General Chat

Mel they don't do new adaptations because of the cost I assume. And The drama they seem to put on lately is all quite violent. I did see that during the year Last Tango in Halifax and Happy Valley is returning as well as Ask the Midwife so that is some to look forward to.

Gill, If you have a problem you want to chat about with someone outside of the family and don't want to put it on here out in the 'open'. You can (and I am sure I speak for all of us), message any one of us oldies who will possibly have seen the problem before. Any one of us would be a good sounding board and we are all very discreet. Think of us as surrogate Mums (and dad of course).
And little snacks at intervals would be a good idea. a banana if you like them is good for energy, do you like yoghurt? If so a fruit yoghurt is a good snack (maybe a Muller), if you don't like fruit yoghurt I have the icelandic plain or vanilla yoghurt (one pot lasts me a week as it is a bigger pot) and I break a few walnuts into it, if you want it sweet you can add a teaspoon of honey. Lunch time a couple of crackers with a cream cheese triangle maybe or an apple (or both).
Something I am always meaning to do and should do is fill a litre bottle with water and drink it through the day, that way you are getting enough liquid.
Then a light proper evening meal with hopefully some veg.
I do think one of your problems (and it is not a bad thing it is good but detrimental to you) is that you devote almost 100% of your time to Sandra and forget about yourself. Maybe take on board the fact that if you are poorly Sandra will be without your care so you need to boost your immune system for her sake.

Between us we WILL get you well I am sure because we all love you <3 <3


Jane hope you are not feeling too rough, we know that you will pop back in as soon as you are OK again. <3

I agree with what AnninG has said Gill. Several of us have children your age and would be happy to be surrogate mums to you. It’s also a good point about staying hydrated. The fact that you can’t tolerate strong painkillers is another good reason to see your doctor, get properly diagnosed and ask him about Triptans. They are NOT painkillers and won’t work on any other sort of pain. I think they work on the brain by narrowing blood vessels that widen when you have a migraine. Have a look at the website for The Migraine Trust; there’s a lot of info on there. Between us, we’ll get you fit and well :-D

Must dash, jobs to do. Might bbl

IS ONLY ME. !!!!

I went to the dental technician at 1.00 pm today. He did a fitting of the impression that he has made. Adjustments were made by heating his blade over the gas flame on his desk. He then scraped and cut bits off where needed. I have to go back on the 15th January for a fitting, and the new teeth will be ready a few days later. He is so thorough and professional, I can see why he charges what he does. Eos has picked the colour of my new teeth, which are two shades lighter than the teeth left in my mouth.He is concerned that the teeth that are left and all loose, but is certain that as and when they come out, he can add to the new plate.

We then went to the hospital for Ros to get more Hearing aid Batteries. Then onto Morrison's for milk, bread and a few things. I stayed in the car "PEOPLE WATCHING" Oh my, what a sight for sore eyes there was. How people can go out dressed as some of these were, I will never know. One woman was so OBESE I couldn't believe my eyes, she had FIVE CHILDREN IN TOW all under the age of 8/10 year old. She was knocking three colours out on one child, and the others were screaming and shouting, so I expect they were in for the same treatment. I kept my cool, and stayed in the car. Some people shouldn't be allowed to have children. !!!

Since being home we watched the first of the 3 part Police thing that started last night. Another episode tonight and the final one tomorrow. I was so INTERESTED (NOT) that I don't know the name of it. So it looks like an early night for me tonight.

See you all in the morning. xxxx

IS ONLY ME. !!!!

I went to the dental technician at 1.00 pm today. He did a fitting of the impression that he has made. Adjustments were made by heating his blade over the gas flame on his desk. He then scraped and cut bits off where needed. I have to go back on the 15th January for a fitting, and the new teeth will be ready a few days later. He is so thorough and professional, I can see why he charges what he does. Eos has picked the colour of my new teeth, which are two shades lighter than the teeth left in my mouth.He is concerned that the teeth that are left and all loose, but is certain that as and when they come out, he can add to the new plate.

We then went to the hospital for Ros to get more Hearing aid Batteries. Then onto Morrison's for milk, bread and a few things. I stayed in the car "PEOPLE WATCHING" Oh my, what a sight for sore eyes there was. How people can go out dressed as some of these were, I will never know. One woman was so OBESE I couldn't believe my eyes, she had FIVE CHILDREN IN TOW all under the age of 8/10 year old. She was knocking three colours out on one child, and the others were screaming and shouting, so I expect they were in for the same treatment. I kept my cool, and stayed in the car. Some people shouldn't be allowed to have children. !!!

Since being home we watched the first of the 3 part Police thing that started last night. Another episode tonight and the final one tomorrow. I was so INTERESTED (NOT) that I don't know the name of it. So it looks like an early night for me tonight.

See you all in the morning. xxxx

Good morning all, dry but very dark and grey here, don't know if it is cold, not been outside. OH has gone to golf and I have one load of washing in, another one waiting as I have changed the bed. Just cleaned the bathroom and now going down to have some breakfast.

Morning AnnG, morning all

We've just had some rain but the sun is out now.

Not long got up, I seem to be sleeping better lately which is making me feel a lot less tired so I'm not feeling like I need to sleep in the afternoons now.

Thanks everyone for your support it's nice to know I have friends I can talk to.

I've been thinking of Jane and hoping she's not feeling to ill after her Chemo. I can't remember how many times she said she needs it this time. I know there's one more session to go and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it works for her. Sending love and hugs Jane <3 <3 <3

It sounds like the dentist is really good Frank, you won't know yourself when you get your new teeth.

I'm just going to run Sandra a bath, she's still complaining her knee is sore and a warm bath seems to help, that and the pain killers she's on. I've been recording films which seems to be taking her mind of it and she's been colouring in the bird colouring books we got her for Christmas. I've also noticed she's sleeping better to as I have to wake her up for her first tablet now rather than her already being awake when it's due, so that's a good sign.

Well, I'd better go and run Sandra's bath, she's waiting and the sooner I do it the quicker she'll be in less pain.

Morning all

Very grey and very wet here again. I had another lousy night. I must get some shopping this morning and then ring a friend whose husband is in hospital. This afternoon we are going to a local hotel for a cup of tea and piece of cake to celebrate a 90th birthday. No, it’s not mine lol. Otherwise I don’t think there is much happening today. I ought to do some HW as I haven’t done much since Xmas and next week is a busy week for us so I won't get much done then, but I am finding it hard to get motivated to do anything much.

Love the lariat necklace Ann. Those are big cats. The ginger and white one is gorgeous.

Morning all,

We have a bit of sunshine this morning although the sun is very low in the sky.


It rained here last night but its dry this morning so thats good. I have washing to do too. There's always something in the bin!! I too need to strip the bed nd get that done.

Sandra's knee is going totake quite a while to heal if its the tindons Gill. I am pleased the bath helps relieve the pain though.

Only two days and the decs have to come down and we will all look colourless and drab and dreary just like the weather.

Vera I hope you enjoy your tea and cake this afternoon at the hotel.

Just went and fed the birds and there is a breeze out there but its still quite warm.

Good morning GIRLS,

Nothing sort of day here as well, Looks like rain on it's way (THANKS GILL) lol lol

Most unusual for us, we had home made F & C. and mushy peas. From Ros's reaction, I don't think it will be happening again, anytime soon. Just didn't have that FISH SHOP TASTE.

We have the choice of Lamb steaks or Beef ribs, for tonight. Which ever I decide, I will do roasts and veg. including Carrot and Swede mash, which we both like. Once cooked and mashed I drop butter over it and pop it in the oven, the top get nice crispy bits from baking.

Would you believed it. "THE SUN HAS GOT HIS HAT ON" How long for I don't know, but the first for a few days. The breeze looks quite chilly, but as we don't need to go out, it won't bother us.

AnneinG, Like your OH I loved to get out and play golf. One of my greatest one, was to be out on business, have a few hours spare and find a new golf club, Pay my green fees, and have a few holes. I always had my change of cloths and golf clubs in the boot.

We were both in bed by 11.15 last night, and I slept right through until 6.50 this morning. All showered and shaved and ready for a restful day in my armchair, with my book.

Conrad and Jan bought us another PETER NEWCOMBE PAINTING. He is a local artist, and his paintings fetch THOUSANDS OF POUNDS. At the moment, we have one original,bought by John and Carolyn for Ros's 70th birthday. and 4/5 large limited edition prints. What a coincidence is that it was bought on EBAY and owned by a local chap in Blisworth, who is in the CHOIR with Ros. Kerry (Jan's daughter) had the job of collecting it from Blisworth, and take it down to Devon, without us knowing. Andy the previous owner, or course couldn't mention it to Ros, So next week she will have words with him. !!!!

I hope our Jane is alright after her treatment.I'm thinking of you my love xxx

Haven't heard from my Nephews as to how my Sister is. I will see if one is on F.B. and ask how she is.

I hope you all have a pleasant day, and all those Christmas Chocolates, don't need to be eaten all at once. lol lol Stay safe and warm. xxxx

Love the pics you sent Ann, Sandra loves the cats, especially the ones dressed up.

I've just had to sort Sandra out, I ran her a bath, she said it needed a bit more hot water but she put to much in and made herself to hot and she felt sick and faint, she got out of the bath and walked into the hall with a towel around her, I can see where she stood from where I sit in the living room and could see she was about to collapse. I was concerned if she fell backwards she'd go through the glass door so I told her to sit on the hall floor, I got her a drink and then another drink of coke, her face was bright red she was that hot and she kept telling me she didn't feel very well. I asked OH to make her some toast with some chicken paste on, she likes that then added some cold water to the bath as she needed her hair rinsing, I then helped her rinse her hair, she ate the toast then the last of her chocolate orange. Pleased to report she is okay now.

This is the second time I've had to help her, so to cheer her up I said "Just call me DOCTOR GILL" lol You should of seen me, I was saying to Sandra to sit on the floor and saying to OH to stay where he was as Sandra wasn't dressed and would of been embarrassed if her dad had seen her. Luckily he sits on the sofa furthest away from the door, so couldn't see anything. So it's been a bit of time for the last half an hour. At least she's okay now, which is the main thing.

Yes, Mel just a couple of days to go and the Christmas decs will be down. OH's just gone into the loft to get me all the boxes for the baubles and tree decorations. I'm thinking of making a start putting some of it away today, but Sandra is worried it might be bad luck. Am I right in thinking it's only bad luck if you take them down after the 5th December and it's okay to make a start now?

I hope you hear about your sister Frank, it must be a worry for you not knowing how she is, hope you can contact our nephew on FB. Your meal sounds really nice, have you thought of sprinkling a bit of grated cheese over your mash before baking it, not to much just enough for a bit of a taste?

How nice to go to the 90th birthday Vera, I did smile when you said it wasn't your 90th lol Enjoy your tea and cake. We went to our old neighbours 100th birthday party last year, they had three very large balloons a 1 and two 0's so you could see them as soon as you walked through the door. It was lucky as she's in a home now and we weren't sure which room the party was in. It was a lovely party and all the little children from her great grandson's playgroup turned up and sang songs, including happy birthday to her. They also had a singer who had everyone singing all the old songs, it was a lovely afternoon. Was it you asking how my Penstemon cutting were doing, I remember someone asking but can't remember who it was now. They are doing okay at the moment and seem to be enjoying the sun as I've put them in our bedroom which is south facing. I would normally have put them in the living room but with all the Christmas stuff around there wasn't any room, but now I know plants grow better in our bedroom I'll be starting other cutting off in there from now on.

I'm still checking OH's family tree against the one I've got access to and so far I have everyone he's got. Still a way to go yet, but hopefully it'll all be done in a couple of weeks, then I'm going to have a good sort out of this place as all the cupboards have had all sort put in them again and it's been a few years since I've sorted them out. The wardrobes are full of bits and bobs to, so that should keep me busy until the spring arrives.

The sun's out now and it makes you want to get up and do things doesn't it? I see you've been busy today AnnG, I find I get a lot more done if my OH is out. I've got some washing to do, but I want to check on Sandra first as she's gone to her room to sort her hair out and it's very quiet, so I'd better make sure she's okay. I also need to do a bit of shopping as Sandra's just had the last two slices of bread. So plenty to keep me busy today lol ;-)

Gill Sandra just overheated and you did all the right things, Once she had cooled down and drank plenty then ate her blood pressure and temperature will have dropped so she should be fine now. (and she must have felt ok to eat chocolate. The sugar in that was probably a good thing too.

Frank that was a concidence about the painting. What is the subject of his paintings. I have mince in a bolognese sauce with mushrooms in the slow cooker not sure what it will end up as though, chilli, cottage pie or bolognes with pasta, or maybe even bolognese on jacket pots.

It is supposed to be unlucky Gill to leave the decorations up after 12th night. Mine are half down, just the tree to be demolished now and the cards.

just taking a rest and treating myself to a walnut whip............. :-D

Afternoon All,

After a cold and windy evening (and more fireworks!) I slept well and awoke to a milder morning and sunshine.

Gill, OH has done the same as Sandra with having the bath water too hot. The heat draws the blood to the skin to cool it and your blood pressure drops. Then when you get out, gravity means blood pools in your legs as well, making your blood pressure drop even more so you can feel even more faint/dizzy. Sitting down in the hall would help as would the drinks. I hope she feels ok again now and will remember to be more careful now. It must have been quite scary for her.

Frank I like the F&C shop F&C best too.....as you say, the taste is different although I still like home made too! :-) I tend to have swede or swede and carrot mash instead of potatoes as they are better for your blood sugar and less calories and I have to watch these things. We had a tuna sandwich with some salad for lunch but after all the Christmas eating I feel hungry again now, so better see what's in the fridge. :-S

I started a new necklace to see if I like the colour combination this morning but haven't done enough to tell yet. The cat in the photo was ready from some fuss and she has such soft velvety fur. She is a bit naughty and has too much tummy like me! When food is put down for all 3 cats, she goes and eats the food of the other 2 first if she can before starting on her own. Apparently the little cat from next door that they took in when their neighbour moved to Spain is tolerated a bit better now as the 'spitting' starts at a closer distance!!! :-0

I hope you enjoyed the tea and cake with the 90 year old this afternoon Vera and that it gave you energy for doing the HW! :-D lol. I think it is even harder to get motivated after poor sleep so I hope you have a better night tonight. A lady I met at the craft class swears by an eye mask, so I think I am going to try one as the security light from the bungalow opposite often wakes me.

Evening All

I am just off to bed .But just wanted to let you know I am ok .The fatigue bit is just setting in now :-S.

Love the necklace Ann and those gorgeous cats :-D.Thomas brought a new gift today.
A dead Squirrel !!!! That is a first . Maybe he thought his Mum needed a special pressie :-S

Evening all,

We had a rainy old morning here and then it brightened up about lunch time and has stayed dry since .

Gill i hope you can get the migraine trouble sorted out ,it sounds as if the ladies have given you some good advice but i'd still go to the doctors to see what they have to say about them .
Poor Sandra that must have been so scary for her and thank goodness she didn't go down as that wouldn't have been very good for her poor knee ,i hope she's feeling better now .

Ann another master piece of jewelry ,they are all so different all the things you make and they are all so lovely and unique .
I love the photo of the cats all dressed for christmas :-D and i can't believe the length of the whiskers of the grey and white cat !!!!
Your friend has done a good job on the old christmas tree you wouldn't know it was feathers she has used .

Hope you enjoyed the tea and cake party Vera .
I had a bad nights sleep i was wide awake at four this morning ,clock watching until nearly seven and then when it's time to get up i could have easily gone to sleep .

Frank what a concidence about the painting coming from some one Ros knows .
Sounds as if you have found a good chap to sort out your teeth and it's good that more teeth could be added to the plate if needed .
Hope you've heard some thing about your sister by now ,it's a bit naughty they don't keep you in the know about whats happening with her .

Love to Jane ,i hope this lot of chemo is not making you feel as rough as the last
lot <3
Oh just notice your post ,my goodness Thomas had his work cut out catching a Squirrel.

We got all the christmas things away yesterday ,it does look bare now and then today i have moved some of the furniture out and had a good dust and hoover round ,my goodness the bits under the side board you wouldn't believe :-0

Sleep tight Jane. Oh goodness a squirrel that is some hunter you have got there.

Mandy We just have to take the cards down now, the tree is bare but still in the room OH has taken all the outside lights down and I have put the cottage display away. The tree will be put in the loft tomorrow. Everything else is stored downstairs. I can see I am going to have to give the room a good clean tomorrow.

We are feeling sad this evening as our daughter has let us know that they have had to have their cat Luna put to sleep. She was fine at Christmas, she was a very affectionate cat who was mostly indoors, she would sit with her head up on your shoulder to sleep. Apparently she seemed off colour yesterday then today started crying so they took her to the vet who did blood tests and found she had complete liver failure and there was nothing they could do. At least she was soon out of pain but it was if it was a cat if our own we lost.

Oh AnnG it's so hard when you lose a loving pet I'm so sorry.

It will look bare with all your little cottages put away they looked so pretty ,I should think it takes a while to wrap them up safely .

They go in boxes Mandy but it takes time to disconnect them from the power then to box them and get all 8 upstairs and packed in the cupboard. They are not light to carry either. And all the figures take time to pack away too. Anyway getting there slowly I miss it when it is all down, I love Christmas.

Oh no not having to have a pet put to sleep just after Christmas.At least she did'nt suffer for long but what a shock for your daughter. Rest in peace Luna. <3

Jane hope you are not so tired for so long after this last lot of chemo. Sleep well and what a clever boy Thomas was to bring you a new present. He would have had to put up a good fight to kill a squirrel so I hope he was'nt bitten by it.

I see some of you have started taking your decs down and I hav'nt touched mine yet. I like to hang on to them as long as I can as the kitchen looks so cosy with the red lights and the tree and my littlle cottages on the windowsill all lit up.

At dusk I wnet ot shut the big girls in and usually there are a flock of crows that fly over and then do a mermeration over the big house grounds and I like to watch them for a while. Tonight there were no crows but a lovely half moon and as I looked up I saw a shooting star go right across the sky to the south. It seemed to go really slowly and I did enjoy it.

Ann whats the colour combination of the new piece?

Morning all,

Bright out the back today and grey out the front I don't think the weather knows what its doin g at the moment.

I have eggs to deliver to Em today which is good and then to the shop for my Saturday paper and then home to take the decs down. I shall really miss them tonight sitting here inthe kitchen all dull and dreary............... I hate it when they come down and it takes me ages to get used to it. Sandra's card will go with her others she has sent me over the years. I have quite a collection now.

So did you all sleep well last night? I hope so.

Hope Jane is doing ok after her second lot of chemo and is not feeling so very tired. I am thinking of you Jane and sending love and wisihes. <3 <3 <3

I keep meaning to say my snowdrop are starting to flower and have been since before Christmas. Lots coming up but a few have their heads bent over.