General Chat

Evening All,

More sunshine :-), but still with a chilly breeze. We had a pork pie and salad today so it didn't get cold in the garden restaurant! Then we had our own rhubarb and custard in the conservatory.

We went to drop our prescriptions at the surgery and we quite shocked how many people were ignoring social distancing. One chap stood in the path outside the doctor's and people walking in and out couldn't pass 2 metres from him. Then as we drove away we saw a crowd waiting outside the post office, all far too close together. We drove past the Co-op on the way back as I know some have plants, but there were no racks outside.

Mel, did you get any seeds with your Asda delivery? You'll have to make sure you tick 'no substitutes' for those rolls next time. It's good you got all the girls cleaned out so they are nice and clean and cosy again. Great minds think alike as I said to OH that I intend to still get a big shop with the heavy stuff delivered about once a month once we are back to normal. You can then just potter round to buy a few bits and pieces and perishables in between. I thought it would be handy to get some food delivered to where we go on holiday too, although we eat our main meals out then.

Speaking of holidays, I had an email and offer of a voucher to rebook somewhere before the end of the year or we could book the same week at the same price at the same place next year. The instructions how to book for the next year were non existent so I tried to ring but couldn't get through!

Well, we looked at SKY online and they are only dealing with calls from the most vulnerable. From what I could see it looks like our main tv and sky box are not talking to each other. However, just before we went to bed last night, OH switched the tv on again and then unusually switched it off at the tv set and the programmes flashed on the screen. He switched it on again at the set and it was fine again for about half an hour then the screen went blank again!! At least we can manage with the bedroom sets and boxes so it's not as if we have lost all tv. After the car going wrong, then the smoke alarm, then the tv, today the door bell fell off the door frame. Something else to fix back if it still works! Glad you are finding rellies for your tree again Gill. I had to give up on Tulips after the first year or two here as they disappeared. I thought it was the squirrels as MIL 's were ok once she covered them with wire netting.

Good idea to get something to clean the carpets to make it easier Mandy. I was looking at I think it was a Vax Blade that hoovers and washes hard floors. I will go and look at them once the shops are open again. I might look at getting a mixer to replace my old Chef too as it's very heavy and I have to drape a tea towel round the bowl when I switch it on to mix pastry, as the flour flies out even on the lowest setting.

I have some self set gardener's delight tomatoes growing Vera. They are a favourite with us. That ungrateful person, she should be thankful and just eat what was sent. Better you have the apples than them be wasted. I've seen the same at a prog on the foodbanks though, people complaining that they can't eat what they've been given and turning their noses up! So much for being starving hungry. :-S

Glad your back is easier today Frank. Ros is such a star! She has done so well with the scrub bags and good she has some material to make more now. You were right about needing a woolly to sit outside today.

Another lovely sunny day; still pretty breezy but not such a cold wind as yesterday.

Good to see you posting Frank. You sound a lot more chipper than yesterday but make sure you don’t overdo it. Leave that front lawn alone! Your Ros is such a star with all the sewing work she does to help others and you are good at showing you appreciate her.

You seem to be doing well lately with your family tree Gill. My tulips in pots did all right this year and the ones in the garden are fine but we have noticed that not nearly so many have come up in the garden this year so I think something might have got at some of our bulbs. Btw, one of the orange envelopes for Sandra is from me. It would be strange if two of us have sent the same card, particularly as I bought mine about 6 months ago. I just happened to see it and thought it was just right for Sandra.

I hope you got everything you wanted in your Asda delivery Mel. Did you get some seeds? I think I said that some of my friends were contacted by Waitrose a couple of weeks ago and offered priority slots as they were over 70. No-one got in touch with us and when I looked at their website it said not to contact them but to wait to hear. Yesterday I got fed up waiting and emailed them to ask what was happening. I was very polite and apologetic as it must be a difficult time for them. Today I had a standard response which wasn’t even nicely worded but basically said that if I haven’t heard then they aren’t offering me any slots. They suggest I get a neighbour or friend to shop for me (do they think we haven’t thought of that?). If that isn’t possible then I should ask the local authority for help. We can manage but it’s very galling when I see my younger neighbour, who isn’t on any vulnerable list, getting a weekly delivery from Waitrose.

Ann, I have been having a Tesco delivery every 4-6 weeks for at least 10 years and probably more. I get cleaning things, tinned and packet goods etc. and all the bits and pieces and then we pick up fresh veg, milk etc. as we are out and about during the month. It works very well for us. In normal times it’s easy to get a slot when you want it and, if you can be a bit flexible with time, it’s normally very cheap, though I don’t know what other stores charge.

I’ve been thinking of you today Jane. I hope you were able to have your treatment and hope you aren’t affected with the dizzy spells this time. Make sure you get all the rest you need.

Today I started on giving the utility room a good clean. I thought I would do it in a day but once I started taking everything out of the cupboards and sorting through it all and rearranging it to make better use of the space the time just flew and I still have 3 cupboards to do. Why the heck have we got so much stuff? I am gradually getting quite a lot for the charity shop though goodness knows when I’ll next be able to take it to them.

At lunchtime the plants I ordered from Beth Chatto arrived. They were in a large sealed cardboard box and OH would have immediately opened it, got the plants out and planted them in the garden. He isn’t stupid but he’s a creature of habit and doesn’t always stop to think that he needs to be extra careful right now. Good job he’s got me to organise him. Being plants I couldn’t leave them in a sealed box for a couple of days so I sprayed the box all over with a Dettol spray and left it for a couple of hours, then put on disposable gloves and opened the box and took the plants out. I then wiped all the pots with anti-bac wipes and told OH that he can water them without touching them but he is not to handle the pots for a couple of days at least. I am pleased with the plants. They look healthy and are a decent size.

I hadn’t heard from our son for a week or so, so I texted just to ask how they all are. He said they are all good and how about a family facetime call tomorrow, so that’s something to look forward to. They are calling about 6 pm and it will be nice to be able to talk to the granddaughters as I haven’t seen them for 6 months.

OH has just made a cuppa so I shall go and have it before it gets cold. I hope you all have a good night tonight.

Morning all,

I think its going to be another nice day here. Sky is a bit hazy t the mo but its bright and the suns coming up and there's not much breeze out there.

Went to bed early for me as I just could'nt keep my eyes open, it was just after 12am so I had a good sleep. I was watching Kirstie on catchup so turned it off and went to bed.

We had Asda chinese last night and it was'nt bad so we will be ordering that again but with more rice this time as it was'nt enough for oh and I between us. He likes his rice.

Good morning all, lovely sunny morning, so good to wake up to the sun, makes things feel a bit better. Bedding to wash today and a couple od indoor jobs as well. BBL Have a good day eeryone.

Morning Mel, Ann and all

Looks like a lovely day here as well. Tossed and turned a lot during the night. I put the radio on just after 2 am and it was yet another programme about Covid-19 so I turned it off again. I haven’t decided yet what I am going to do today but I might start with the ironing. Boring :-|

Is anyone else mentally 'switching off when it comes to Covid19 news? I watch the press conferences but try not to listen to anything else and definitely don't listen to the news at ten, too late in the evening. I know and am really very sad that so many have died, be they NHS workers or 'ordinary' people. Every one is a person, a family member. I know that but I don't want it continually thrust at me every time there is a news programme. Other bad things (and good) are happening in the world.

Good morning, my sweet things, lol lol

Yes, A very sunny morning here also, not as breezy as yesterday, so might be able to sit out later.

Ros has now made over 150 SCRUB BAGS for the NHS. She will continue this morning, after she showers ad washes her hair. I'm all showered and shaved.

Between us, Ros on the phone and me on the web, have been trying to order an item from Coopers of Stortford. It would be easier to get to meet the POPE or the QUEEN.On the phone she is FIFTY-FOURTH in the queue, and on line I can find the ITEM, but no way can I find the checkout. I'm ready to throw the BL@@DY Computer of of the window. BAH HUMBUG.

The Fish and Chip man in the van comes tonight, so we are going to give him another chance. The last lot wasn't up the standard of our Chinese one in Towcester. So we will see. Also our local pub although closed for customers in the pub. They are cooking meals through the week and SUNDAY LUNCH. The comments I have seen are very complementary, both in Quality and Quantity. So I might order a SUNDAY LUNCH at £10.00 a head, delivered to your door, doesn't sound that expensive to me. And I won't have to cook. If thats not a RESULT, what is. ??

My weekly order has gone of to Harvey. So he will find a delivery slot at Sainsbury's and book it. I know Ros is going stare crazy, not going out. But better to be safe, than sorry.

I sincerely hope you and yours are all well, and keeping SAFE. I see another 800 odd passed away in hospitals over the last 24 hours. I'm sure THESE CAN'T all be down to the CORONAVIRUS. It could be a scare tactic, by those in charge, to keep us on our toes. lol lol

Take care my friends, I will speak to you all again soon. xxxx

FOR FRANK

Frank, are you remembering to add your item to your basket on the Coopers site? As soon as you click on Add to Basket a little window comes up asking if you want to continue shopping or checkout. Just click on checkout and you go straight there. I’ve just tried as I am thinking of buying something from them and it worked fine. Hope you order what you want.

I know what you mean AnnG. Oh is always looking at the news to see what new for the corvid 19. i am sick to the teeth with it. What gets me is they don't tell you how many people have survived it!! and what kinds of deaths around the country happened before the virus.

Mandy its sent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You should have seen the man on the van trying to stick stamps on the letter with gloves on. It took him ages. They usually put a big sticker thing on parcels but today it was stamps.

Also posted three birthday cards. Aunty Joy's my friend in Suffolk and Sandra's. All sent first class and I bought 6 first class stamps which were £5.75.

Been out in the garden as its beautiful out there today. I have been cleaning up the plants on the decking by my pond and now I am going out to pick up all the leaves on that decking. They are going in my leaf mold bag.

Bet everyones out in the garden......... and thats where I am going now.

Afternoon All,

It's turned into a lovely day here and the motorway is very quiet so we can hear the blackbird and robin singing away.

The things that I get fed up with are the stupid, 'no one could possibly answer' questions and guarantees wanted that the press keep asking the govt for. Also, all the publicity about what people are doing at home during the lockdown. I think the NHS is doing a fantastic job and is under tremendous pressure, but people like the Police and Firemen put their lives on the line in their jobs day after day too. Mel we have said the same about giving those other figures too. We just watch the daily update till the questions start and I watch some online news but not tv news. One thing I saw was that chinese scientists have found 30 strains of the virus up to now so it must be mutating.

Frank, why would the govt lie about the figures? The statisticians are collating them from what is reported. I think if anything they would be less than the reality as I'm not sure everyone who dies outside hospital gets tested as some could have it without obvious symptoms. My word, tell Ros she is a one woman production line. 150 bags is a fantastic effort!

They are saying ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected, but I don't find that surprising with their different cultures of religious attendance and extended families living together. The Indian couple in the new house at the end of our close had 3 extra cars parked in their driveway last weekend when presumably some of their sons were visiting. There was no social distancing as they were sitting or milling around together.

I managed to find some double sided sticky tape this morning so have stuck the door bell back on the door frame. I am going to order another though as the push bit doesn't always work and I think the tape will only be short lived. Six packets of seeds came yesterday so I am planting those next. French marigolds and nasturtiums and the rest veg seeds. :-D I tried the holiday agent again this morning but still couldn't get through and ringback is disabled, so I have texted the site owner to see if he can reserve our week till I can get through to the agent and explain. At least we have a chance of getting that week before someone else takes it if he can do that.

I tripped over one of our rocks yesterday and wrenched my knee, so the jet washing up the side of the bungalow will be done tomorrow as it it still achey when I stand. OH is shredding in the garage again after scrubbing the tall beehive pot clean and breaking up some old trellis that had collapsed. I have found some old floppy discs and CDs that need destroying after I have damaged or dismantled them. I had forgotten all about them till I looked for the double sided sticky tape and saw them.

Vera I think we may have bought the same card for Sandra! Mine is the other orange envelope and I bought mine ages ago as I knew she would like it!! lol. She could have a matching pair! :-D Yes I think your system of a 4-6 weekly shop is good and we will certainly adopt it. Life is too short as we get older for spending on too much supermarket shopping!

I hope your back stands up to all the leaf picking Mel. Ours chippings need them picking up too!

Been repotting some of the plants off the tray by my pond. I gave up on the leaves for now as my back was aching. Oh brought me down a sack of horse manure compost stuff that has been up on the border for years. We opened it in the big trailor and took out all the twitch that had managed to get in it and put half of it in my big bean pot. A couple of last years plants are coming up in there and I found some more runner bean seeds so I am going to sow some of those.

None of my seeds came with the shopping order this week. Not one packet. I too have hurt my right knee Ann.

Afternoon All

I have not been great these last few days.I went for treatment yesterday andhave otgo back tomorrow for 2 units of blood. Hopefully after that I shall be feeling much better.
Gill there is a little package on the way for Sandra.

Back on Friday.I shall be in hopsital all day tomorrow :-S

I hope you feel better after your 2 units of blood tomorrow Jane. So sorry you're feeling bad and hope the blood makes you feel more like cominng on here. Sending love and we are all thinking of you. <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 (((hug)))

Evening all,

Oh Jane i hope you soon begin to feel better after having the blood tomorrow ,you've really had an awful time this last few months ,sending love <3

Thanks Mel i'll look out for it ,it must have been quite a job putting stamps on with gloves on ,i should think they would stick to the glove .
We've been out in the garden too, Colin has painted the fence and i've been planting up my hanging baskets i had to go to boots again and went past our pet store and they sell plants too so i got two trays of Petunias and a tray of white Geraniums ,i didn't have to go in the shop everything is sold at the door ,i noticed i have a couple of my little pots that have some Lobelia in ,it must be from last year so i'm going to leave that in if i can and just add a bit of new compost and hope i don't disturb it so it grows .

Gill i'll have to post Sandra's card tomorrow the one thing i wanted to post and i forgot to take it to town with me sorry .

Ann i sowed a tray of Petunias and a tray of Lobelia and not a thing has come up ,Lettuce seed is through and we've put the runners in ,we always put them straight in the ground but have put a few in pots as spares .
Hope your knee soon feels better ,have a good rest up and let OH wait on you in the" Garden Restaurant" :-D

Oh Frank Ros is doing so well with these bags for the nurses gold star to her .
Hope you'e enjoyed the F&C this time ,the Sunday Lunch is a good idea i see lots of pubs and restaurants are doing that now to try and keep going .

So you've made a start on your utility room then Vera ,have you found any treasures ,some times things can turn up hidden in a cupboard that you've been hunting for .

Poor you Jane, sorry you have been feeling rough hope the extra blood helps. <3

Mandy that was lucky being able to buy plants we have got quite a few but could do with more. Still not likely as we are not leaving the house. Strange no petunias grew from seed they are usually easy to grow.

Ann more repetitive questions again today. Good to have the military represented.

We had a busy day. First we put all 12 hanging baskets in place. I put on a bedding wash and prepared the slow cooker for tonight’s meal with pork pieces.

Next we emptied the safe that we have for important documents and sorted it out taking out all redundant paperwork, then put the rest bacl
K and I shredded the old docs.

We also changed the bed. Doesn’t sound like much but it was very tiring..

So two poorly knees then hope they are soon better.

Poor you Jane. You really have been through the mill over the last few months. I hope the new blood will perk you up so you start to feel better very soon. Sending lots of good vibes your way <3 <3 <3

I hope your knee isn’t too sore Ann, and yours too Mel. You’ll have to take more water with it ;-). It looks like Sandra is going to get the same card from both of us. You know what they say: great minds think alike. I don’t suppose Sandra will mind if she has a matching pair.

The one good thing about all the Covid-19 news is that it has stopped the endless Brexit news. I think it would be useful if they are going to compare death rates in different countries to give the number of deaths as a percentage of the population as the numbers themselves don’t mean much. Of course, every single death is a tragedy for the family concerned.

I haven’t come across any hidden treasures in the utility Mandy but I did rediscover a couple of things. There was a tagine that was a present and I don’t think I have used it so I must look up some recipes for that andI found a set for espresso coffee still boxed. It had a tin of coffee, 6 little cups and one of those little pots that you put on the stove to make the coffee. We must have had it 15 years but had never used it because the pot wasn’t suitable for our hob. We have a gas hob in this house so could use it now but how often are we likely to want an espresso?

This morning I did the ironing and OH ran the hoover round downstairs, then I sorted my Tesco order for tomorrow’s delivery. I intended to sort another cupboard this afternoon but developed such a stonking headache that I just prepared tonight’s meal and had a shower. Then a couple of minutes before son was due to FaceTime us he sent a text saying he was tied up with work stuff and could we postpone till tomorrow.

My headache has eased up a bit but I think it will be an early night with a couple of my pills. I hope you all have a good night. “See” you tomorrow.

Morning All,

Looks like the sun is trying to come through. My knee has been waking me at night. I must be turning and moving it in my sleep. Two of us with hurt knees then Mel. Mine is getting better but the jet washing is on hold for another day I think. OH has virtual meetings twice today so he won't want all the noise and he will be able to help move the washer and hose and cable if I wait till tomorrow. It looks like Asda are out of seeds if you didn't get any and I only got 1 packet last time. The manure has come in handy for your bean tub and they should do well with a boost of that. I think mine will have to make do with the tea bags. Lol.

Mandy you did well to get the trays of plants! A good system to not have to go in the shop as well. Yes he did help a lot and carry my tray etc to the 'garden restaurant ' yesterday, but he never seems to notice that help is needed. I don't know if it is a 'man' thing, but threatening him with Joelene may have helped!

Sorry you haven't been good Jane and I hope the transfusion and some rest soon perk you up again. Cc

Vera, following your 'discoveries' in the utility, l must sort my cupboards in mine too. I'm sure I have one of those sandwich toasters in there somewhere. I think we only used it a couple of times, so it might come into it's own for a bit of variety now.

Yes AnnG it was good to hear the many and great tasks the military support is providing. I just feel the press aren't being helpful. It's their nature to pick holes and judge all the time, but I'm not sure it is helpful in these unique times when everyone is doing their best. I do wish they would get the slides up and the banner down before they start talking about them! I find bed changing exhausting, but better that than those poor folks in the past that slept leaning over a rope and paid for the privilege.

Better get showered now. I want to get lunch veg prepared so there' s no chopping noise when OH has his meeting. Nice and easy risotto with the rest of the cooked turkey today.

Good morning all, nice and sunny although not peaceful as Phil next door is cutting his lawn again, it will be bald soon, he seems to be cutting it about every third day. OH has gone off down the greenhouse to do some potting on. I have been working out the menu for tonight (Cod fillets and mash) and started on sorting the top shelf of the airing cupboard, I need OH for the rest as I can't reach safely.

Ann and Mel hope your knees improve soon. A quiet day then Annx have you got a good book to read?

I agree about the press they just seem to want to stir it, especially the left leaning ones. the same with Starmer. I thought this was a national crisis and he should forget about trying to make his mark and try and be helpful. he was not there at the start to offer advice so his criticism is not helpful now. I do wish they would listen when scientists, MOs, and government and now military explain the horrific logistics about having to supple such a tremendous number of places with PPE. Of course mistakes have been made and things could have been done better. But, the constant criticism is not helpful. Sorry rant over.

Off to attack one of the kitchen cupboards now...... I blame Vera! :-D :-D

Morning Ann and all,

Lovely sunny day again and arn't we lucky to have this wonderful weather and can get out in our gardens and do whats needed.

Washing machine has just stopped and its the bed cover soI better get it on the line so I can get the rest of the bedding in and out quickly so it drys well.

I really don't know how those people slept on the rope but I suppose it must have helped and I wonder how many fell off during the night?

The rest of the cold lamb for us tonight with chips and peas so nice and easy again and not much prep. May make a crumble as oh likes those and I have a couple of cookers and some plums from the freezer off our very old plum tree. Yes I actually got to them before the deer ate the lower ones last year.

Hoping our jane will feel better today after her bloods and will be back to chat soon. Love and wishes to my friend Deirdre whose birthday it is today and to aunty Joy for tomorrow. xx <3 <3

Mandy the little parcel was sent first class but may take a few days. It should go through the letter box as it was checked. I had to put it in one of our meds boxes so they did'nt get squashed. its in an envelope too.

Right cover on the line now so hope you all had a good nights sleep apart from Ann whose knee woke her many times. Mine feels ok today but we will see once I get out i the garden doing something.