General Chat

Morning to you all,

Nice morning here but there are light grey clouds scudding across the sky from the east today. Not as sunny as yesterday but its not raining.

Must order our scripts today and then have a tidy up of my desk etc it all needs a good dust.

What are you all up to today?

Good morning Mel, and all,

Firstly. There is a BT Number 1572 that I joined. When you get an unwanted call, just dial that No. and it's put on your list of Nuisance calls, and is blocked. We were getting so many. The favourite was/is your Internet and Phone line is being disconnected. Press ONE to speak to an advisor. We are also getting calls saying your AMAZON A/C is being used by someone.We are fed up to the teeth with them. I had another this morning, saving someone had withdrawn £600.00 from my bank A/C.

I haven't looked at my Emails yet, so will comment later about your Photo's Jane. I hope Larry's mother is getting over her heart problem. I always say "At least she is in the best place" It was 12 months ago that Ros had her Heart Attack, where has that year gone.??

We had an excellent meal as usual at our Chinese restaurant. The receptionist couldn't find my booking, under BEDFORD. but eventually found it under FRANK. I'm that well known there now, that we are on first names. !!!

Lewis bought Ros a beautiful necklace for her birthday. Harvey and Julia bought a lovely little pink Jacket type thingy and a big bunch of flowers. The cake from Valerie's was as usual, first class. We only ate a smallish square, so the rest is in our fridge. We will cut it up and pass it around friends and neighbours.

Lewis is coming here for his 21st next Wednesday. His mum and dad haven't anything planned for him, so I said we would take him out for a meal for his Birthday. HIS CHOICE of VENUE. So I don't know what to expect. He has a very SMART beard, not to long and well looked after. We agreed that it suits him. I am pleased to say no Tattoos.

Thanks Mel, We need to collect our scripts from the Drs. later today. I checked up on my mood test yesterday, all come back FINE with NO FURTHER ACTION REQUIRED. I also made an appointment to see the Dr. next Wednesday 3.20 pm as she wants to see me.

Nice sunny day here again, I think it's a bit cooler, but still very pleasant. Saturday they promise rain. Which we certainly need. We did water everywhere last night before we went out.

Regarding the BIGGLES SAGA. Ros rang Anne at 6.15 pm to say we need to leave at 6.45/7.00 pm She said they were in a restaurant having a meal. !!! Ros said well you had better get your skates on. She arrived at 6.55 I didn't go to the door, because I am sure I would have said something :-| :-| :-| :-P :-P :-P

Conrad had a meeting at 8.00 am this morning, last night he was trying to remember the HOTEL he had booked into. Managed to find in on his Computer. and logged into the SAT. NAV with post code. So I am sure he got back o.k.

No plans for me today, apart from trying to stay upright. My right leg is playing up, so I must be careful going outside, with the steps, !!! ;-) ;-) ;-) See you all later. xxx

The sky has cleared here and the winds up from the east and blowing all the leaves off the trees into oh's pond. We hav'nt got the net over it yet so I have been fcishing them out with a fishing net and putting them in my pop up tub thing I put the swept up leaves in so I shouldhave a bit of leaf mould this year.

Frank we would love to see a pic of your lovely Lewis with his beard please??????

Glad you enjoyed your meal last night. Do you think Lewis will choose the ice chinese resturant you go to? What was the necklace like he bought Ros?

Hi again Mel,

I will try to get a photo of Lewis when he comes up. I will also get him to transfer it from my Camers to the Computer, so I can send it to you all. Talk about not Technically minded, I am JUST USELESS. !!!!

The necklace is SILVER I think, and every few inches there is a little heart on the chain. It did look nice on her, and was pleased with Lewis's choice. ;-) ;-) ;-)

Madam is in the garden again, she just loves getting out there. Tracy next door came out with Abbie her little dog, to take it for a walk. Once she saw Ros she went "bonkers" as usual, she always wees herself with excitement when she sees either of us.Tracy goes into fits of laughter, everytime it happens.

Ros gave Pam and Denis enough cake for the three of them, and I have just taken some round to Tony and Val. They have just got home from somewhere, looking at Val, she doesn't seem at all with it. This Parkinson's seem to be taking it's toll on her.

Rib Eye steaks, mushrooms, onions and chips for tonight. Everything is prepared including her Peppered sauce.

I might go up the club tonight. Our old Chairman Peter is very poorly with lung Cancer. I think they have sent him home from hospital, as there's no more they can do for him. His sons might well be at the club tonight, so I can find out how they are coping. It was his GOLDEN WEDDING Anniversary either yesterday or even today. I have sent my best wishes.

I hope all of you are enjoying this lovely sunshine, I am going to sit on the patio and talk to Ros, while she is doing her weeding. lol lol

We went to Dobbies garden centre this morning for our free coffees and managed to spend over £50. In my defence there are a few small C presents amongs that lot as well as bulbs for next year and a load of potting grit. It is a lovely day here 22 degrees out there and OH is busy doing the garden. I have a couple of new home cards to make for Grandson and daughter for when they move. I think I have told you they are moving.

Just checking back I can't find it but I find we are all so busy on this thread that invariably I chatter on and people tend not to reply. I am the same I am sure I miss replying to quite a bit.

Did anyone see what I said about sending/receiving cards on a remark to Frank about Ros being lucky to get cards. I wondered if anyone else had found the same problem. Probably not or they would have said so must just be my lot.

Afternoon All

Vera, have a wonderful few days away. I bet you will be in bed early tonight to get a few hours sleep in before having to get up at that unearthly hour !!. Make sure you tie OH down in your transport so he doesnt get the chance to try and help your friend :-D :-D. The last thing he needs right now is to do himself a mischief.I hope the sun shines for you.

AnnG I didn't see a post about ending and receiving cards. Since being a member on this thread I have never received so many cards in my life as I do now :-D :-D

Ros's neclace from Lewis sounds very pretty Frank. She must have so much jewellry !!!. How does she decide what to wear?? I only wear earrings,my watch ,wedding and engagement ring. Oh and one more ring on my other hand which is an old one that belonged to one of Chris's Uncles. I think it might be called a Keeper ring? It isn't very feminine looking though . I have also given up colouring my hair although sometimes I wish I hadn't. But I'm not going to start again now.

Love the idea you had Ann of getting OH a card off the internet and adding your own words. I always think most Mens cards are pretty mundane and uninteresting . So it is not only presents that are difficult to chose but cards too :-S

I am trying to sort out a few days to go to Plymouth so I can see my friend. Next week is a busy week for me with Physio and Consultants appointments and then on Friday I am off to London for 2 nights. So it will have to be the following week. I don't want to leave it too long :-(

Another lovely sunny day here again .Hopefully we will get at least one more good day before it looks like change on Sunday.

Jane this was my commentit is great to hear of somebody actually celebrating a birthday and getting cards etc. I am a bit disappointed with the younger (20s/30s) generation in our family as now two lots don’t think it worth sending cards. We actually had the conversation and Grandsons wife said they were stopping sending cards because it was easier to say Happy whatever on the internet.

I do however still get a lot of cards from my own generation and the next generation I.e. daughters age group. It is just the younger ones and I think the tradition will eventually be lost which is sad.

Thank you Jane. We are ready for this break now. I have surprised myself today. I am usually flying around at the last minute still packing but by lunchtime house was cleaned, case packed and tonight's dinner prepared. It's in the oven now - a pork casserole with all the veg in the pot and some roast potatoes, followed by bananas and custard to use up the two bananas left in the dish. Then I hope to lay down about 9 pm. I am not expecting to sleep much but will rest quietly. What I don't want to do is fall asleep half an hour before the alarm goes off as then I will feel worse than going without sleep at all.

AnninG, as far as greetings cards are concerned, most of our family and friends still send cards for birthdays but Christmas is a different matter. Quite a few of our family and friends don't send cards at all but donate to charity. I do half and half. I send cards to those I don't see a lot and those far away but at some of the clubs I belong to everyone gives everyone else cards. I feel I am seeing these people all the time and can wish them a happy Christmas face to face so donate to charity what it would have cost to buy them all cards (plus a bit more usually).

Frank, we also use the BT number 1572 to block unwanted calls but find the same pests then use a different number. It is a useful feature though. If anyone doesn't know about this, after a nuisance call dial 1572 and you get a list of options. Press option 1 and calls from that number will be blocked in future.

I found time this afternoon to book tickets for a production of Oliver. Daughter is playing in the orchestra and granddaughter and grandson and his girlfriend are going the same night as us so I will get to meet the girlfriend at last. She and grandson are renting a house together. He's only 19 which seems very young to me, but he is very mature and she is a little older. The rest of the family met her at a family party a while ago but OH was still pretty immobile at that point so we couldn't go.

Must go and turn over the roast potatoes. I will be looking in from Jersey as I think the hotel has wifi.

I've had a migraine for 2 days so have decided to keep away from the computer screen until it's gone. I hope everyone is okay and Ros had a lovely birthday yesterday.

I'll catch up with the posts when I'm feeling a little better.

Evening all,

It's been quite a cloudy day here today ,we only saw the sun middle of the afternoon .

We went to The Range and then on to have lunch with son and DIL ,i had a nice Lasagne ,Colin had chicken and ribs ,DIL had Shepherds pie and son had curry ,for pud DIL and Colin wanted the crumble but that was sold out so they had Sticky toffee pud with custard ,son and i had a lovely ice cream sundae .

Vera i hope you can both enjoy this holiday and that OH doesn't do anything silly to set himself back ,you'll have to put him in handcuffs so he carn't help :-D
have a lovely time and safe journey .

AnnG we still get the Birthday cards and Christmas cards from family ,i think it's lovely to see the cards and i read them all again when we take them down ,i cut them up and use them for my shopping lists :-D

Jane i hope you can manage to get to see your friend ,it's going to be an emotional visit for you ,has she changed her mind about seeing people as i thought you said she didn't want to see anyone ?
How is Larry's mum now ?

I keep thinking this is Monday i don't know why .

Oh Gill just seen your post ,i hope you soon feel better , you have been on the computer a lot lately doing all the family tree stuff <3

Evening All,

Another lovely sunny day here but it gets chilly in the evenings now and some of the trees are showing autumn tints.

We still swap cards, but cut it right down when we finished work. Our section had already started to send the money to a different charity each year as it was getting out of hand and there were people who would be counting what they had and telling everyone so it stopped that competitive nonsense too. When OH managed 6 offices he would get loads and there would be ones from people in all the offices he'd managed in the past too, so it was ridiculous! With a small family (getting smaller each year!) we don't get a lot now, but, like Mandy says it is lovely to have them to look at as they do look decorative and festive. I have saved some old ones to cut into Christmas tree shapes to make a decoration this year! I knew I should have got that cord from Aldi Mandy! lol.

Hope you have a lovely break Vera and that your OH doesn't forget he shouldn't do things to help when he can injure himself which is just what mine does! The Oliver production should be good especially as your daughter is playing. What instrument does she play?

Frank I hope we can get to see a photo of Lewis with his beard! I Iike beards if they are shampooed every day and kept trim and neat. His present for Ros sounds lovely, something I would wear myself.It sounds like you may have given Biggles owner the wake up call they needed! Fancy them being at a restaurant when Ros rang them.

Sorry to hear you have another migraine Gill.......OH had one while we were out today as well. I think his was due to a busy week with one meeting after another, the funeral and too much coffee at all these meetings! Have you tried taking Migraleve as both he and I have found them to work really well.

Yes, men are a problem Jane! Remember that cartoon style Valentine I got him with the bathing beauties and our photos imposed!

It is a such shame about your poor friend but I'm glad she is up to seeing you now. I think it will be a real tonic for her to put aside the awful reality for a while and reminisce about your happy times together.

OH was at a Chartered Management Institute meeting today, which he became a Fellow of a few years ago and didn't want to miss it as they don't often meet anywhere near us. So we met for lunch after near the jewellery place and then went there with my old, gold jewellery! The upshot is that she is going to rhodium plate 2 pairs of earrings and a garnet pendant and earrings and put the cornflower sapphire from my old engagement ring in a modern tube setting with a platinum band and a diamond each side to fit my little finger. She weighed the gold I had left and took £230 off the bill for it which was more than I expected. So, I will have jewellery I can wear again, a new ring and more space in my drawers now the old stuff has gone! :-D

My friend's bantam chicks still haven't hatched so she is beginning to wonder if they are going to now. She's checked they have developed and they have so will see what happens in a few more days. I asked her how heavy the older Maine Coon is now and he is comfortably over a stone in weight! The other one is like a dog rolling over to have his tummy tickled and can't get enough of it! :-) The rescue cat who doesn't like the Maine Coons came and sat on the steps to watch us through the window.....not quite brave enough to come in yet though.

I must admit I love getting cards and sending them.

Hope you have a wonderful time in Jersey Vera and do as the others have said and keep oh under control. He dos'nt want to be back where he started on the last holiday. Enjoy your time away and safe journey.

Its been a lovely day here all day with sunshine but a very strong easterly wind which has'nt dropped all day. I had to water.

I have finished my smudge fan today and been through the material trunk in the hall and sorted out some material I want to make something with but first I had to wash it all as it smelled a bit musty being shut up in there for at least 22 years. Just finished laughing as I typed 22 and it came out as 222. I don't think its that old!! I did find some off cuts of material I was given when I lived in the flat in Ilford when I was first married. We had a lampshade making place up the road and the man gave me loads of off cuts in different colours of embrodery anglais (sp). I still have a little bit of it.

Mandy I kept thinking today was Saturday so my week is all out too. Have you finished the other unicorn bag yet?

Just had fright! OH had gone to bed and I was getting a drink in the kitchen at the other end of the bungalow when I heard a rumbling, rattling sound from outside down the side of the bungalow. Thinking it might be OH and inside, not outside l went to the bedroom and OH was at the door as he'd heard it too!! It is very dark down the side and OH thought he heard a metallic sound like the wrought iron gate moving as well. Our neighbour that side is away and it's really obvious when that happens with them parking the caravan on the front. We put the light down the side on but couldn't see anything. It might have been a fox jumping up the fence which would rattle the gate, but it sounded too loud for a fox to me as I've known them to surprise me coming over a fence with how quiet they are. It sounded more like the window cleaner when I heard him climbing over. It's a bit worrying with that hot tub being taken at the new houses. I think we need a bit more security round the back like Mandy. I've stuck a litter bin up to the bedroom door even though OH says he will probably break his neck on it!!! Don' t think I shall get much rest tonight!!

Good morning MUNCHKINS,

I was in bed and tucked down by 9.00pm last night. Woke at 5.00 am. for the loo. Couldn't settle so got up for COT.

Anne, what a nasty surprise. We have a gate outside our bedroom window, that the cats seem to enjoy jumping over during the night. I have put wire netting on top, but still they come over. Can't think what else to do. to stop them. I sleep with ear plugs, as being a light sleeper, I would be awake all night, with the slightest noise.

I've been thinking of Christmas. With out sounding MORBED. I think it's time we did Christmas for all the family. I know I can't do it here, but could book a restaurant for 20 people, for an all inclusive CHRISTMAS DINNER.I know it will entail a lot of travelling for some, but they would then have the rest of the holiday, to do as they please. Lara and Andy would have to travel from Cornwall, Jan and Conrad, Jo and Ella from Devon, but the rest are within 25 miles of us. I am going to get quotes from different restaurants around here, and get a copy of the Christmas menu. With an all inclusive price. As for Christmas cards. We must send out over 120 to various parts of the world. Our lounge walls decoration, can't be seen for CHRISTMAS CARDS. plus the Mantle piece, and Window sill, with family cards. Ros loves everything about Christmas. Where as I being bought up through the war years,didn't really know what Christmas was, as Mum and Dad, had so many other things on their minds, The first Christmas, I remember getting a Christmas Present was from a girlfriends parents when I was SEVENTEEN. My 21st Birthday present from my Mum. was a £10.00 note, which I spent on an overcoat.

I have rambles this morning, I think is because I am still half asleep, Will try to catch you latter. xxxx

Morning Frank and all,

Bright day here this morning with a few fluffy white clouds in the sky but still that easterly wind which is quite chilly.

Usual this morning, egg delivery and shop for the paper.

That must have been frightening Ann hearing that noise and not seeing anything when you went to look. It may have been a cat fight as they can making a heck of a noise jumping about and over the gate.

Morning Frank and All,

Well I think we have solved what the noise was last night. There was some green peel like that on an Avocado on the slabs at the back that side of the bungalow this morning. It is still odd as I don't know what the peel is from as it is smooth and not prickly like horse chestnuts. Then this morning I saw a Squirrel on the fence, so I think it was perhaps a Squirrel being chased over the fence by a cat? That would make a lot of noise. It is odd finding the bits of peel as last week, I noticed a pile of small green bits on the drive where OH gets in his car, just like someone emptying their ashtray there! Then yesterday there was another similar green pile my side of the car. There are big gardens with trees behind the bungalows opposite so maybe they like the fruit or seeds in them. I wish I had Mel's webcam! lol

A family Christmas dinner sounds good Frank and an opportunity for a get together if people haven't other plans. It would save a lot of work too which would be nice. :-D

My mum and dad never made much fuss at Christmas either. Dad was usually sulky and in a bad mood and I remember there was one Christmas when there was no present from him for me at all. Mum told him off and eventually he gave me a bit of money on Boxing Day, but the damage was done!! We never had any family round or visited anyone and I was glad when I was older and could go out on my pony!

Ann the squirrels are taking all the beech masts off my trees now. Could the peel have been walnut skin? They have had all our walnuts this year too. When a Squirrel jumps up on your gate it would make a big noise as they land on the gate.

I nearly said good morning but it's afternoon already so Afternoon all ,

Ann that was a bit of a misery last night all the noise but it does sound like it might have been a squirrel ,do you think it's where all the bits came from in your car ?

We bought some LED solar security lights they came in packs of two , Colin has put one on the little wood shed so son had the other one ,they are a bright little light ,they stay on for about thirty or fourth seconds then go off if there's no movement but stay on if there is ,they are much brighter than the little ornamental lights that you can get for the garden .
They are good because they just can just be clipped onto some screws and there's no wiring to be done ,I was quite surprised how bright they are .

Frank that sounds a lovely idea to get all the family together at Christmas for a meal out ,you can just up from the table with no washing up after :-D
I should think you'd soon need to get it sorted though as I expect they would be getting booked up and that's quite a party to cater for .

l hope Vera got off ok this morning with no hold ups .

Nearly lunch time so better get some thing sorted .

BBL

Afternoon Everyone

I reckon the Squirrel might have been your intruder Ann. They are busy creatures at the moment . We keep seeing one with a HUGE conker in its mouth and Chris found a lone Conker on the lawn this morning. Probably it was going to be buried in the lawn .
They wlll be getting nuts etc to store up now for the winter. It must have been a real concern though for you hearing the noise. This is the time when we will find little holes dug in the grass where goodies have been buried:-)
As for the feathers in your vent in the car. A real mystery there :-D

Frank you talking about going out for Christmas dinner .. This is what we were planning when go away for Xmas with the family . But Hannah has been looking at the prices for the lunches and one place is £100 per person (not including alcohol) . So we have all had a chat and it is decided now that Hannah and Gareth will cook the Xmas dinner , and we will take starters and desert.Chris will make his usual Xmas Cake and Biscotti and we will take a good selection of cheeses. We may go out for lunch on Boxing day . But plenty of time to think about all that.It is only SEPTEMBER !

Mandy. Larry's Mum is still in hospital. She was totally away with the fairies yesterday and told Larry she had been to the Moon !!,didn't know who he was and just really quite out of it. He had to help her with her sippy cup as she could not hold it. The kindest thing would be for her to just gently slip away. She has no quality of life now even though she is well cared for at the Nursing Home. So Larry came home yesterday and will now just have to wait until he hears any new news. I do know she is not for resusitation .I think she is 96 now.He said he has never seen her look as frail as she does now .

James has just appeared now so we need to get this Airbnb place booked in Plymouth . BBL Hope Vera has arrived in Jersey now :-D :-D

I sat here thinking and i wondered if the squirrels come out at night so i had a goggle and it seems they do if like us they need a wee :-D but it's mainly early morning they are about .

Jane are you all going to Plymouth when you go to see your friend ?
That's a lot of money for a Christmas lunch ,i wonder if the staff get any extra i doubt not , when you think if there's five or six of you that's five or six hundred pound you could buy lots of nice food for that amount of money

I'm off to sit out side now with my book while we have this lovely warm sun shine

I meant to say Mel no i haven't picked up the crochet bag i'm doing for Katie ,once the weather turns i'll probably get back to it .