General Chat

Annx yes of course fire practice is the law that is why I asked if the shop was in a large building wondering if there was a huge number of people around. I think they are usually done when they cause the least amount of confusion to customers though as it is mainly for staff to see how they manage the customers. Having worked for the MOD I have had a fair number of fire practices, bomb practices and, in the 80s even nuclear so am not unaware of the reason etc.

We have evacuated three times from hotels in the middle of the night, each time not from practice but from false alarms once in Vancouver and the escape was across a high roof top, once in Yosemete and once in Hampshire, each time the fire engines had to get there. At work they were more realistic with actual smoke and being carried out.

Morning all,

Dull and dreary again hereand not nice at all but theres no wind so that one good thing about today so far.

Oh would know all about the fire alarms drill as he was a firefighter for 20 odd years. He does talk about some of the things he went too but some are much too painfull for him as he has been to train crashes etc and the firemen are the first ones in those sort of accidents and the police afterwards.

Have to go up the forest today to see if I can find some fluffy stuff and into Emm's for some yellow fir as mine has'nt grown much this year.

Still not feeling 100%. I have managed to shower while Ros was out having her nails done. I think it will be a takeaway tonight, I can't be bothered with cooking, and I haven't got anything out of the freezer.

Last night I did two beautiful Gammon Steaks. I dished Ros's up first, She put a piece in her mouth and SPAT it out at once. I tasted it, and it seemed to have been marinated in SALT for a month of Sundays. So the whole lot went in the BIN. I will be writing to TESCO soon.

I hope you are all well, see you soon. xxxx

Afternoon All,

A thick frost on the car this morning and guess who had used the last of the De-icer but not said so we could replace it. I couldn't get my car boot open to get my scraper out, so him indoors had to trot out in his dressing gown to find his and give me a hand. At least we have a bit of sun now which is nice to see.

I thought you meant was the hairdresser part of a big hairdressing business (4 salons now), AnnG, but yes the salon is in a building that also houses a gym and cafe. I hadn't thought till you said, but I expect they all had to evacuate as well. My hairdresser thought the fire drills were happening much more often now and was going to take it up with the owner as it is so disruptive.

OH is ready to go out now so BBL

Been down and gathered my green stuff nd some moss and holly berries I could reach.

did lunch and thats gone and oh is watching the qualifiers for the race on Sunday and I am now going out to my shed to do the Avent Ring for the church.

Frank its a shame those gammons were so salty. we had a couple from Lidl last week and they were delish. After the smell of them cooking it must have been so disappointing to have to throw they away. Have you made an appointment with the doc yet??????? You must............

Frank shame about the gammon steaks, we have had Tescos and they are usually fine. did you keep the wrappers?

Mel so all systems go for the Advent ring then.

Annx no frost here, or if there was it was very light. It has been a beautiful sunny day here but quite cold.
Not so long ago at the Quays outlet centre they had a fire practice and it caused chaos because it was only meant to be for the gym and offices, the shops are on another day but somehow it was sent as all together. So that tells me that maybe the practices don't have to involve the hairdressers every time. I wonder if the frequency increase is to do with Grenfell. Maybe the landlord should check with the fire brigade. The hairdresser will be losing money if it happens too often as people will go elsewhere

We have been to Cheltenham, very busy in there with Christmas shoppers. didn't buy much at all but did enjoy looking round John Lewis, some of their Christmas decorations are lovely but really very expensive. Had a nice fish and chip lunch in Wetherspoons. Battered cod, chips and peas (mushy or garden) £7.45 including a 175 wine (or could have had beer, soft drink, water or single spirit and mixer). The fish and chips could not be bettered anywhere we have eaten. It does vary a bit as it is down to the chef but this one today was excellent.The fish was so fresh and there were too many chips for me so OH finished them off. :-D :-D

What a shame Frank. I think I might have tried simmering the steaks in water to lose some of the salt and tried them in a sandwich, but then again it sounds as if they might still have been too salty.

Mel I can imagine your OH not wanting to even think about some of the awful sights he must have seen as a Fireman. AnnG we never had smoke.....that would have had me thinking it was very real! They did build a partly underground data store next to the gym and hairdresser about a year ago and maybe the more regular alarm drills are to do with that. It looks like Fort Knox with all the security fencing etc Mel you are all set now you have fetched the stuff you need for the ring.

Everywhere seemed busier here too today, but I would have enjoyed your trip to Cheltenham AnnG. I like looking in John Lewis, but haven't bought much from there, other than my fridge freezer. They had some nice fabrics last time I was there.

I finished my second Owl when I met up with my beading friends this morning and carried on with the lariat necklace. One friend was making a beaded christmas tree bell ornament, another was doing a rope for a necklace and the other was making an icicle tree ornament.

OH said while I was out this morning, 2 policemen had gone to the bungalow next door and once they went the neighbours opposite came over and went inside. It sounds like there may have been more trouble with the the new properties. No doubt we shall get to hear in due course.

Yes Gill I got some bargains by staying up so late!. The old papers are a great source of info on ancestors aren't they. It's surprising what interesting stuff turns up in them

Having slept only about 2 hours last night I feel really tired now and might lie down for a while.

Evening all,

Little bit of frost here this morning but it soon cleared when the sun came up and it's been nice and sunny here all day.
We had the plumber out today as our heating didn't come on yesterday,it was a Motorised valve that caused the problem so it's all fixed now .

Oh dear Frank nothing worse than some thing salty ,it must have been a smoked gammon steak ,i always make sure i get the unsmoked as if we have the smoked ones we find we drink a lot after eating them .

Ann you did have a late night last night but at least you managed to get some discounted beads so sounds as if you got a nice bargain .
So De-icer will be on the shopping list then ,Colin uses de-icer but i would rather scrape the screen ,once the heat comes through it soon softens the ice .

There was no end of traffic about today i suppose it's to do with the black friday sales ,we went today to get the childrens fruit and dropped that off to them ,we usually drop it off on saturday but son and DIL have some friends coming down for the weekend ,they have been doing up a camper van and i think it's the first time of trying it out ,i hope they have a good heater in it as it's going to be chilly here this weekend .

Gill it sounds like it might be the water that made the tea taste odd ,i remember years ago they would do some thing to the water every now and then and you had to run the tap to clear the pipes , the water would come out all cloudy until you'd run it for a while .

Going to watch a bit of tele now and knit some more dolls clothes ,i'm gradually getting them done.

What have you knitted so far Mandy. We are dying to see them please?

Did a Ratat tonight with garlic bread and pasta. It was very nice.

Its turned cold here tonight but the sky is still cloudy but if it clears I shoud think there will be a frost. Glad you got the boiler fixed Mandy as its going to turn cold again and theres nothing worse than a cold house even though you have a woodburner. We hav'nt even a chimney in this house as mum had it taken out when the wood burner went up the workshop then she complained that the lounge was cold.

Evening everyone

Thick frost here as well this morning but for once the sun came out and it cleared quite quickly. I feel better than yesterday but still a bit “iffy” but I decided I had to make the most of it being dry so I worked in the garden for an hour. Boy, it was cold. I was wrapped up well but my hands were frozen as I couldn't garden in thick gloves and I don’t think the cold did my head much good either. Still I got some jobs done so felt quite virtuous.

What a shame you couldn’t eat your gammons Frank. I quite often buy gammons at Tesco’s and they have always been fine but, like Mandy, I always buy unsmoked. I hate things too salty.

What a to-do at the hairdressers Ann. I must ask my hairdresser if they have fire drills as the salon is in an area that was rebuilt after a bad fire a few years ago that destroyed a bank, three shops and several flats above them, so I should think everyone is extra wary now. Three and a half hours is a long while to be getting your hair done. OH must have thought you had got lost. Thankfully my cut and blow dry only took about 25-30 mins.

Gill, your post reminded me that we turn our outside tap off at this time of year so OH has just done it. All we have to do is turn off a tap indoors under our sink and no water gets into the pipe so it’s easy to do but I might have forgotten it, so thanks for the reminder. Have you managed to find out anymore about the two girls who were killed? I used to have free access to the newspaper archives with my library card but Suffolk Libraries no longer subscribe to the service. They have to cut costs where they can I suppose but I miss it as I used it quite a bit.

I’ve lost touch with a distant relative too and don’t know if she is still alive or not. I know she is around 88 or 89 if she is still with us. Some years ago I came across a tree on Ancestry that included my mother, who was deceased. So I contacted the tree owner to find out why Mum was on her tree and found a whole Canadian branch of the family that I didn’t know about. Going way back my new Canadian friend and I were descended from two brothers. We emailed regularly, sent photos and information and I helped her with researching some other branches of her family in this country. Then about 3 or 4 years ago her emails suddenly stopped and I realised we had never exchanged postal addresses or phone numbers and I had no other way of contacting her. I often think about her and wonder what happened and if she is OK.

I said I would ring a friend at 9 so I had better go and do that now. I hope you all sleep well. Night, night.

Morning all

Very frosty here today everywhere is white, it looks really pretty, but very cold.

Your parcel arrived late last night, Ann we wondered who was knocking on the door, the poor fella said he had a van full and would probably be working until 8pm. Sandra loves the little beaded Christmas tree and has it in her room, the other present I've put away until Christmas Day, I've left it in the box to protect it with you saying to be careful with it. Sandra said to say thank you <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Yes, you need to be very careful with outside taps Vera, I'm glad my post reminded you to do yours, the last thing you need is a frozen pipe. We were lucky when ours frozen that it didn't burst. The bubble wrap I put around it seems to be keeping it warm and thankfully we've not had any problems since. Talking of Canadian branches, I noticed the next bit I'm doing on OH's tree are ancestors in Canada, so that'll take me a while to sort out today. Hopefully once I've finished these last few people with their sibling's and their families I should have everyone copied over from the tree match I have access to. It's giving me something to do when I've done the housework and other bits and bobs around the place.

What a shame your Gammon Steak was so salty Frank, I'm sure once you let them know they'll offer you a refund then you can buy something else less salty you can enjoy.

We've had the water board in our street this week Mandy, so maybe that had something to do with the taste of my water, it wasn't very nice, but after running the tap for a while and making another cup of tea, it was better. It seems to be okay today. It sounds like you're getting on well with the dolls clothes. I'd love to see a picture when you've finished them. Pleased to hear your boiler is fixed, the last thing you need is no heating or hot water now the frost is around.

How are you getting on with your wreath's Mel, you work so hard on them don't you? I'd love to see a photo of them if you take one. Did you see my PM to you?

Going to drink my cuppa now before it goes cold.

Morning all,


Dull dreary miserable wet and very dark today. A bit of a wind and a horrible day all round.

I just have to make the bows and find the candles I have put in a safe place and get it up the church and it done then I can get back to the things for the stall on Thursday so not much time left to get it all priced and finish off the tree branch I am going to hang all the things on.

Answered both your pm's Gill and Vera.

BBL.

Good morning gill and Mel and all. Alovely frosty sunny morning here with blue sky and fluffy clouds. Looks very cold though. we will just pop out for the paper and a coffee and then I may start to sort out my Christmas cottages. BBL.

Your parcel has just arrived for Sandra AnnG, so I've put it away with the other's. She said to say thank you <3 <3 <3

She's so excited for Christmas day and can't wait to see what you have all sent...........bless her <3 <3

She's started the countdown to the big day now. That reminds me I need to put the sweets in the Advent Calendar I've made her, ready for tomorrow.

She's busy putting the stick on snowmen Mel gave her on her bedroom window at the moment and by the sounds of it she's taking some photo's, I've just heard her turn her camera on and she said last night she wanted to take one of her pink Christmas tree with the extra lights on it, so she's probably doing that as well.

I noticed you mentioned a beaded Christmas tree bell Ann and was wondering if the tree you sent Sandra was a bell. I noticed there was some tissue inside it but thought it was to keep it's shape, so I don't want to take it out incase it's meant to stay in there. If it is a bell and the bit inside needs to come out can you let me know please? I'll wait for your reply before I do anything. Sandra loves it and has it on her dressing table. At first I thought it was to hang on her tree but there wasn't anything to hang it up with which is why it's on her dressing table. It's really nice and just the right colour for Sandra being PINK ;-) ;-) ;-)

Thanks for your PM Mel

Pleased it arrived ok Gill. You can actually open your cards of course, you don't have to wait for those.

I've put all the Christmas cards to one side until I take my birthday cards down AnnG, I got another birthday card today so I won't be taking them down for a couple of days, then we'll open all the Christmas cards next week when we're in December. Sandra won't let us open them until December as that's when she thinks they should be opened, so I'd better do as I'm told lol. Funny really as she likes the Christmas trees up before then.

I've put all the sweet in Sandra's Advent Calendar now, so they're ready for her to start eating from tomorrow. I just had enough as the 10 that were left over in the bag Sandra doesn't like. I love them, they are a tangy apple, so I'll enjoy eating those, as OH doesn't like them either ;-) ;-) I'll buy OH a mars bar as he likes those, then we'll all have a treat. When I first made the Advent Calendar I was going to put chocolates in the 25 pockets, but I've made the Calendar out of material so I don't want chocolate melting on it as it's padded so I'm not sure how it would wash, so I buy wrapped sweets from Aldi as she likes those and we have plenty of chocolate to look forward to over Christmas.

Sandra's favourite film "Deck the Halls" is back on again tomorrow, she watched it last week and will be watching it again, she'd watch it every day if she could. She doesn't know that we have bought her the DVD for Christmas, so she'll be pleased as punch when she opens it. I can't wait to see her face.

I recorded the soaps last night, so we're going to watch them now.

Good idea to keep the cards until you have had benefit from your birthday cards. I know the feeling as one of my Grandson's birthday is 11 December and one of grandson's wives is 16th December. I only put the cards in to save stamps and I wanted to get the present out of the way to avoid the heavy postage period. also there was talk of a strike but that is now off I think.

Afternoon All,

Oh yes Gill I forgot to say to leave the clingfilm tissue inside the tree as I put it there to keep it's shape. The other ladies have done the same with their trees now as they squish together and flop a bit without it. I'm pleased she likes it though and thought it would be nice in her bedroom. :-D How lovely she is getting so excited about her presents! :-D

I slept like a log till after 9.00am this morning, which is an hour after my tablet time so that was the first job. There was a sharp frost here earlier and still some patches where the sun hasn't reached. Nice sunshine and dry though. I really must get my car washed next week as it is the dirtiest it has been since I had it. OH has gone south to a match with his friend, so I am going to sort out the indoor freezer and chuck out the very old stuff. Iced lolly anyone? I know some of those must be 2 years old now or more. I must switch the heating off next as it is boiling now and will make me want to nod off again. We daren't leave it on for more than 20 minutes since we had the new boiler or we have to start stripping our clothes off.

Yes de-icer's on the list now Mandy! I usually manage with a scraper ok but the frost was thick with those fern patterns and the scraper struggled to get under it. Gill has reminded me we need to put the frost box on the outside tap too. It's good you got your boiler fixed so quickly with this cold snap arriving. I'm looking forward to seeing the doll's clothes you are knitting too. :-)

I remember you saying about your Christmas Cottages AnnG. Do any of them light up? I imagine they look really nice if any of them do

I'd better get on with the freezer now while OH is out, then back to pompom making to finish this wreath.

I hope Jane is ok although she won't be looking forward to Tuesday and Wednesday. Fingers crossed she will be fine and not have any problem with either drug. Love to Jane. xx <3 <3

Annx yes the cottages all light up. I will take some photos when I have done them. I have set the tables up for them but will do the cottages tomorrow morning. OH is watching his sport and I would be in front of him so decided to stop once I had done the tables. I need him to sort the electrics for me anyway as I need an extention lead with several sockets.

Do your OHs all feel the need to relate what they have been doing. I find that I finish whatever I am doing (in today's case it was moving coffee tables into position for the cottages and covering them with 'snow') so I get my lunch and sit down for a rest and read the paper in peace! then OH comes in from the garden or garage or wherever, plants himself in front of me and proceeds to give me, minute by minute (it feels like) a run down of all the jobs he has just completed in the garden. today it was fixing up the Christmas lights in the back garden (not to be switched on until next week.)

afternoon to you all,

My, you have all been so busy, it makes me feel tired just reading about it.

Was lying awake for most of last night. So many things going on in my head. Mainly about the family, and wondering where my Daughter is and Grandchildren.The last time I heard she was in Northamptonshire. But having friends in Wales, could easerly be living down there. As for the BOYS, they, I would expect to be married with Children. They could be living anywhere in the Country. My son Simon hasn't a clue where they are either, as he feel out with his Sister many years ago. I don't even know if my ex wife is still alive, so can't check with her. Not that she is likely to tell me.

I had a reply from Tesco today regarding the Gammon. They wanted more information, which I have given them. Now I will sit back and wait for the outcome.

Very heavy frost here this morning. I went out and covered Ros's windscreen with paper, but it seems that was blown off during the night, so she had to use the de-icer.

BT are improving the speed on the internet. and at no extra cost. They are sending me a new router also. So just have to wait for it's arrival.

I have had a very lazy day. Apart from showering and shaving, I have done very little. I MUST START TO DO SOME WALKING, as my legs are starting to feel weak. But with this weather, who wants to go WALKIES. ?? LOL LOL

Have booked a table at the Carvery for tomorrow, So no preparing and cooking for me. !!!!

Had a nice Salmon and tomato Roll at lunchtime, with a cream cake to follow, with Coffee. So I for one are not bothered about eating this evening. But I expect if Ros wants something, I will join her. We didn't have a Takeaway last night, but went to our usual eatery, which was so good, and the staff now recognise us, and know roughly what we will order each time. So you might think, we are classed as regulars. Which is so nice.

Will catch the news later and Strictly, then see what we can find on SKY.

Have a good evening all, try to catch you tomorrow. xxxx