General Chat

Good morning all, Just to let you know I am still alive and kicking (JUST) Was awake at 3.00 am. Just couldn't get back to sleep. When Ros got up at 8.00 am I decided to try to sleep then, no such luck. Got up by 8.15, got showered, and have just been sitting around.

I have a chicken on the board in the kitchen, ready to be stuffed, and the veg to be done. But as yet nothing done.

Ros has gone out with Carolyn, who like Ros has a hospital appointment today. Ros at 2.30 and hers at 2.45.

It's Harvey's B'day on Thursday. So I have said as he is going to sort out the drain (he has some stuff to do it) We will take him and Lewis out for meal.

Conrad has just phoned from DEVON. He came home over the weekend. They are coming to see us on Saturday, and stay for lunch out on Sunday, so no cooking for me.

Harvey has passed on FOUR of the KITTENS to friends who want them, and kept a little boy kitten, that he has named SID. He said there is no news from Jammie and Allison, regarding when the Baby is coming. She's due to give birth anytime soon.

Sorry folks, as I haven't read any posts. BUT I did get an Email supposingly from HMRC giving me notice of a rebate on tax in excess of £550.00 I am very suspicious as to it's origin, so haven't replied to it. I have tried sending the Email to HMRC, but it dose't seem to want to go through. I will ring them later, to get an Email address. and forward it on to them, I am sure it's a SCAM. to get my BANK DETAILS. I might even pass it to the POLICE to see if they want to follow it up and take action. Will let you know how I get on.

Stay safe and dry, the weather today is suppose to be RAIN, RAIN, and more RAIN. with very high winds. xxxx

Morning all

We've got the sun at the moment but it's been raining since I got up, that fine stuff that gets everywhere. I'm glad OH cut the lawns yesterday as it'd of been to wet to do them today. At least the gardens look better now.

Thinking of Jane and FG daughter <3 <3

I see all went well for your OH's meeting yesterday Ann, it sounds as if everything was done in a way to keep everyone safe. They say the "R" rate is on the up and yesterday I read online they are expecting another lockdown if it doesn't improve and not just local areas but the whole of England. Not sure what's happening with Scotland and Wales as I was only checking England, but it's a bit of a worry isn't it?
I'm going to have a go at sorting another wardrobe today, it gives me something to do as I spend most of my time on my own. I also have some housework and washing to do, so that'll keep me out of mischief today. ;-) I see you're going to tackle your clothes today to.

I had to move OH's mug to the side of the draining board this morning and thought of you as I did it LOL. Mine stands half over the draining board and half over the sink, it seems to be his favourite spot for looking out of the kitchen window, I've lost count of the times I've had to ask him to move so I can get to the cupboard under the sink or to run a tap for something, he still does it even though he can see me and doesn't move until I ask him to. They're strange creatures aren't they LOL :-D :-D

Now would be a good time to sort out your winter coats Vera, it won't be long before it's cold again and some women might be grateful of a warm coat, so the Charity shops will be looking for them now. You're not the only one who has to be firmer, I really need to be very firm with myself otherwise I'd never get rid of anything. I was quite pleased with myself yesterday as I ended up with two big bags full of clothes, one for the bin as it was all worn out and the other for the charity shop as the clothes were to young for me, the rest I packed away for now as they were party clothes and I can't see me going to any parties anytime soon with this virus around. The next family party is planned for next January, it's a belated wedding do as my sister-in-law couldn't have one a few months ago with lockdown in place, so she's decided to have a double party as her husband will be 60. Let's hope we're not back in lockdown by then.

Enjoy your time at the garden centres AnnG spending your birthday money, I hope it's not to crowded when you get there, or to wet with the rain.

Hope you're feeling a little better today Frank, I think a run out in the car is a good idea everyone's come up with, like they said it'll be a change of scenery. I know how you feel as I spend most of my time on my own, which is why I do so much sorting, it fills the hours so the day doesn't seem as long. I'm sure Ros wouldn't mind taking you out somewhere if you ask her.

Going to get on with some housework now, I've just put harpic in the toilet while OH's out, I didn't have enough toilet duck yesterday to clean it properly, so hopefully it'll come up cleaner this time.

I missed your post Frank, I hope all goes well for Ros at the hospital today, it must be getting her down by now, poor thing. Good idea not to answer the email, like you said it could be a scam, better to ring HMRC direct and ask them what it's about then if it is a scam you could let the police know.

Just put it in Spam and then delete it. I had one from the same people this morning and I don't even bank with them.

If you do like I said it won't come again.

I do so feel for poor Ros keep getting these infections you would really think they could do something permanant for her poor girl.

Have a nice spend up when you go out Anng and I hope you find some nice bits to buy.

Gill you put me to shame having a good clear out of past clothes. I must admit to keeping lts of old things that were favourites. Retro shops would be glad of anything from past years.

Yes Mel, Retro shops would be glad of anything as they're not that easy to come by, or you could try selling them online if you know how to do it.

I've just emptied a pile of stuff out of the other two wardrobes onto my bed, if I put it all there then I have to sort it out, so that's my next job, it's not clothes, just bits and bobs that have been put in there over the years. The loo is lovely and clean now, we had yellow marks down the back of the pan from when the flush broke and the water was dribbling in, I tried bleach which didn't work, so the toilet duck and harpic have done the job and now it looks brand new.

I've woken up with a sore back, I must of slept funny as it was fine when I went to bed, so I'm having a sit down for a few minutes before tackling the stuff on the bed.

one of our neighbours told us the funeral of Mr Grumpy went by an hour ago, his son in law was suppose to tell us when it was, so I'm wondering if funerals have been reduced in the number of people who can attend so it was just family who went. OH said we wouldn't go anyway as it could be to risky with him being a carer, but it would of been nice to be told.

I expect the property next door will be cleared out and sold now, I hope it's not as noisy as the other side with his extension, if the new people want to do the same, it was bad enough with a property not attached to us, it would be very loud with us being attached to this one.

OH is cutting the tops off the conifers Mr Grumpy planted as they're coming over our side while his son is at the funeral, he's staying there at the moment so we don't want him to see OH cutting them off incase he's as grumpy as his dad was.

I typed a post and when I went to submit it the leccy went off. This happened three timks this morning and I can't remember what I was saying now. Shopping arrived and did the wipe down and did'nt finish till after 1pm so a late lunch. I have only just turned the pc back on as I have been reading my Landscape magazine.

Still wet and windy here and the roads are half flooded which made for an interesting journey home.

We drove up to the outskirts of Carlisle to a large garden centre, one of a chain but not the big chains. We actually didn’t have time to look round the garden centre as we were mainly there for the craft shop attached. Managed to spend my sisters money on lots of bits and bobs that I either needed or fancied having.

Afterwards we drove back towards Workington and went to a Dobbies where we had a. Dry Niven lunch. I had prawn Marie Rose Jacket potato with coleslaw and salad garnish. OH had tuna mayo jacket and we both had coffee. Our two meals and coffee came to a total of £5.75. We had two free coffees on our Dobbies premium card and it was half price food . Really good value. Didn’t buy much in Dobbies though as we didn’t go much on the shop. It was also very hot and claustrophobic in there with masks on.

Morning All,

Just forward your scam email here Frank. HMRC never send emails about refunds so the fact it is a scam isn't in any doubt.

HMRC phishing team
[email protected]

Slept well again last night and woke to the sound of rain which meant the window cleaner wouldn't be coming and I could lie a bit longer. He should have come yesterday but didn't so we were up early yesterday to unlock the side gate for nothing as often happens!

Thank you for your smiles Vera! Here's one back :-D. I think smiling makes you feel better and getting one is better still.

I shall be starting on the bedroom drawers like Gill soon. I am the same Gill and I also think if you make things it is hard to throw things out as there can often be another use for them! I think it was Angel from the chateau that was showing us how to cut strips from T shirts to then crochet into circular floor mats and I thought straightaway of my old T shirts that had gone to the charity shop!! :-D I see you have been doing some more today. I have been sending off meter readings and ordering some art stuff from Hobbycraft this morning.....watercolour pens, white paint oh and some silver earring wires as I haven't made many earrings, so want to start making some!

I have some small plastic drink bottles I am reluctant to recycle in case we won't be able to get them anymore as I like to carry a small bottle of water with me when I go out but don't want anything heavy to carry. As we aren't going out much yet I have packed them into one of the cardboard boxes from our deliveries and put them back in the uti cupboard, but it's released half a shelf for me to store the pickles so they are put away now. There's another cupboard in there that badly needs a clearout too. It has old vases and scented candles I will no longer use. I'll keep a couple of the big scented candles in case of power cuts, but the rest can go as I don't use them since reading the oils when burning in the scented ones are not good for your lungs.

Hubby was on the phone most of the morning assisting with complaints cases, then I thought he'd be doing some of his work but he has tummy cramps so has gone to lie down. Ithink it may be from not only having F&C yesterday but eating a big, high fat packet of potato sticks as well. then a pastie he fancied today. He gets IBS at times and knows he shouldn't eat too much fatty food! Men.......they don't listen to us do they! I need to have a look at some botanical drawing on line as I have the online session doing it tomorrow. I'm a bit nervous as it is very accurate drawing which really isn't my forte, but I like a challenge.

I hope you get to spend some of your birthday money at garden centres today AnnG and that the little craft corner is good. As you will have read, I got the Hobbycraft email and have bought some of the offers. I hope your OH's head and back aren't too much trouble today. I expect I'm teaching granny to suck eggs, but is he drinking enough as that affects joints and headaches?

I bet you are glad the wipe down is done now Mel. What a job it is, but great when it is done! What a nuisance the leccy kept going off but it isn't surprising with this wind that's blowing now! I hope Emm's OH had a comfortable night poor chap.

I was thinking why you and I seem to not get so bored as some at the moment, our OH's too. I don't know about your OH, but you and my OH were only children and I was an only child till I was aged 9 and we would have been used to making our own entertainment and finding things to do on our own when we were children? We didn't have brothers and sisters around to play with and chat to all the time did we? Even if we played with friends at times it wasn't 24/7.

Thanks for the message Frank.

Ann my oh had 5 sisters and one brother.

I always found things to do when I was a child and so did my son till he got in his teens then was the time that "BORED" came into the conversation. He was'nt too bad though and had lots of friend and liked tinkering with his motor byke and then his car.

Just saoking some of my stones as I am going to have a go at painting some.

Afternoon All
Thought it was time I showed my face :-D
It has been a difficult week but we are getting through it ok.Yesterday I had a visit from my GP .He was in full scrubs and all the PPE.
Then today a Nurse from the Palliative Care Team came to see me, so it’s been quite a couple of days.
No-one tomorrow thank goodness other than maybe Hannah.
It is next Monday Chris and I have our 4 nights away in the Lodge at Foxton.I am so looking forward to this little break and Janice and Larry will join us on Tuesday.They may stay for 3 nights or just play it by ear depending on how I am.
We aren’t planning on trips out really but just relaxing.The weather looks good for the Wednesday and Thursday.
It will be nice to have some Sister time together.

I am going to try a couple of boiled eggs for tea.My appetite is so bad at the moment and I am fed up with soup and porridge even though they are easy to get down

t
The wind is so bad here .I keep hearing bumps outside so no doubt it will. E pots etc being blown over.We lost one cane of Runners a couple of days ago.

Sorry I have not kept up with any posts.I haven’t really had the laptop on but have just been either reading or dozing.

Thinking of Fg and hope her Daughter is recovering <3

Annx I spent my sisters money on the craft bits that included a couple more rolls of foil paper for the hot foil machine and a hot foil die oval frame. The. There is a. Ordinary did of holly balance a Ollie leads. Two small bottles of sparkle glue and one lilac distress ink pad. Then four sheets of various stickers and some cards and envelopes.

I couldn’t see anything to buy from OH so that will come later.

I was not an only child but I was until I was 6.5 years so when my sister was born she was too young to play with. I could always entertain. Myself.

Daughter and son never had a problem either never heard them complain of being bored.

Jane oh that will be lovely for you and Chris to have a few days relaxing and making memories. Don’t worry about us, we do miss you of course when we don’t hear from you but your needs are most important Hope you manage the boiled eggs, it must be frustrating trying to find things to eat, especially if you have. NO appetite.
Can you still manage Baileys?

Well the ayt has passed without any problems. Ros was out most of the day with Carolyn. When she got home, she remembered that she has been invited down to Vals for a COT, so off she went, leaving me to preparer and cook dinner. She came home to a FROSTY RECEPTION just as everything was ready to dish up.We have now eaten, and I have left her to wash and wipe up, it's the least she can do. !!!!

I didn't know "MR GRUMPY" had passed away Gill, Was the property owned or Council. Lets hope your new neighbours are more sociable/agreeable than that old misery. GOOD LUCK.

That wind has really been blowing today. How the trees in the garden are still standing, I don't know. What's it been like on the coast GIRLS, I know some of you live close.

I rang a local restaurants, where we often eat, to book a table for Harvey's B'Day on Thursday. The person I needed to speak to wasn't available. She would ring me ASAP. She rang me about 15 minutes ago. I told her I didn't think they wanted my business, and have booked elsewhere. Which I haven't, but will do so in a few minutes. Why does it take these places over SIX HOURS to return your call. So they have missed out on a booking for 4 on Thursday, and another for Sunday, when Conrad and Jan are coming. MOAN OVER.

I'm nor in the best of moods, as you can see, so I think I will be having an early night tonight,and hopefully get a good nights sleep.

See you in the morning. Sleep tight. xxxx

Mel I have seen some great painted stones on Pinterest and intend to try some more when I get time!! lol. I look forward to seeing what you do with yours when you have done them. The next thing I want to paint is a terracotta plant pot after sealing it with varnish. I still have a few I brought with me from my old house and they were there when I moved in in 1977 so they are quite old!!

That will be lovely to stay at the Lodge Jane. A nice relax as you say for the 2 of you and hopefully some nicer weather. It will be nice to meet up with your sister and BIL too. It must get a bit tedious eating the same things as you say when your appetite isn't there either. Could you manage that nice tomato and runner bean mix you like if you liquidised it a bit? I expect the full PPE is standard dress for some GP work now but would still be a surprise.

That's good you found some things to get AnnG. You will be able to try out some new things when you get home.

Gill I think numbers are still limited at funerals but it would have been nice to have been told when the funeral was as you say. I expect the son has a lot more sorting to do at the bungalow than either you or me!! I hope you get less disruptive neighbours next time.

Ros was greeted by a Frosty Frank then! I suppose it doesn't help that a lot of eateries still have less staff. I can't persuade OH to go and collect another sunday lunch since they left him waiting outside 25 minutes. Their site says they will bring your food out to you if you don't want to go inside, but he had to go inside to chase it up the last time. I said he could always phone from his car but he says he's seen that calls go to someone behind the bar's mobile and they don't have time to answer calls. :-S I saw today that one of the carveries we use has put in planning for a huge barn like extension that will almost double their size.

Lovely to see you posting Jane. I am sure you will enjoy your break away and spending time with Janice. I hope the weather’s kind to you. Just relax and take it easy. How were your boiled eggs? Would you be able to manage something like minced meat with some soft mash?

I’m glad you found a few bits to buy AnnG and you can still look forward to choosing your birthday present from OH. Like you I was an only child till I was 6 when my brother was born. We didn’t spend much time together as he was always joining things like primary school, Sunday school etc, as I was leaving to go on to the next stage. But in those days we were allowed to play in the street so there was always one of the other children from the road for me to play with. When I was indoors I was expected to entertain myself so I got used to reading, doing jigsaws and so on by myself.

I hope Ros got on alright at the hospital and Ann’s OH has got over his stomach cramps. These men aren’t always good at picking healthy meals are they? I think mine likes his meat too much. Luckily he eats whatever I put in front of him so he gets plenty of veg with it.

Have you started painting your stones yet Mel? You will send a picture when you do them won’t you. I loved Ann’s ladybug stones so I’ll be interested to see what you do.

At lunchtime the Volvo garage rang to say our car was ready and OH could collect it but if he didn’t need it today they could deliver it back for us in the morning, so that’s saved our daughter having to come again to drive her Dad to collect it. It’s now fully serviced and MOT’d and had this new filter thingy brought over from Sweden and fitted. OH said it could be as much as £1000 so was pleased when they charged £770. The car is 12 years old and this is the first real expense we’ve had with it so I suppose we shouldn’t grumble. With the service they also throw in VolvoAssist breakdown cover so we don’t have to pay for cover with something like the AA.

I’ll have to send you a picture of the four week old bundle of fluff that is daughter’s new dog, though she’s still with Mum dog at the breeder’s of course. That will make 3 dogs in her smallish house. She does have a decent garden and is on the coast for walks. At the moment she has a cocker spaniel who is 12 and a standard schnauzer who is 7. The schnauzer had a terrible start in life and is quite a nervy dog. He won’t cope well on his own if the spaniel dies so daughter is getting another dog now for him to get used to before he loses his spaniel companion. It will be difficult for a while as she has to work and can’t leave a puppy but between them daughter and granddaughter can cover the whole week except Friday so she has to get that sorted before she brings doggie home at the end of September. This dog is a German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois cross and they have called her Olive.

We have had several heavy downpours over the last few hours and it’s bucketing down again now. I’m sitting in the conservatory and the noise of the rain on the roof is deafening so I’m going into another room. I hope you all have a good night.

Annx I managed to ‘acquire’ two nice stones at St Bees the storm had thrown loads up off the beach , hope nobody was watching, I would normally support the theory of take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints but couldn’t resist them hopefully I will have a go at painting them some time.

Vera yes nice to still have something to look forward to..

Frank does Ros understand that when she goes off for such a long time you feel lonely left on your own. Or have you not told her?

So lovely to hear from you Jane and I hope you have a lovely time away with Chris and seeing your sister and Larry too. Take in the nice fresh air and relax and enjoy it all. Have you thought about getting a Moule or whatever they are called to make food into baby food? I still have mums grater type thing that is very fine and I m sure you would be able to get food down that way. It would make a change from porridge and eggs. I had two eggs last night with some nice brown bread as oh had a frozen curry and rice. Its ages since I had boiled eggs and they went down a treat. Must have them more often. Sending you a :-D and love <3.

Ann I had some terracotta painted pots but my advice to you is to put a plant in them in another plastic pot with a tray in the bottom as they do blister with water if you have them outside and never outside in frost.

I have some lovely old pots that were here when we moved in real victorian ones but some of them have surcumbed to frost with being out in all weathers with plants in in the last year.

Vera can't wait to see the pic of your daughters new puppy. It sounds lovely. I had my Holly (Alsatian) from 8 weeks old and she was beautiful.

Mel yes we have terracotta pots, some have lasted well but some have, as you say, crumbled. I think some are supposed to be frost proof.

Ann x I was looking at the painted stones on videos last night. Some are really lovely.

Frank, did I read that wrong. You say Conrad came home last weekend and is coming to see you Saturday. Should he not be serving two weeks quarantine. Or did he beat the deadline?