General Chat

Morning all

Wet and dull here after a lovely start to the morning yesterday. The lawns are looking much better so I'm glad it stayed dry long enough for OH to cut them the other day.

I see your OH has cut your lawns to AnnG, doesn't it make the whole garden look nice especially when the edges of the lawns are neat and tidy? Sorry to hear of your sad news, what a way to find out on Facebook, I can imagine that would of been a shock.

It must be the time of hair cuts, my OH had his done the other day to Vera, or should I say he had his ears lowered lol. I hope all was okay with your DIL and she managed to go to Florida in the end.

Fancy finding two phones Frank and not knowing who they belong to. Have you worked out who's they are yet? Hope you are feeling a little better today.

Pleased to see your OH's results were good Ann. Happy birthday to your OH hope the weather isn't raining and you have a nice lunch out. I smiled when I read about the bird under your plant using it like a green umbrella.

Hope you are feeling less dizzy today Jane, I've been thinking of you.

My phone consultation went well yesterday but I thought it was counseling. Apparently it was just to go through a survey they should of sent me but didn't. I was suppose to chat for 45 minutes, but there were so many questions it took an hour and a half. I have to wait a few months before I can have one to one chats, I'm starting with sorting out my anxiety first, then she said I can have telephone counseling after that. They don't do them both together as it can be confusing with needing to do different things. So it looks like it's going to be quite a long process before I'm total well again. The tablets are helping and I managed my first night on my own as it was OH's first shift on nights last night.

I'm going to wake OH up now as he has a dentist appointment in an hour, he'll probably go back to bed when he gets home. Luckily he's not on nights tonight. He's back on nights Wednesday and Thursday then off two nights then back on for a further night. I think it would of been better putting all his night shift together, but hopefully he'll be okay with it in time. He has another week of nights next week to.

I'll catch up with the rest of the posts later. Hope everyone is okay.

<3 <3 <3 HAPPY BIRTHDAY G <3 <3 <3

Have a good day whatever you are doing. x

Is it someone elses birthday today too? Mandy's sons is on a day the same as someone on here. If it is then Happy Birthday Mandy's son.

That was a little excessive the way the man was washing his hands for so long Mandy, I wonder if he's still there LOL. Sorry to hear you have a sore throat I hope it feels a little better today.

I'm quite surprised the Cheltenham Festival is still going ahead AnnG, I don't think I'd like to go to anything like that with all those people around, right now. We've had one case of someone with the virus not far from us to. Italy is in almost lock down at the moment, according to the news last night. They seem to have it worse than our country. It's such a worry for some people. OH and I are just carrying on as normal, but of course trying to keep as far away as we can from anyone with a cough and cold like symptoms, I think that's all we can do for the time being. I do worry about OH at work though, but I suppose that's normal given the type of job his has.

OH's just left for the dentist but said he's shattered so will be going back to bed when he gets home. He had to sit outside a man's room all night keeping an eye on him, they called the man's relatives in at 6.30am, so the nurse watched him while OH had a break, she'd kept an eye on him a couple of times so OH could get something to eat and some fresh air. He has two breaks and one lunch break. He said it seems odd having lunch in the middle of the night.

Yes I think the woman was very selfish taking all the sanitizer's Ann, but I guess some people are like that. I did notice on the news last night that the shops are now only letting people have a few, ranging from 2 to 5 bottles each, depending on which shop they go to. I don't know what type of sanitizer she took, but it wasn't very fair on the rest of the people wanting it and quite rude I though. I don't think she would of liked it if someone had done that to her. I love your Applique Picture, it looks lovely framed, you are so clever, I wouldn't know where to start. Are you putting it up anywhere nice? When I was stitching OH's pockets on his jeans the needle was hard to push through so I used a coin as I don't have a thimble, it worked a treat, maybe you could try that next time, your fingers might not be so sore then.

It sounds like you've been very busy making things with your clay Mel, I hope they painted up well. Are the things you're making for another Christmas Fair? I've been watching The Last Tango in Halifax, it's a bit strange, but also funny in parts to. I haven't watched the other programme though.

OH should be back from the dentist soon if he got in on time. I should think he'll be asleep all afternoon as he said he was shattered and didn't really want to get up and go out. I hope he sleeps tonight or he'll be tired again for his next night shift on Wednesday.

Afternoon all,

Happy Birthday to G hope you've enjoyed your birthday lunch ,hope you've had some nice presents ,books maybe :-D
Ann i don't think i've picked the crochet up for a couple of weeks now i just haven't been in the mind for it .

Nothing interesting happening here today Vera ,how did shopping for the dishwasher go any luck in finding one you liked .

I did see on the news it is start of Cheltenham races today AnnG ,i wonder how long it will be before they start to ban these sort of meetings .

Mel i hope you have a good shopping trip and can buy all you need ,no it's not sons birthday today ,his is the same day as your OH's :-D

Gill thats good your getting things sorted with your telephone call but having to wait for months before you can have the chats is not so good ,why are they always so long winded over getting things moving .
Your poor OH having to get up for the dentist appointment after only having a few hours sleep ,i hope he's home now and has manged to get back to sleep again .

I see a new series of The Repair Shop starts next Wednesday on BBC1 at eight o'clock ,also Gardeners World is back on the Friday .

There's a few black clouds about so i don't think it will be to long before we get some rain .

Yes, Mandy OH went straight back to sleep, his tooth is fixed and when he got there he was the first one to be seen and his appointment was 12.30pm, apparently, apart from a woman in the waiting room, everyone else had cancelled their appointments, so when OH told the dentist how much sleep he'd had he was told he could of had a later appointment after all. Anyway his tooth looks much better and there's no chance of him biting on it for the 5 hours the dentist told him not to as he's asleep. He asked me to wake him up at 5pm so he gets some sleep tonight, any later and he said he'd be awake all night which wouldn't be good as he's back on nights tomorrow night. Yes, I was quite shocked when she told me how long I'd have to wait for the phone chats, but she did say she'd send some pamphlets for me to read in the meantime. I think it's such a long wait because it's a one to one chat. If I could of got out and about I could of had an a appointment earlier at the hospital, but that's what I need help with, getting out, so unfortunately all I can do is wait for them to get back to me. To be honest I don't think going to a hospital is a good idea at the moment anyway with the virus lurking around, so it's a blessing in disguise. Thanks for letting us know about the new "Repair Shop", OH and I like that and "Gardeners World" we both like that to. I'll pop them on the planner when I've posted this.

For anyone who's interested the F1 starts again this weekend in Australia.

I've been busying myself cooking, I've made the mince for a shepherds pie and will do the potatoes later, there's enough for two portions, OH doesn't like it, he's a very fussy eater, so I'll have the rest tomorrow, with maybe some chips, I haven't had chips for months.

Going to get a drink now and watch a bit of TV. I need to run the hoover around, but can't do that while OH is asleep. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it LOL ;-) ;-)

Afternoon to you all,

What a morning we have had. Jenny came to walk Biggles, and when she returned she said Poor Biggles has been trying to go to the toilet, but everything is stuck to his fur. I got wet kitchen roll and did the best I could to clean him up. Ros said "That's no good" So I filled the sink, and lifted him in to nice warm water. Ros put on some rubber gloves and got the shampoo, and proceeded to BATHING HIS BACKSIDE Jenny then took him for another walk round, to dry off. When he came back he went straight to his blanket, and has been asleep since.

Still not feeling 100%. very unsteady on my feet, and keep stumbling around. All I have done today is get dinner ready for tonight, and read my book. Only a few chapters left to read. Then I have another by the same author to read.

Carolyn's car is still not back from the repairers, so Ros has taking her shopping. I expect her back anytime soon.

Happy Birthday to "G" I hope you have been spoilt. lol lol

I see a school in Westcliff on sea has a pupil with CORONAVIRUS. That's where my Nephew lives, and is just along from Southend. Will keep my eyes on the news this evening. If there is any chance of it spreading down there, I will cancel the weekend. It's just not worth the risk, at our age. If Simon and Sally still want to go, it's down to them. I see that ITALY is at a virtual LOCK DOWN. How are you all keeping ??

Tonights meal is PORK RIBS in Chinese marinade, Rice and Veg in a bag. I have done extra Mushrooms, onions, and Sweetcorn. as there nether seems to be enough in those bags.

Please keep yourselves safe and sound, and I will see you tomorrow. xxxx

Thank you Mel and now you mention it I think it is Jane's daughter that has the same birthday as OH, so :-) :-) HAPPY BIRTHDAY HANNAH :-) :-). I hope she is getting on ok in her new job. I hope you find all you want with your shopping.

Thank you Mandy and yes .....books it was as usual!! I can see one here by Peter Akroyd called 'The History of England' Vol V. As usual nothing too lighthearted!! lol :-) He had 2 other books and I can't remember the third but the other was by Hilary Mantel called 'The Mirror and the Light......I think that is about politics. I also got him jimjams and a new dressing gown. Thanks for the mention of those programmes, both good ones to watch and you are right about being in the right frame of mind to do some things.!

We got a table in a corner overlooking the garden for lunch so that was nice and there was just one other couple there when we arrived. We had cheesy garlic bread and both chose the chicken fillets in oregano and basil tomato and both had the garlic mushrooms. I had the little fried cubed potatoes with mine and OH had the same but with olives, onion and chilli!! I was amazed he had the ones with chilli as he doesn't even like it. Well he won't be having any more as the first mouthful set his cough off in a right spasm and his eyes were streaming. He soon fished all the chilli out and I gave him some of my potatoes! He had a panacotta bread pudding with cream for desert and I had sliced circles of chocolate, amarretto biscuit and almonds with orange segments and cream. Back on the diet tomorrow.

Vera I only joined FB 2-3 years ago as I was very wary and didn't like what I'd heard about social media. I have to say it is brilliant the way I use it and I have connected with 3 old school pals through a Group for my old school and found and friended a rellie who is descended from my gt gt grandfather's brother, also an old work colleague. I put photos on, but not publicly, just for the people I have friended and groups I have joined. Our village heritage group has a page with some fascinating history and photos from the past for example.

I hope the counselling helps Gill once it gets going but it's a long time to wait when you need the help now. You can do the fabric pictures using your sewing machine too and only need scraps of fabric even from clothes you throw away. One lady has done a nice cushion cover with a picture on it. It might be something you could try if you get bored. Good idea for your OH to catch up on some sleep after the dentist. I expect it must take a few weeks to get used to the hours he does. That's good you were okay the first night he worked and I'm sure you will get used to things soon.

That made me do a double take AnnG when you said you went out for a run to the Post Office! lol. I pictured you in your lycra and trainers. You've reminded me we must get some stamps!! I was surprised the Cheltenham festival is going ahead as well. If it was in another week or two it might not have done. They wouldn't want to lose the income it generates though.

I got my washing machine tablets from Aldi and a few other bits as well. Some shelves had gaps but there was a mountain of toilet rolls!!

Lol strange the things that are missing in different areas. Our small Tesco only had pieces of gammon in huge sizes (as if it is Christmas) and over £19 but none of the smaller pieces that we like. Today I got most of what I wanted so that was good.I saw that one place had a shortage of tinned veg, our shop had loads.

Afternoon All
Happy Birthday to Gordon . He is looking good Ann :-D. Yes it is Hannahs Birthday too today. But we wont be seeing her as she has a bit of a sore throat so I have said to STAY AWAY :-D I cant take any risks at the moment . I have been up all day for the fisrt time since Friday, but now I am fading so it will be back to bed before too long.My Haemoglobin level is really low which wont be helping with tiredness. Chris is trying t o get me to have Guiness as it has iron .Not my favourite drink :-S

Sorry again not to comment on all the posts.I just dont have the concentration .

Some people have been stealing the handwash from the bottom of patients beds in Northampton Hospital. DISPICABLE. Also they have ripped the hand wash containers off the walls !!!!!!!!. What is wrong with people.

Vera I bet you are so looking forward to seeing your Brother again at the weekend.It will be nice ot see howwell he is doing now after being through so much.

Got to go now. Good job we got extra loo rolls!!!. I have been through a lot the last few days :-S :-S :-S I shall say no more ;-)

Poor Biggles and his problem :-( At least he is a nice clean boy now Frank :-D

Good to see you Jane, hope your body starts to return to normal soon. A small glas Of Guinness would be good for the iron, can you still get Buckfastl tonic wine? That used to be good for iron too. Not nice when you have to go through all that loo paper. OH had that problem last week. Hopefully yours will stop soon.

All this Coronavirus on TV is very spirit lowering. l bet you badly need something to lift you even more than we do. Given our ages we are finding it all very scary.

I know it’s getting near the end of the day but better late than never
***************HAPPY BIRTHDAY G and HANNAH***************

Good to see you post Jane. You are bound to be feeling tired, particularly if your haemoglobin levels are down but you are doing so well. I couldn't believe what I was reading when you said the hand sanitizers were being stolen from the hospital. What sort of people would do that? The mind boggles.

You are right about different shops running low on different items. Roy’s in town had plenty of toilet rolls, Sainsbury’s shelves were empty. They were virtually out of all types of soap as well. I managed to get a couple of bars of Dove which I like for my face and a couple of bars of Shield which OH uses in the shower. The problem is all this panic buying is making it very difficult for those of us trying to be sensible as we can’t even get our normal shopping. I am surprised that the Cheltenham meet has not been cancelled.

It’s good that G’s blood tests, X-Ray etc were clear. You’ll both be reassured now but what a shame he had a coughing fit during his birthday lunch. It’s a shame we don’t live nearer. If we did I’d be popping round to you to swap books with him. The Hilary Mantel book is the third in the Wolf Hall series. I would love to read it but it’s a bit pricey so I’ll be waiting till I can get it from the library. I haven’t read Peter Akroyd’s History of England books but I have got his London: A Biography. I love your photos of the pretty camellia and felt box and, of course, your handsome OH :-D. He just looks as though he is about to come out with an amusing remark.

What a to-do you had with Biggles Frank. I don’t envy Ros the job of cleaning him up. I miss having a pet around but there are some jobs you have to do that I don’t miss one little bit. As for the Coronavirus in Southend I think there are a couple of cases in the area but no panic yet. You would probably be fine as you are unlikely to have contact with anyone dangerous to you, but if you are going to be in a crowded area or you are unsure about it, you might be wise to cancel. While writing this I’ve been watching the local news and we now have our first case in Suffolk, in Ipswich.

I expect it will take a while for OH to get used to new sleep patterns Gill. You’ve got a long wait for your one-to-one counselling but at least it has been set in motion and the leaflets they are going to send you might give you some helpful advice.

We took the kitchen bin that I bought on Saturday back to the shop and got a refund on my card. This was in our local town but we no longer have any electrical shops there so we went on to Colchester. There is a Curry’s and a Hughes on a retail park there so we had a good look in both and bought a Hotpoint dishwasher in Hughes and a cordless Dyson vac. In Curry’s. The dishwasher is coming next Tuesday. We had trouble getting out of both shops. In Hughes the sales lady took our address for delivery and told us she lived in the same area. We are one side of a recreation ground and she is the other. She just wanted to chat about local issues. In the end I said “We mustn’t keep you. I am sure you have work to do. Bye-bye” and walked away. In Curry’s an assistant collared OH and spent ages trying to persuade OH to take out a different contract covering broadband, phones etc. We got away eventually.

Now I am going to eat a nice ham salad that OH has prepared for us.

I just heard from son that dil landed in Florida a couple of hours ago but there is still some concern as one of the Florida counties has declared a state of emergency because of the virus there. So whether she’ll be able to get back in 2 weeks time as planned is in the lap of the gods. Son is joking that they will probably quarantine her in Guantanamo, but I can tell he is a bit worried.

I ihave read the posts but can't comment on them now as I am too tired.

There were shelves empty in Morrisons today but they had loo rolls but the ready packed meats isle for ham etc was empty. There was loads of tinned veg. I just got the usual shopping but managed to spend a lot. I did buy another two bottles of White Grenesh as it was on two for ten pounds and its what we have with our steaks on Saturday so now I have 4 bottles stashed away.

Sounds like G had a good day today and shame about the chilli in his dinner but he ordered it!! I knew it was someones birthday with G's and see it was Hannah's so HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY WISHES TO YOU HANNAH. <3 <3

Now I see it is Mandy's sons the same day as my oh so it must have been in the back of my mind somewhere in the deepest regions.

Jane you should try the Guiness it is good for you!! I love it but hav'nt had any now for quite a while. Wehn we went ringing I always had a pint and a half well a top up which was more like nearly another pint! Watercress is good in iron too and brocc.

Ann the pics were lovely and I liked the little felt box and your birthday boy looks really well. I have a camellia out in the garden like yours, it is called Leonard Messell. Mine maybe a bit lighter in colour to yours. There were lots of camelias flowering on the way to Bideford today.

Signing out now so night night and see you alll int he morning.

Morning all,

A brightish morning here at present but what the whole day will bring is anyones guess. More of the wet stuff I expect but it would be nice to have a dry day.

Vera its good she had her flight but if she were my daughter I don't think I would like her to go. I do hope with all my heart she's safe.

They should have shut down all countries when this outbreak started. Nobody in nobody out everywhere right across the world. If you were in a country you should have had to stay there.

And now they are returning even more back from Italy, surely, unless they have had a very long holiday, they have chosen to go already knowing they had the virus there.

Lovely sunny morning here. We are going nowhere this morning, I have an appointment to have my stitches out this afternoon.

My tummy has been a bit dodgy the past 2 days so it is either the Aldara or a touch of what OH had.

Hope the tummy sorts itself out before this afternoons appointment AnnG. You'll be glad to get the stitches out and then nothing to catch. Does it look like its healed well?

Surely they are not sending people back from Italy!!! I thought they were in complete lockdown.

Yes they are Mel, Easy Jet and I think BA are putting on special flights.

Tummy is not too bad at the moment mel, it is probably the Aldara cream. It can be one of the many side effects. :-( :-(

Poor you.

Hope Jane feels better today and not so tired. <3 <3

I have hoovered the hall bedroom, part of the lounge and the kitchen and diner o and the spare room. No cobwebs in there now and I did the little loo.

Afternoon all,

Lovely day here not quite as warm as yesterday , i got the washing all dry though with the nice blow outside .

Belated birthday wishes to Hannah Jane i hope she had a nice day and soon gets rid of the sore throat so she can come and visit you again .
I don't think i could drink Guiness or Stout either that's suppose to be good too , i suppose you have to be careful what you have to eat and drink at the moment if your tummys a bit delicate ,i hope as the days go on you can start to feel a bit normal again .

There doesn't seem to be to many empty shelves here ,one thing i did notice though was that there was no plain flour last week or this week in Aldi ,we did get some in Makro when we went last week .

Ann what a lovely photo of G ,it would be a nice one to paint , i love your little felt box too was it fairly easy ? i was thinking the girls might like to make some if they are easy to make .

AnnG i hope all goes well having the stitches removed this afternoon .

Mel i had a good dust round and a good hover through this morning ,i also got the veg ready for tonight to go with a pie so nice and easy and i'm going to make a few Sultana buns later this afternoon .
I still have a pile of ironing from last week that keeps giving me the eye :-D i'll get that done tomorrow .

Hope your feeling a little better today Frank and that Biggles is nice and clean now.
It must be hard to know what to do for the best about going away for the weekend but if it's going to be quite a gathering then i think i wouldn't risk it .