a bit by evening.

OH had to see the physio today and she was amazed at how quickly he is recovering. It’s now just a question of carrying on with his exercises and gentle walking and hoping he can in time get back to his normal self. She only wants to see him again if he starts to feel worse, so that’s good news.

Well, I had better post this while the site is working. You never know when it’s going to get temperamental again..

Evening all,
Just a quick look in as we have Lacey here ,we have been to Pensthorpe for most of the day ,she's had a lovely day feeding all the ducks and we're all tired out .

Not a lot to report on the pool ,we eventually got to the police station ,when we went at the time given there was no one there so we had to go back later .
They just wanted to go through every thing with us I think we were in there for over an hour .
No more damage done and we have now put in a claim so we now have a form on line to fill in which we'll do over the weekend .

Have just heard from Ann she has been away for a week to the peak district and Ruby is playing with Abbie's new puppy and getting on well together.

Mandy have the police not been able to lend you a survalance camera? I do think its a bit off supposing it happens again when you get a new liner??????????

Vera we have the dog show on our front field every year. It used to be run by a lovely lady and was a really big event at one time but now its just local. The lady was very ld and she moved away to live near her daughter but she is now dead so we carry it on for Nancy's sake as she was a well known person in the village.The money raised used to go to the village hall and the church but the village hall have now backed out so its all to do with the church now. They do lovely cakes and things in the hall and we used to have a BBQ too but not sure ifs thats happening now but there will be a raffle.

Yes my Brimble Jelly is Bramble Jelly but Brimbles is the devon word for blackberries.

Morning all

Lovely and sunny here today.

I couldn't get on here yesterday kept getting the error page so gave up in the end. I even had trouble signing into the site which took several attempts. Thankfully it's a lot better today. I noticed on Ancestry that they have their records open for free all over the bank holiday weekend so that should help me do some more of OH's tree, he's out with his friend today so I'll have plenty of peace and quiet as Sandra has plans to catch up with her programmes in the other room. It's to hot to make a start on the screening so I'll leave that until it cools down a bit. Possibly Monday.

Next door is having problems with his drains and thinks the people who put down his drive have managed to get sand in the drains, we're a bit concerned as we have a section 24 on our drains which means they join part way down the drive, so the sand could end up blocking our drive to. Hopefully that won't happen but I have noticed the toilet doesn't seem to flush as well as it has done in the past and being an old property the toilet waste goes down the same drain as the rain water and bath water. Hopefully next door will clear their drain and it won't come over to our side, we'll have to wait and see what happens. Apparently the men are coming to take a look on Monday.

Pleased to see those vandals haven't been back to your garden Mandy, it's a shame you're having to go to your insurance, I know you didn't really want to do that. Maybe you could put a security light up so it goes off if anyone tries to climb over the wall again and a little camera if you can afford it. I hope it all settles down now and the police find and punish them.

Love the bracelet you made Ann, what lovely colours and the pattern is great, it must of taken you a long time to make.

Hope all is okay with Fitz Jane and his swollen foot, did he see anyone about it in the end? I bet you'll be glad when your road is open again, it sounds like it takes you ages to get around now.

Your OH has done well with his stripes on the field Mel, good luck with the show, hope the weather stays nice and it's not a washout like last year. Pleased to hear all is well with Anne and Ruby is having a good time with the puppy.

Oh Vera, what a mistake with the cheque, it's easily done though and at least you know about it so you can write another one now.

How are you feeling today Frank,, hope the aches and pains have eased for you. It's going to be a lovely day today so maybe a sit out in the sun with a book will help your shoulder

Enjoy your weekend Pippyn, you have the nice weather rather than all the rain we've had recently, have a great time.

Well I'd better post this incase the dreaded error page comes back.

Very quickly as I'm having my hair cut in an hour and then were off to go to meet some friends on their long boat! Just wanted to say thanks for the pic Mel and that your OH has done a grand job on your field. I hope the day goes well.
I've been using post date too, and it makes no end of difference! Thanks for that info Jane and Anne!!

Good morning to you all,

Beautiful sunny day here. I was up at 7.00 am Had my fill of TEA, Put the overnight Whites wash in the basket and took it out to the lawn. The line is up with the props in place. Ros will hang it out when she is dressed. She put on a coloured wash earlier, and that's just finished, so that will go out as well.


So Fitz isn't a HAPPY BUNNY then Jane. Why doesn't he like his footwear. ?? I would have thought they would be very comfortable.

Pippin, I hope you enjoy your meal out with your friends, are you going anywhere in particular and for a celebration for something. ??

I have booked a table for Sunday Lunch at the local Carvery, the food is always top notch, and fresh. I just hope it's not as busy as last week.

I don't know what time Harvey got away yesterday, but the journey takes him THIRTEEN HOURS with rests on the way. That's providing there are no hold ups. All this because he won't FLY. Yet when he was younger he fly to the USA, Teneriffe, Tunisia, and main land spain, many times.

John and Carolyn, don't seem to be able to get a permanent gardener to cut his lawns, I suppose he is complaining, about their work, as he does, and they don't go back. So they are PAYING £25,000.00 to have their lawn turned over to ARTIFICIAL GRASS. I did say the other day, I thought he had more MONEY than SENSE. This most defiantly proves it. !!!!

Ros has gone to hang the washing out in her nightie, we aren't overlooked so it will be nice and cool out there. ;-) ;-) ;-)

We are being pestered by some IDIOT, on one of these motorised scooters. He comes screaming down the close through the alley ay the bottom, I think he goes round and round the Village Hall car park, then back down the close and up Buttmead. I have tried catching him, but as yet been unsuccessful. BUT MY TIME WILL COME. !!!

Glad you haven't had anymore trouble Mandy. Lets hope the IDIOTS have found someone else to annoy, or better still, have got it out of their system. :-( :-( :-(

Nothing planned for today. I am off to get showered and shaved and get dressed. I think shorts and short sleeve shirt will be the order of the day.

Enjoy whatever you are doing today. xxxx

Morning all,

We have a beautiful sunny morning with clear blue sky and I think its going to be a scorcher.

I only have to do the egg delivery and the shop for the Saturday paper and then not sure what I shall do. I shan't be up the border as its much too hot for that.

That sounds nice to go on your friends long boat Pippyn. Where abouts is it?

When I went to Em's this morning the boys were in the swimming pool and Sam (the little one) was jumping in off the ladder. They were having great fun.

Oh is out mowing and I am just going to wash up as I hav'nt done it yet and may see if I can have a potter in the shed.

Afternoon all,

What a beautiful day. Ros went off this morning to get odds and ends, while I tried to fit the hook to the conservatory door. It was in a blister pack that took me a quarter of an hour to get out. I am going to complain to B & Q. If I had a job to get it out, think of some other unfortunate people, who are less able than me. After a lot of UMING AND AREING, I gave up. I just couldn't get the screws into the fence.

I walked to the pub for a pint and introduced myself to the new landlord. I can't see me going in there very often. They had music playing, that was so loud, I couldn't hear myself think. There were only three people in there, so not busy.

Ros picked me up, and got me a nice Ham roll with cheese, and a piece of pork pie and Pizza, So I can't think I will want a lot to eat tonight.

I am listening to the radio, football. I hear West ham, are drawing with Watford, our boggy team. It's about time had a win.

Ros is gardening, I just called down to see if she needed anything, the answer was NO THANKS. So will leave her to it.

Well my day didn't go to plan, I was going to do OH's tree but then heard next door knocking and banging on our fence so I decided to make a start on the screening so I could keep an eye on them, they ended up with visitors so stopped working and I got so hot I ended up quite ill so came in, I've had a cold bath some sugary food and a couple of pieces of toast then sat in front of the fan, I now feel more human but won't be doing anymore work outside until it cools down a bit. I didn't even realise I was hot I just felt sick and dizzy and realised I was a bit sweaty, so I must of been hotter than I thought. Sandra was a great help and got me a fizzy drink then gave me some mints to eat, she then started running the bath for me and made me some toast, I couldn't do anything for myself for about an hour as every time I stood up I felt like I was going to fall over. Like I said I'm okay now and I'm watching all the animal programmes I've recorded with Sandra. We've just watched a programme where Tiger cubs were born, the Tiger was a first time mum and unfortunately accidentally killed her first cub picking it up to roughly but the other two survived, apparently they have been waiting for new born Tigers for 20 years. They were so tiny compared to mum and very cute. Sandra and I loved the programme and now we watching "Big week at the zoo" I've been recording all week.

£25,000 for artificial grass, that's a lot Frank, but if they've got the money I suppose they don't think of it as expensive. They must have a lot of grass to get rid of.

It sounds like the boys are having a great time in the pool Mel, just the thing in this hot weather.

It's a shame about your pool Mandy, now the good weather is here. Have the insurance said how long it'll be before they can sort it out for you? I hope those nasty people haven't been back again and the pool is fixed before the summer is over.

How nice to spend the day on a long boat Pippyn, enjoy yourself.

We've just got back after a lovely day. No Frank, no celebration! just meeting up with some friends whom we met during our many tow path walks! They'd moored up near a pub we quite often go to, so we all had a Ploughmans and beer for lunch! They're off this evening to continue their mini break towards the direction of Bath where they live! It's the Kennet and Avon canal Mel, quite near to us and where we often go to a walk. Only slight downside, it was very crowded, but, hey, it's lovely weather and a bank holiday, so to be expected!
Tomorrow, OH wants to get the fence painted and maybe spray round the back of the old garage its full of weeds and needs doing badly!
Hope your friend is OK Jane and that his leg was nothing serious. Also hopefully your son has been able to sort out his emotional problem, and the redundancy! Poor chap, both things coming at once!!

Good afternoon 28 degrees out there so summer has returned. We went into town as it was vintage day in Gloucester. Right through the pedestrianised streets we had cars parked from 1900 to date lovely to see the old cars and so many that we have owned in the past, even an Austin 7 (Ruby). We also saw members of the cast of 'ello 'ello and were close enough to photograph them plus a large group of storm troopers.. It was very hot though so we visited all the four streets and had a walk around the cathedral as it has all been cleaned up and lovely gardens and seating areas created in front of it where there used to be a car park. we were very impressed and it was lovely to see families sitting on the grass having picnics. then came home.

Silly person gill out in that heat. OH went out to do some gardening after we got home, was out there 5 minutes and gave up and came back in as he was too hot. I suspect you were dehydrated which made you dizzy, either that or sunstroke if you were not wearing a hat.

loved the stripey lawn Mel, what a good job he has done.

Have you heard how Fizz is Jane I do hope he has not got a DVT.

Pippyn, that sounds like a lovely meet up with your friends. We have friends who had a canal boat for years but sadly have sold it now as it was too much for them. We had a lovely trip on theirs one afternoon, so peaceful.

Frank please don't tackle the young lad on the scooter. I am pretty sure they are illegal on the road so if you can get a photo and let the police have it that would be best. Or just report him if you know where he comes from.

I have done the sillyest thing and been baking this afternoon. As I can't move very quickly and seemed to be better standing up I have made 12 congress tarts 4 ginger jam tarts and a nice sponge cake which I hav'nt filled yet as its still a bit warm.

I am soooo hot but it has clouded over a bit here now and there's a nice breeze.

Afternoon All

Not a good day here I am afraid . James is so distraught after ending the relationship . He is in a right old pickle ,tearful and feeling so guilty as he is now worried about Jess.
10-11 years is a long time. I am just hoping he doesn't change his mind as it would not be the right thing. I am exhausted after being up with him until the early hours and trying to be strong for him. Tomorrow is another day . To top it all my car if flashing up a warning sign to do with electrics and Chris looked up on the computer and it says not to drive the car at all but to have it taken into the garage.Heaven knows what the problem is. But I could really do without that right now.
I doubt I shall be about much over the next day or so ...also the redundancy may happen on Tuesday :-(. Not sure how much more he can take if I am honest.


What a nice day you Pippyn and AnnG have had. Did you go on the boat Pippyn. I have always fancied a break on a Canal boat. I expect everywhere is busy in this lovely weather.As you said AnnG so nice to see families out picnicking on hte grass.

Gill, sounds like you had a bit of heat stroke there today.It really is far too hot to be doing anything too physical .Even Thomas has spent the day lolling in the shade just moving from one spot the another. Tomorrow and Monday are going to be scorching again so take care Gill.The work on the screening can wait I am sure until it is a bit cooler. How lovely to have a nice cool bath run by Sandra for you :-D I am going to attempt my first bath since the hip op very soon.Oh boy it will be bliss :-D

Lovely for the boys to be in the pool today Mel .Is it a pool like Mandy's or a built one?

Mandy I feel sorry that your pool as been so damaged by these villains and that you are now having to claim on your insurance. Is it totally unusable now? The children will be soooooooo disappointed :-(

Frank would they turn down the music in the pub if you asked? Music in restaurants and pubs is Fitz's biggest gripe.If he is in a restaurant he will often ask to have it turn down or even off!!. He did get an appointment with the GP and he doesn't have a DVT :-D. Fitz was thinking it might have been the fact he had sat for 6 hours ! at Pitsford Reservoir with friends the day before enjoying being served with BBQ food :-D. He hadnt been up walking around at all ,but just sat . So with the heat and not being mobile for so long is what caused it. He just needs to raise his foot when he is sitting down , and the swelling is reducing nicely :-D

I am going to have to go as I can see James sitting at the Patio table wiping his eyes again :-( His eyes are so puffy he is keeping his shades on all the time(even in the house !) I will be back sometime :-D

Meant to say Mel I am so glad you heard from Anne :-D and that she is ok and Ruby too. Did she say why she is not posting?

Oh yes Jane we went on the boat, but not a trip as they didn't want to risk losing their mooring, even though they were planning moving on later. AnneG,you sound as if you've had a lovely day doing the sort of things OH and I enjoy. Sometime ago, we went with our son and DIL to Winchester Cathedral which was so interesting and a day to remember! Salisbury too is extremely interesting.
Oh dear Jane, your poor son! Our son was divorced many moons ago, and I well remember the heartache! Luckily no children, but it was a very difficult time. They did try for reconciliation, but it didn't work out, their relationship was simply over, and couldn't be rekindled. Now of course, he's married again with their lovely boy, but at the time it was horrid.
They're Combining in the field behind us! Goodness they do work hard, I think they want to get finished as there are other fields to do!