General Chat

Good morning peeps
Well its clouding over and the storm clouds are gathering for the gale tomorrow. So the sky looks very heavy but the garden and plants need the rain as the grass is quite bare in places.
Not sure what I shall be up to today but have a little ironing so will get that out of the way and then see.
I may get my friends family tree out and do some work on that later as i havent done any work on it for a few weeks now and that will keep me busy til teatime!

Hope everyone else has a good day.

Linda, how is your sister getting on with her treatment, is she nearly finished of it?

Florence in the hebrides

Joan. I may be wrong but it sounds as though you have a debit card. If that is the case, and you shop in a supermarket, you can use your card to pay the bill and get "cashback" at the same time. There is virtually no chance of your card being hacked there.

I usually do that, because I am a bit wary of ATMs since one of them swallowed my card and didn't spit it out again!! Fortunately the premises were open at the time, so I was able to get it back - but it was quite a palaver!

Afternoon peeps
Well it started off again as another bright sunny & warm day. There is a cooler breeze building and clouds are forming. The forecast for the weekend is gales and rain!! The first storm for the season will be Antoni lol I was reading the names for the whole alphabet and B is for....Betty :-D :-D Made me smile that.

Been very busy sorting out the post for mum as brother was away and he had collected a heap of mail which was then whattsapped to me. Got a bit upset with one letter as it was demanding the full balance of her gas Bill etc but we had paid it beg of Aug.
I tel this company for an explanation and they apologized and said payment crossed with their letter but I will have to open Br Gas account until the property is sold. Anyway its only the gas boiler so no heating required yet so minimal usage.
What upset me more is that this company is a debt collector!!! My dear mum never owed a penny to anyone and everything was paid by d/d through the bank so always up to date.
The thought of a bailiffs coming to the flat really stressed me out. The letter was badly worded and I told the chap exactly that. All sorted eventually but oh my. :-S

Joan, my dad has the same card for his pension and draws it all out in cash but he has a bank account which he pays some cash in to cover his electricity bills etc but he has a card for that too. Do you not have a card or a bank account for your bills?

I do know a few places where they dont take cash anymore after lockdown. Handling money is dirty and so full of germs. I remember from my days as a banking officer how my hands were filthy and was always washing them several times a day after handling cash.

Can't make up my mind for tea later. I do have left over salad but feel I need something hot today and more substantial, just cant decode what.
Joan hope you enjoy your hotdogs.
What I do need now is a cuppa so off to make coffee and find a biscuit too. Then its back to sorting out the mail.

Florence in the hebrides

Linda, make sure none of those notes are the old paper ones, because after the end of September they will no longer be legal tender.

Same here, Linda - re hardly ever using cash now.
I have notes in my purse which have been there since before the pandemic! Yes, honestly!

My bank is only a five minute walk away, in the town square, but Incant remember the last time I went in as I do everything on line. I hardly use cash these days as everywhere takes cards. There are plenty of cash machines around if I need one. I had to use cash today when I got my hair cut as they don’t take cards. I have had those notes in my purse for ages.

It certainly is a beautiful day, Florence! A bit of summer at last, with a rare chance to wear summer clothes.

I've been washing and/or airing all the spare bedroom bedding, while I have the chance to hang it outside, as I have visitors coming in a couple of weeks' time.

Our nearest bank is 20 miles away, although a mobile bank does come to the village hall carpark for 15 minutes once per week.
Thank goodness for online banking (though no use for cash transactions) , and for the Post Office - "only" 7 miles away.

Afternoon all
We are blessed with yet another warm, sunny day. Put a small wash on as there is only me and its out on the line.
Joan my toe is still sore and the nail moves a little. I cannot bear to touch it so heaven help if i knock it again as I shall be using unrepeatable words lol

Feeling a bit lost today and just dont know what to do. Went through my wardrobe and the cupboard and found a few things for the charity shop and thats about it. Not in a writing mood today, so no book stuff.

I would so love to be able to go down to the beach(5 mins in a car) and breathe in the sea air and have a paddle. That would be good for my feet. But sadly I have noone to take me :-(

Dad had his cataract operation cancelled yesterday for the 2nd time, due to the air con not working in the theatre so hes not happy as you can imagine.

Even the main road outside my house seems quiet today lol and its normally always busy so where is everyone i wonder!

What a pain , 15 miles to the nearest bank!

Off to make a sandwich for lunch and think it will be a jacket potato with tinned salmon, salad for tea.

Florence in the hebrides

Oh dear Florence, you have been in the wars, I hope your nail doesn’t come off.

Last time we bought a large electrical device, it was a washing machine. I got it from ao.com because of their service options They just charge £25 to unpack the washer, connect it to the water supply and take all the packaging away. We paid extra for them to take the old washer out and take it away. It was great because we didn’t have to do a thing. I have had several things from them and the service has always been excellent

I have had another quiet day on my own. I did lots more cleaning and I made time to go out for a litter pick. Tomorrow, I am going to go and have my hair cut. I order some things from M&S for store collection, so I will get them as well. I find it best to order the things rather than just going to the store and finding that they don’t have the size I need.

Oh no Joan, thats very annoying re the bank. Where is the nearest branch after your usual one or Is there a post office near by that would take the coins off you? Also you could withdraw your daily limit from bank ATM and then next day withdraw at the PO etc although ,not sure how large amount you were wanting.

Yes the air def turned blue :-P :-P :-P

I had made a lovely pasta dish yesterday so had the leftovers tonight and was much tastier as always the 2nd day.

I hobbled outside for the last time and watered the pots with several jugs of water as cant manage the hose pipe very well on my own and I felt another disaster was looming so left well alone.
Still a very beautiful sunny evening, not a cloud in the sky :-D

Off to make a cuppa and then i'm relaxing with the tv. hoping Masterchef is on tonight or is it tom? Not sure. Im feeling my toe throbbing too so need to keep off it.

Florence in the hebrides

Afternoon folks, another beautiful warm ,sunny day here and by golly what a change.
I have been outside back and front twice for a wee walk around and spread some bird seeds over the bottom of the garden as the crows broke the feeders!!

Sadly Ann when they deliver here now, they are not obliged to take away the packing or indeed unpack it for you. I think they were having a bad day as i could see the van was full up with things but thats not an excuse for being unhelpful. Its not the first time Ann I have dealt with this company.

I once asked them for a quote to hire a van when I moved, they wanted a full infantry of everything going in the van.!!! FGS, I said really?? And the price was extortionate too. In the end I hired a Luton from another firm for £200 for the day.

My friend came last night and took the old dryer away and new one is working a treat although I only tested it as washing all out and drying well.

I had 2 disasters late last night and first thing today. God Im so clumsy.
I walked past the sofa to switch the lamp on last night and caught my little toe on the edge and it lifted the nail. By golly did that hurt and bled for ages. Nail still attached but will probably drop off. Then this morning, made a coffee, put that down and as I sat down, did i not stub the same toe of the leg of the table...I was actually crying with the pain, was horrendous. I actually thought I had broken my toe.

Its going purple so very bruised but think its ok. I also banged my calf on my huge ceramic pig in the hall and now have a lovely bruise there too.

I have never been so clumsy, not sure what's wrong with me except daughter said. I was trying to rush and that's something I really cant do so will have to slow down a bit.
Anyway the cash will pay for my grass cutting until the end of the season which is great.

Very quiet but tidy here now as daughter away until a week Friday.

Waiting on a few things from amazon which will give me a few jobs to do.

Sharing my sunshine with any of you who are without :-D :-D

Florence in the hebrides

Good morning all, glad all is ok with you Joan.

To be honest this was more of a family and friends party than a wedding, being they were already married but, to me, it is great to make the effort to travel to see all the family together for once, with all the generations mixing and chatting and catching up. OK it cost those of us who live away from the area to stay in a hotel but we turned it into a mini break and it was fun. without this wedding we would not have caught up with relatives and friends of daughter's late husband, one couple even coming especially from Iceland.

Florence, can you give feedback on the delivery firm, that sounds most unhelpful. I am sure a few years ago when we had our tumble drier delivered, they even unwrapped it for us and took away the packing. Good that you have somebody to take the old one off your hands.

Hi Joan
Good to hear from you and all is well with you. Sorry about your daughter's finger but it could have been a lot worse!

All these little jobs dont seem to be important until something happens. But at least the glass is away now so no more accidents.

My new tumble drier made a surprise appearance this afternoon. The delivery was 6th Sep and the haulage firm said they would let me know the day before....famous last words here! Of they didn't and the 2 guys just wanted rid asap and were not very helpful.

I asked them to come to the back door as that is where the kitchen is and boy they gave me a dreadful look! I had hardly hobbled through to the back door to open it when there they were standing with it. Upon opening, they just plonked it down and away they went.

I was in a dreadful flap as you can imagine as i cannot go at 100mph anymore and tbh I shouldn't have to.

I then tel my friend who said she would buy the old one for her mil. It's only 3 years old so in good condition but my new one is bigger and has reverse action spin.

Finally unpacked it etc and friend is coming with hubby after tea to collect old one.

Thought I was in for a relaxing afternoon lol but glad its come as daughter away tomorrow and would have been harder on my own to sort out.

Decided on a pasta dish tonight and was tasty. Just chopped smoked salmon, sliced mushrooms, garlic, soy sauce and black pepper. Then added a tub of philly cheese and mixed with the pan of pasta. Mmmmn best dish i have made in awhile.

So with dishes done and put away, Im now resting until they come for the drier.

Have a nice evening peeps.

Florence in the hebrides

Linda after all the visitors you have had recently and yes its strange being on your own enjoy the break whilst you can. You can get up when you want, eat when you want and just not have to consider anyone else for a change so make the most of it.

Hope they manage to finish off the jobs and get the property up for sale.Sounds as if SIL needs a rocket to get him moving lol

Im all for others helping if they get on with things and not faff about, they just hinder the proceedings.

Tidying and sorting out toys, i'm sure that will keep you busy for ages but it w

Hope it all goes well anyway.

The wedding sounded really interesting Ann. I saw your photos, she looked lovely . I have spent quite a lot of time in the Southsea area over the years.

It is the last week of the school holidays, they go back next Tuesday. My daughter was supposed to be working this week , then going to Filey to stay in a caravan from Friday to Monday. Son in law was coming up from London and his sister was coming over from Wales. They were supposed to be going a couple of weeks ago, but it had to be postponed because the sister was ill

Last night at 9 pm she suddenly announced that she was taking the girls down to London first thing in the morning. She is desperate to get the house on the market because she has found one up here which she wants. The builders are finishing 5his week, but son in law has a huge backlog of jobs which he was doing and have to be done before it can go on sale. He is supposed to have been doing them months ago, but he is so useless that he hasn’t done much. She is going to work half days and work on the house for the other half and evenings. OH has gone with her, so between them they should be able to break the back of it while SIL faffs about making stupid plans which would cost far too much. There is a lot of heavy garden work, so I hope my OH doesn’t overdo it.
They will leave on Friday morning for Filey and OH will come home. The poor girls will have had to drive up and down the country twice in just a few days.

It is strange being on my own. I have started a mega sort out of Esme’s toys, that will, take a long time as they are all over the house.

Well our summer has arrived...yay.. This week promises 18-20 degrees all week, no wind or rain :-D :-D

Took a wee walk just across to the road and back. Admired the view and it was good to feel fresh air on me face. Took my stick though and when i'm home alone always take my phone with me just incase I fall.

Done all my ironing except one huge fitted valence sheet as after doing the super king size duvet along with general clothes, my legs were aching so have put it back in the basket for another day.

Had some paperwork to attend to but when i phoned this company and got "sorry we are closed" I couldn't understand it and then it dawned on me...Bank Holiday down south but not up here...oh well have to wait until tomorrow to deal with it.

At least our refuge collectors are not on strike up here....yet! Most of Scotland in all the cities and the Highlands has bags and bags of rubbish gathering everywhere, its just so unhygienic. NS needs to do something instead of swanning around Europe.

Worse to come as schools & nurseries will be closing as the janitors etc are also going on strike in Scotland...What a mess we are in!

Off to have some cheese and crackers for lunch, not sure about tea as a bit warm for a cooked meal today.

Hope all ok with everyone one

Florence in the hebrides

pleased that you enjoyed it Florence. It was certainly different.All weddings are beautiful but we tend to let them slip by as we are so used to them. With everything being different it made more impact somehow. And they were certainly pleased to be able to celebrate their marriage, even if they have been Mr and Mrs for over a year legally.

Wow Ann, thankyou for that. I really enjoyed reading everything you did and your description of the ceremony built an image in my head.

What a fantastic wedding and rather different from the usual which made it even more special.

I have stood once on a glass floor and like you felt quite strange when i looked down, it is a weird feeling.
What a clear day too being able to see across to the IOW. I have been there many times and love that island.

Yes when anyones 1st dance comes on now, I get quite emotional as its hard thinking back isnt it.

So glad you were able to go and great that everyone had a really special time.

As for me, this afternoon was spent rearranging the lounge so we can fit in the xmas tree!! What a hard job lifting 120 books from the 2 book cases, then moving the bookcases into the hallway, move the tv plus stand as well. That had all the heavy photo albums underneath so all that have to be moved too.

Its all done now thank goodness. Almost thought i was moving in again lol

Hope you are ok Joan, bit worried when we dont see you posting?

Just helping daughter pack etc as shes away....again on Tuesday for another week so shall be home alone once more :-(

Off to do dishes now and make a cuppa.

Florence in the hebrides

Thursday 25 August. When I looked out first thing it was pouring with rain, not good for the wedding. we had breakfast in the hotel, a very good buffet breakfast, nicely cooked and plenty of choice.
The rain was more drizzle now by 11am but wet under foot so, when we were ready son, Stephen drove us down to the Square tower and then took the car back and walked down (by then it had stopped raining), it was less than ten minutes walk. We had to be there for eleven thirty, we were a bit early but the front door to the tower was open so we could get in ok. It was fascinating to see, not only was the Vikings’ flag flying over the tower but inside, all the shields of their company were fixed high round the walls with Greg’s shield on the wall his side and Izzy’s shield her side. This was in the downstairs room where the reception was to be held. One of the funniest things to hear at a wedding was “where are we going to store our swords?”
The ceremony was to commence at 1200 so we made our way upstairs to the room set out for the ceremony. The celebrant was with Greg, his Best man and three other of his friends as attendants. The celebrant was in costume but the rest wore normal wedding type suits and waistcoats.

The ceremony commenced with the celebrant reading from the wedding ceremony words Viking inspired (The normal Viking celebrant was unable to attend so one of Greg’s friends had learnt the formalities). (This was not really play acting but neither was it any way a legal ceremony , but they take it all seriously). First the celebrant called in Izzy’s attendants (Known as her Viking family), although wearing floaty dresses they were not traditional bridesmaid dresses and all four of them walked in separately and stood across the front, left hand side. Greg and his attendants were standing across the right hand side.
Izzy came in next but not walking sedately like a present day bride but sort of dragging each other. Her Dad then sat down. Izzy had a pretty vintage style short white dress on a circlet of flowers and a very short veil
The actual words then spoken and vows exchanged were very similar to a normal wedding and rings were exchanged. The Celebrant then performed a handfasting ceremony Izzy was then instructed to share a horn of mead with her family. (i.e. her attendants and her parents, brother, Greg’s parents and me). They were then pronounced husband and wife and told ‘you may kiss your bride. They and we then all filed out on to the adjoining flat roof where the bride and groom greeted us as we went out of the door.
Down then to outside the tower at ground level where we formed a double line and all the Vikings present proceeded to cross swords in an arch for the couple to walk under, they looked so happy, we had all been given a cone of paper with confetti in (made of small dried flowers) which we threw as they passed in front of us.
The starter for the meal was self service and was all sorts of cheese and cold meats and bread. The main meal was a vegan dish, a meat paella, a vegetarian Paella (all Izzy’s family are vegetarian) and prawns in shells plus salads. Wine was on the table plus fizz for the toast. The speeches were done as usual and then we moved while the room was cleared before we found seats for the evening. There was more food in the evening But I didn’t have a lot. It went on until 11pm but we left about 9pm to walk back to the hotel. It was nice to have the opportunity to talk as, for the meal, I was sitting next to one of Jon’s sister (Lyn’s late husband) and opposite me were Stephen and Judith (My son and daughter in law) Next to them were June and Dave who were Lyn and Jon’s friends who we knew ell and opposite June and Dave and just down from me were Ziggi and Begga, Jon’s ex uni friend and his wife from Iceland who we also knew well. Lyn and Joe of course were on the top table. For the evening we were able to sit in a group plus Jeremy and Chris and families were also around with particularly Inara enjoying the dancing. She dance with Izzy a lot. There was only really one sad moment for me and that was listening to and watching the first dance. I found that quite emotive.
It was a fabulous day, we all enjoyed it and it was so good that they could at last get everyone together to celebrate their marriage, the legal part of which was held in 2021. And even that was delayed from 2020.

I have just been away for a couple of days mainly to third Grandson's wedding celebrations but first we went up the Spinnaker tower .
Wednesday 24 August. A glorious sunny day. We walked from the hotel to Gunwharf Quays Portsmouth (about 15 minutes), where we had breakfast in the restaurant under the Spinnaker tower. We all had pancakes with bacon and maple syrup sitting outside watching the ships.
After breakfast we all went up the tower and spent an hour looking out over the views stretching miles in the distance. Really clear with trains looking like toys going to Harbour station. It took a while for eyes to adjust to distance viewing but we had a fantastic view of HMS Queen Elizabeth and H.M.S Prince of Wales aircraft carriers and the Gosport ferry going backwards and forwards.. I could also pick out Fareham creek and Portchester castle. And nearer to us The Square tower where the wedding was to be held. The Isle of Wight was very clear as was Gosport of course being closer. We could easily see the Fawley area and Southampton. We went up as high as we could go, the highest floor being accessed by several flights of stairs which proved to be quite a work out and certainly they made me puffed. We all walked/stood on the glass floor which looked right down through the tower to below. A very weird sensation and not one I particularly liked. We spent a good hour in the tower then reluctantly left as Lyn and Joe wanted to go on the boat trip round the harbour. I chose not to as most of what they saw I had seen before. I walked around the quays taking photographs and remembering the times before when I had visited with Tony each time we travelled down to see grandson and family.
When they returned from the boat trip we headed for Pret where we had a light snack and a drink before walking back to the hotel for a rest in our rooms.