General Chat

Much better day today so I've stripped the bed!! The washing machine is whirring round, the whirlygig is in situ, and the bed remade with clean everything!! All by 10,00am! Got to be a record!
I think we may go out for a drive/walk later on and at least have a look at the sea! Maybe take a picnic?!
Hope everyone enjoys their day. :-)

Morning all,

We have that lovely forget me knot blue sky this morning with big white clouds out the back and grey clouds out the front to the north.

Enjoy your walk/pinic by the see FG you've earned it after all that changing and washing and remaking. I shoud do our today too so we will see if I achieve it or not as the case maybe.

Hope we hear from Frank today but I suppose they may stay a bit longer.

tGood MORNING to you dear people,

We are home safe and sound. We left Devon at 9.00 am yesterday. Jan, needed (I don't know why) to go to a furniture manufacturers in Birmingham, about a settee they are making for her. So after a long long journey to B'Ham and a sit for an hour for Ros and I in the car. She reappeared, wanting the toilet. So we found a local pub, for a drink and the loo.With another hour plus, we arrived back home.

She didn't stay, so Ros unpacked and got the washing machine on. There was no way I was going to cook, so we had an Indian takeaway. I had a terrible nights sleep. Kept waking up with pains don both arms ad legs.

Ros has gone shopping for groceries that we need with Carolyn. I have opened over 50 Emails, Some of which I will forward to you later.

We didn't do much while down with Jan. On Monday we drove to the sea front and had an ICE CREAM. Tuesday we popped over to her daughter Jo's to see what he has had done to her house and garden, Where she gets her money from, I just don't know. ??? Everywhere looks great. Wednesday afternoon we drove to the FISH PORT (that I just can't think of it's name) for F & C overlooking the harbour. (BRIXHAM) and sat and watched the boats, while the girls had an ice cream. Never did anything Wednesday, and that folks, is my few days away. HOW EXCITING.

As you can imagine I haven't had time to read all your posts. I did see the emails from Ann, Jane and Mel.Very nice they were too. How nice to see our Jane out and about and enjoying herself. xxxx

Well I had better get going, I didn't wake until almost 10.00 this morning. So I am going to get showered nd shaved, and get dressed.

See you all soon, It's nice to be home. Barry is coming this afternoon to do the lawns. (they do need a cut) So hope the rain holds off. Bye for now. xxxx

Flappergirl, busy busy and nice clean sheets on the bed. Did you get your drive to the sea, lucky you!

Mel quite bright here now, some sun and quite warm

Frank, welcome back. I expect the pains in your legs etc were cause by sitting a long time in the car, what a pity the journey was extended meaning you were both sitting in the car for an hour.
Actually what you read from me was my answer to Vera, hers are the penstemons.
You said you didn't do much but it would be enough for me to even just see the sea, at least it sounds as if it was dry and it was a change of scenery.

We have just driven down the M5 to Dobbies. I think there is another mass exodus for the weekend down to the West country as the M5 was really busy, lots of caravans. I said to OH 'I really have not missed this at all'. However the garden centre was not very busy, everybody well spaced out and we and most others didn't feel the need for masks. We went in the restaurant which was well regulated name and phone number taken on the door and wait until directed to go in, all staff masked. ony two people at the counter at once, one serving one doing coffees. They now have a coffee end and a restaurant end and the coffee is self serve, the restaurant is table service. No tables used until they have been thoroughly wiped down and the settees as well. It all felt very safe and we had our hand sanitizer which we used after using the restaurant. I am pleased we went as it felt normal to be sitting having a coffee. We also filled up with petrol while out.

Afternoon all

It rained first thing but has been alternate sunshine and grey skies since then, but we are promised more rain again later.

It’s good to see you are home safe and sound Frank. Even if you didn’t do anything very exciting you got out and about a bit so a break from your own four walls.

I hope you are feeling OK Jane. Sending love.


How was your trip to Dobbies AnnG? Did you buy more plants? We have a money off voucher for Dobbies but we don’t have a local one. Our nearest one is Bury St Edmunds. I’ll have to persuade OH that he’d like a run out one day next week. Perhaps if we go early it won’t be too busy..

Mel I generally take a few penstemon cuttings each year. I’m happy to send you some but do you think they’ll survive going through the post? Perhaps it would work if I get them to root and send you a couple in little pots in a box later in the year.

Ann, when we set our garden out I wanted it to basically be yellow and blue, but covering all the shades from pale primrose to orange and pale blue to deep mauve. But, of course, it didn’t stay like that as I would see a plant I liked in a garden centre or be given one and suddenly I found I also had reds and whites and a bit of pink. Most of the red plants are in containers so they are down the side of the house brightening up the long path there. Any colour scheme I planned has had to contend with OH, my very own Mr. Move-it, Fix-it and Mess-it-up ;-)

I think he’s getting peckish as I can hear him in the kitchen making lots of noise so I am sure to know he’s getting lunch. I had better go and be appreciative.

So good you ha d a lovely break Frank. Nice to watch the boats at Brixham. I hav'nt been there for years. What a long wait in the car though while Jan was in the furniture place. No wonder you had achey arms and legs sitting all that time and the journey on top of that as well.

Vera that would be great if you could get them rooted. wrapped in polythene bags and well cusioned they should be ok. Would you like me to do the same for you with my pink one? I like your names for oh and thats just about right I think.

Yes Anng did you buy any plants and if so what please?

I am needing layers pellets but am ok for cor and I need some louse powder to put in the nest and houses so have asked oh if he needs anything from Mole Valley and see if I can get another delivery but I may not be able to now so will have to see how it goes and if they do click and collect of if I can pay for it and just pick it up. With the restricsion being lifed a bit they may not deliver now unless its over a certain amount. I am still ok for all my potting compost but I suppose I could have another three bags of horse manure compost for the border. I could do with some potting grit too.

Vera you missed me and my trip just below you.

Mel no we didn't buy any plants this morning, we didn't really need any but had a good wander round. I would have got some but OH kept chuntering about them being expensive so I gave up and wandered back into the main part to look round. In the end all we bought was a little yellow stone baby chick for Inara's garden when we go up. They are raising chicks at the moment and she has her own little garden and a bottle of rapes seed oil infused with basil.

when we got home the post came with the vouchers for Dobbies I have lost count of the number of times that happens.

Yes, Mel my aunt is the one with the grey scarf around her neck and wearing a purple/blue top, her friend is standing next to her, she has grey hair and is wearing glasses and a red and black top. The programme is on again in a minute. My aunt is on the last programme at the end of this month. I think she said 24th July.

You did well sorting your bedding and bed all before 10am, you must of been up with the lark FG. Now you can enjoy your drive/walk and picnic.

I see you're off out as well AnnG, we have sunshine today, but it's not very warm, they say it's going to be warmer over the weekend so if it is I'll be sorting out the front garden before the weeds take completely over.

Nice to see you got home safe and sound Frank, be it a longer journey than normal. I hope your aches and pains ease soon.

Going to watch "Home is where the art is" now

Enjoy the rest of the day everyone.

Just done some washing which I hav'nt put on the line yet. We had a bit of a late lunch as oh was out mowing and did'nt know what the time was. I have fed the toms and some plants and all the plants ont he patio and fed the birds (wild ones) and cleaned the birds baths out. Now I have to peg the washing on the line and see if I can get the grass cutting out of his fleece jacket. A hoover job I think.

I also have to make the lasagne for tonight so a full afternoons work.

Inara will love the chick for her garden Anng but I am not sure what she is going to do with rapeseed oil infused with basil??????

Mel, Hmm I am sure you know what it meant, a bit of punctuation missing!!

Just put a couple of plants in that we bought yesterday, they have gone in the newly dug and barked front garden. Just 3 Million Bells. Wandered round the garden and took a few photos. then OH was wanting his 4pm cup of tea so, as he was dead heading I got that, the afternoon soon goes.

Anng I had to read it three times before I realised what you meant. Silly me.

Evening all,
Barry has been and mowed both lawns. Eos presented him with new long handled sheer, that she bought. Se used those, instead of using his SPADE to trim the boarders.

Lamb steaks, with Roasties, Runners, Broad Beans, Carrots and peas, with a bit of sweetheart cabbage. All going on fine, I am just waiting for the broad beans to soften up, then I can dish up.

I hope you all have a pleasant evening, doing whatever you do. Stay safe. xxxx

Evening all,

Its been quite a nice day really i got the washing out early and the clouds were really black at times but i got it all dry before it tipped down for about twenty minutes just after lunch .
This afternoon we sat out having a cuppa and the NHS thank you Spitfire went over it was quite warm sitting out in the sun .

Vera all the flowers in your garden are looking very pretty ,i think the red with the pink looks lovely and colourful .

AnnG your cues are much further forward than mine ,the tomatoes look good and ready to eat ,don't they smell good when you pick them .
My Tumbling toms are loaded but still all green we need some nice sunshine to turn them .

Frank nice to see you home safe and sound ,that was quite a long time to have to sit in the car so no wonder you didn't sleep and had pains as well last night .
It must have been nice to see the sea and have the F&C though .

Mel when i went for dog from Mole Valley the young lad was at the door and he went and got what i needed ,i just had to sanitize my hands and go in to use the card machine .

Jane i hope you've managed some sleep since your treatment and that your not feeling to grotty <3

Ann it would be lovely to be half a stone lighter after a hair cut :-D i tell you some thing though my ears have felt really cold since my hair cut :-D
It's just nice when you go out in the garden and your hair isn't blowing in your face .

Island you've beaten us all with eating runners already ,we have lots of beans on ours i think its going to be a good year for them .
When i bought some new potaotes off the market stall last Tuesday they had runners on the stall and you wont believe the price !!! £4-50 a pound !!!! i had to look twice to make sure i read it right .

Oh i see you've had the lawns cut Frank ,are the looking better now because you said they weren't looking to good ?

Evening All,

A bit better today, more sunshine, but quite breezy.

I may as well have not bothered going to bed last night as I didn't sleep at all till around 7.30am. We had to be up early to pop to the chemist for our tablets as OH had the chap calling for a few of the footie programmes later and I had a zoom meeting with some friends.

Thank you for the photos Mandy and AhhG. Your trough looks very smart Mandy, especially painted in grey and another to come as well. Colin is making a great job of them. :-D AnnG your cues are looking good and I hope yours continue producing unlike mine. I can't believe your toms are so red!! Ours are still stubbornly green.

I love your description of your OH Vera! I agree we drift away from our garden plans when we see something that takes our fancy, even if it doesn't quite fit what we intend. I find it's a bit same with furniture. I couldn't bear to part with a small burgundy chinese cabinet nicely painted with birds when I moved here. I got it half price and it doesn't go with the rest of what we have now. I thought OH would suggest I keep it in the garage when we moved here, but no, he wanted inside! It is on a wall where it is on it's own and he loves it's glass top as he can drop his keys there without any damage caused. :-)

Gill, I spotted your Aunt with the grey scarf at the start as I watched 2 episodes last night. I've watched past series and marvel at the things the artists produce. I thought the one with the stained glass and metal bird was brilliant. Yes it looks like the weekend will be good for getting the garden up to scratch.

We keep getting all kinds of offers from the eateries round here but are not tempted just yet. Talking to my friends today we all agreed that we can look after ourselves when out and about and that it is other people not being careful that are the problem. One said someone dawdled ages at some shelves in front of her on a one way only gangway in a shop, even stopping and using his phone. She said he was oblivious to her waiting and she had to ask him to move on in the end as people were closing up behind her.

Glad you had a nice break Frank and it was the change of scene you needed,even if there was a long wait in the car on the way back. At least Ros didn't have to drive. It is many years sice I went to brixham, but I would have loved seeing the sea and watching the boats.

On the way to the chemist today we passed through the next village and each side of the road were socially distanced queues outside the 2 banks. Some of the bank staff with their masks on were outside trying to direct or help customers. OH observed them for a few moments then said, 'it's come to a pretty pass when it is the bank staff wearing masks instead of the bank robbers'. :-D :-D

I am so tired now I am off to bed so sleep tight everyone.

I had several Aunts. May (Margaret), Nellie, Ethel, Agnes, Ethel,
and three Uncles, Ralph, George, Joseph. From them umpteen
cousins I never see. but happy Friday to them all.

We managed to make a start on weeding the front garden but it was a bit to cold to finish it, at least the rain kept away and the sun stayed out. Hopefully the rest of the weeding can be done over the weekend if it stays dry.

Did you watch today's "Home is where the art is" Ann? The one I preferred wasn't picked. I won't say anymore incase you haven't seen it yet. I like the stained glass and metal bird as well. The artists are very good at their crafts aren't they?

Love the pics of your produce AnnG your's are doing really well, my toms are more like peas at the moment and I still have lots of flowers on them to. What's the name of your Alpine plant, I've been looking for one like that but don't know what it's called?

Colin's made a good job of the trough Mandy, I like the colour. You'll have plenty of lettuce to keep you going now.

It sounds like you've been busy today Mel, you'll sleep well tonight after all your hard work. How is the little Robin doing, has he eaten from your hand again?

Gill he eats from my hand now several times a day and if I don't take any notice of him he flies at me and then away. Down by the bantams I was putting some compost over a tato I put in a bag and he landed on my back twice. He is a card.....

Love the trug Mandy can Colin come and make me one please? Good colour too. Blends in well with the paving etc.

Anng I am envious of your ripe toms. Mine are getting there but nowhere near ripe yet but they are in a dark shed with only the top of the door open most days.

Frank what a lot of things you sent me. Took me ages to see them all.

Good morning all a sunny but coolish morning here so far. Only 6 degrees when we got up. sixteen degrees now so climbing a bit.

Nothing planned for today, maybe a short walk but at the moment have a wash load of bedding in the machine and OH is fiddling with the door camera so that will wait a while.

Kept waking up last night but slept ok in between.

Annx Hope you has a better night last night and Jane hope you have managed to sleep as well.

Morning Anng and all,

Beautiful morning here with plenty of blue sky and big white clouds like cotton wool and plenty of the yellow thing. A right Max Bygraves morning and we are definately Out Of Town. Hope that dos'nt get on all your brains now.............

Only have to do the shop and egg delivery this mroning steak for tonights dinner so I may even get up the border this afternoon if I'm lucky. I keep finding things that need doing in the house but today I am certain its a gardening day.

Hope Gill gets her front garden finished and nice and tidy and weed free.

Love to Jane, hope you have been sleeping better. Is the family coming tomorrow? It must be so nice to have them nearer to you now. <3 <3

It's lovely 'getting up' these days at 5am (ish) when daylight has already shown itself.

Rambling along the local beach when there is hardly another human soul to greet other than a handful of hook & line fishers, I am usually accompanied by a fleet of squawking ravenous seagulls overhead anxiously looking for negligently discarded scraps to devour.

Knife & fork not necessary!