General Chat

Hello all. Just popping in to say hope everyone is well and happy....I don't have much to report.
We had a very unusual day last Wednesday. Woke up to what I thought was a car backed into my garden - I could see a red glow on the window-sill. On further investigation found the red glow was everywhere - sky, buildings, streets, people - like a thick fog, only all red! I've never see it before although it is said it happened about seventy years ago - but no colour photos available from that long ago.....It was a dust storm coming from the western side of New South Wales and bringing with it the red soil of the 'outback'....There is no red soil for hundreds of miles from here on the coast!....Continued to blow all day, and even though my house and garage remained closed all day, the dust seeped in somehow. I had to wash my car windows to see out of them - the dust had seeped in over the top of the rolladoor.
It has been windy since then, and more dust is getting into the house although we can't see it now.....It's very hard to get rid of too...I have dusted a few times each day, but it still comes in, and when I wipe it off, it leaves streaks....We could do with some of that rain you are having. Send some over, will you? It would help settle the dust - and clean everything. Even the plants need to have their leaves wiped - it just won't hose off.
Hope we don't have another day like that for another 70 years!

A VERY GOOD MORNING TO ALL
Today looks like its going to be warm here so i may mess about in the garden
But 1st i shall go out with my son to the woodland down the Road to stock up with logs for his log burner
They have cut down a lot of dead trees and lots of peeps are using them for their gardens the farmers near by are using them for their fires which must save a few bob on wood and coal
Anyway hope you all have a good day and keep doing your family tree ,.bfn

Hi Bridget, SiL had a bleed on the brain about 3 years ago after hitting his head when the car boot lid came down on it, he had an emergency op, couldn't drive for a year but is fine now except that it has affected his short term memory, it is not drastic but annoying for him sometimes, luckily he is quite laid back and he (and we) have a sense of humour.

Hello everyone, home from the Malvern Show. Got there at 0915 and left at 3.15pm, daughter and S i L still not home, they have more stamina than us and always stay longer. The weather was great and it was packed, they must have made a packet at £15.50 each for entry, plus what they take in stall rental.
There were loads of stalls to see, we started with the food hall and bought a Welsh oggie (a huge one to share between the two of us) and a Steak and kidney pie for this evening (sort of a tradition to buy a pie when we go to the shows). We also bought a bottle of cider to wash down the oggie. Then we went and had 'breakfast, a sausage and egg bap in my case, bacon and egg for OH, similar for daughter and S iL.

Then we split up and I found a rather good craft stall in one marquee and bought a few bits. We also bought some grasses, pansies and miniature daff bulbs, a bird feeder, I think that was all, waiting to hear what daughter bought.
We went back to the car for lunch and after a rest attcked the show again, this time T and I went round the show tent and looked at all the wonderful (huge) Dahlias and veg, I looked at the WI flower displays, some I liked some I wasn't keen on, took a few photos. Then we stopped for coffee and watched the heavy horses showing how they used to pull the plough. another demonstration was from dogs, I think mainly spaniels and retrievers fetching a 'dummy'. One little black one was so sweet, her mistress threw the dummy (blue), at the same time another one (red) was thrown for another dog, they were in a circle, this little one, when given the instruction to fetch, shot off and brought back the red one which was round the circle to the right, she brought this back, looked at her mistress, wagged her tail and immediately shot off and fetched the blue one.

We looked round a few more stalls and by then were feeling tired and footsore, especially T who has had a poorly foot, so we came home. It was a great day, thoroughly enjoyable, not cheap but I think we got value for money.

Ann x

Hello everyone

I am feeling very tired today, not sure why as I slept well, maybe it is what my mother used to say "gallivanting around"! Friend popped in last night to look at his tree, this is the one with the lost brother and we are trying to find him. Anyway he sayed for about 2 hours and rememebred more than he thought he would. He was very surprised atthe time it takes to check et and asked how much he owed me. I said nothing, but when I am in UK I would not have the time to do anymore. He asked how much it is to joing Ancestry or GR ans was very surprised at the cost....I felt a bit mean . Has anyone had this happen, do you think I said the right thing, it has been worrying me today.

Ann, I didn't realise that your son in Law had memory problems I shall add him to my candles when I go up to the church this afternoon.

It is a lovely day here, the sun is shining, not to hot, a slight breeze and the sky is a lovely blue. The sea is calm and I can see about a dozen sailing boats moving up and dow.....I am going to miss this view.

Beginning to feel a little nervous now about going back to UK I have enjoyed living back at home for the past 3 months or so. I shall be glad when OH joins me.

VAl in SA how was the shell festival, do tell us more, I have never heard of them before you talked on here a little while ago.

Anyway I hope that you enjoyed it.


Keith just as a reminder don not stop coming on here, I wish we could nudge you not just this thread,


Well I haven't much to add right now maybe I will be inspired this evening and at least it will give you all a break from my normal epistles!!!

Take care


Bridget

Just catching up, I seem to have missed this thread for a couple of days. All this talk about warm weather and sea breezes, makes me want to be on holiday again!!

Keith, My son in law still has problems with his short term memory, the rest of us have to have a sense of humour sometimes but he is still managing to do the job her did before which is insurance underwriter so he is coping OK. I think it is a case of accepting it and coming to terms with it and having a lot of support from family. enjoy your weekend with your grandson, they are a joy.

Ann
Glos

Hi everybody,
Apology accepted Bridget, you can get off your knees now!!!
I am very late today because we have been to the beach, the weather is so gorgeous and it is very hot so we decided a sea breeze was called for. Feel as if I am glowing, in a pleasant sort of a way.
My quiet moments happen at any time, particularly in the garden as I am a potterer...
Enjoy the rest of the day,
Frances

Hello everyone,

My friend and I have had a lovely day down at the beachfront, although most of the 200 stalls were rather disappointing. There were a number of food stalls, none sold anything out of the ordinary, there was a lot of junk being sold and only a couple of stalls had anything worthwhile buying which was rather disappointing. We found that there was too much of the same. The atmosphere,however, was lovely. There was a steel band which we thoroughly enjoyed and also other types of music being played. We had lunch in town which was also nice. All in all a most enjoyable day. The weather was kind to us as it was neither too hot or too cold.

When the weather is good I like to sit outside to think and sometimes I find the bathroom to be the quietest place to think of those around me .

We played scrabble last night which was nice. I don't often get to play as Jimmy doesn't like playing.

Enjoy your time with your grandson Keith, I bet he keeps you on your toes. You sound positive and that's good.

Take care .



Val in SA.

Good morning everyone
am looking forward to weekend its grandsons Birthday hes 4 on Sat
it should be fun He can be a hand full but he does may us smile
the poor dog hates him The dog just looks at him and runs lol
Any way its been a good week at work things are starting to get easy again so thats a good sign i must be getting back to my old self If thats possible We will just have to carry on and see what happens

back tomorrow

Good morning to you all and I hope you all have a good day.Share your thoughts with us or your worries or happy events and where necessary we can support each other.

Well my last visitors for this year have just left, looking nicely relaxed and tanned. They seem to have enjoyed themselves and have already made arrangements to visit when I am in Hastings. Just think this time next week it will be me leaving for the airport!

Jenxx

My special thoughts will include you and your family, please accept my condolences on the loss of family during this year, it must be evry difficult.

You sound delighted that the 375 slabs are all in place, that must have been a lot of hard work but I expect that you are delighted with the outcome.

I am sure that you grandaughter will have a wonderful time going to see Cinderalla.


Yesterday our visitors took as out for a superb lunch. They could not have chosen a better restaurant, it is called the Roc a Mar and is on the beach level with glorious views across the sea and round the coast. It was hot again yesterday around 34c and the slight breeze from the sea was a bonus. I had Spanish Ham with I large slice of Pineappla and of melon, and a little tempting spoonful of caviar, OH had the same.

We all had fish for our main course and my sole was absolutly perfect, OH chose the wine, and we sat chatting, eating and feeling very good. Because all the food is cooked to order we were able to relax and enjoy the occassion. One of the things I enjoy out here is that one is never rushed to finish the meal...In total we must have been there for around two and a half hours and it was soooo relaxing.
We then strolled along the promenade, shops all closed until 17.00hrs so simply enjoyed the company, weather and a grand sense of well being.

We came home for a coupleof hours and then it was all out again for OH to do his fortnightly quiz. He announced that the next one would be the last and a huge groan went around the venue, it seems everyone enjoys coming to the quiz but no one wants to prepare and present the quiz.

This is rather sad really as I started this almost 6 years ago and OH took over when I went back to work. Very different style to mine but also very successful....ah well maybe someone will change their mind.

It is quite chilly at the moment and was vey dark until about 10 minutes ago and daylight is now arriving.

The fishing boats sounded very loud this morning and I could not see them, well I could see their lights, but could certainly hear them.

Jet and Joe had their run around whilst I had my coffee and sat indoors this morning before our visitors were even up and went through my thoughts and hoped that all those who appeared to need an extra positive thought or a little prayer are now feeling better even if the result was not what they expected or wanted at the time.

Does anyone else have a special time for themselves each day?

Sometimes I am so rushed I have to do my thinking whilst ironing or cleaning the house and other times I can wander through the garden, sit on a terrace, or be weeding the garden...

I look forward to hearing what you have been doing etc



Best wishes to you all and enjoy the day, rememebr tomorrow never arrives, it is always today or yesterday.



I am now going to have a quick glance at the news, and the start on the washing etc



Bye



Bridget

A quick message of Apology to catchthecat Frances.

I did start to look and became so confuddled that I went onto another side of the tree and haven't gone back..

I am on my knees begging forgivens, will try to find the time and patience when back in the UK


Bridget

Bridget,
Did the links for Denmark and Germany that I gave you not yield anything? How disappointing.
Weather today is absolutely wonderful...worth having a few days of rain for.
Been shopping today, only the supermarket so nothing exciting. Had coffee with friends beforehand and caught up on the 'gossip'. Going later to look for a new tv type cabinet, but not holding my breath on finding something that we BOTH like. Ah well compromise is the name of the game I suppose.
Enjoy your games of scrabble, Val, and your friend's visit.
Take care everyone.
Frances.

Good Morning Bridget
At last I have time to post
what a year we have had what with illness and deaths in the family
3 up to now ..hope that Tuesdays funeral is the last one for a while
On to happier thoughts ....
Well the 370 paving slabs have been laid ...looks lovey too
garden shed sorted and a new one being installed next week
garden looking good .....think I will move the furniture out side it's nicer than inside now lol
Taking 6 year old G/Daughter to see the ballet Cinderella on Saturday
wonder what she will come out with this year , took her to see Sleeping Beauty last year ...you do not want to know what she said about the male dancers lol...(use your imagination )
Weather has been on the whole lovely this last couple of weeks hope it stay that way for a few weeks more it will shorten the winter
have a good day everyone
much love Jenxx

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE

Frances,

Thankfull no rain today, I know we need it but it is the last day of our visitors stay as they leave early tomorrow morning. They are somewhat younger than us with Amy being 31 and Mark being 40, but we get along so well. Strangley I know that my daughter is very close to Amys' mother and sometimes I have found that difficult but now it seems that Amy and I are alos becoming very close. I will have to be careful as I would not want to hurt her mother, even though I have been so sorely hurt over the years. I have never commented very much and have concentrated on simply being there as and when needed and I do have a good relationship with my grandchildren

Your description of moving furniture around made me smile as a memory flooded back from childhood. On one occassion my mother moved her bed around and when my dad arrived home from the hospital where he had been on a night shift, he did not want to disturb her or me. We only had one bedroom. Ho did not turn on the light and he went to sit on the bed and as it had been moved it wasn't where he thought it was.....OH dear, he must have hurt himself but it seemed funny at the time!
Good luck with finding the right TV etc and the cost does creep along does,nt it?

Val, ggod news about your husband, Now did you know that in England you could have waithed twice the time or you would have been in and out before you had time to breath. Anyway the outcome was good.

Oh you are lucky to have a friend visiting who likes scrabble, I really enjoy playing it, so if anyone com,es to the house and they mention they play scrabble down comes the board etc... Enjoy your games.

The Shell festival sound good fun and I remember you describing it in general terms on an earlier message, do keep us updated.


Keith

Thanks for your message. I understand the memory loss dilema has anyone such as the GP of specialist nurse given you any help with this...it is available and you should ask for the info if you do not have it. If not I could point you in the right direction. Yesterday I forgot my OHs previous occupation, I mean I knwe what he did and just for a few seconds couldn,t recall it was Immigration Officer!!!

How do you manage to find Ancestors in place such as Holland and the West Indies...I cannot manage to find info for Denamrk and Germany...let alone further afield. Even Australia is a challenge for me.


Well the sun is shining and has come out to play as the old song said. So it looks as if it is going to be a glorious day. I must enjoy every moment of the sunshine as I will be back in the UK soon and it will most likely be damp and cold, so I must buy some new winter clothes when I get there. OK< any excuse to go shopping. I wonder what the shopping facilities are like there?

Today I addedd some extra time to my quiet time which has now grown to 30 mins. When our visitors got back yesterday they mentioned the number of disabled people they have seen from children to the elderly and asked me why that was. I explained that
1. Abortion is still considereed to be wrong and frowned upon even though it is legal and does occur...so that lead to a thought provokibg discussion.
2. People are provided with one free holdiay a year if they are caring for a disabled person...nothing fancy but wa week at the coast or another area to where they live.
3. People are cared for at home by their relatives, friends and volunteers, nursing homes are extremley rare here and are not the same as those in the UK
4. People are not ashamed of having a severely disbled member of there family, there is respect for the person what ever is different about them, and the family share the responsibility.

Any views or comments anyone?


Well this is a relatively short message from me and whilst I will have a peek now and again today I may not be able to add more comment until tomorrow, Enjoy your day everyone and if it isn't as good as uou expected just share with us, if you are down even if you can't identify why, just let us know and we will thank of you, if you are feeling good and something or someone has touched you today by something said or done let us know and if you are new to our thread, welcome to you


A special extra today, A hug to everyone, now I do not hug people other than family, very often so take it whilst it is on offer



Bye for now


Bridget

Haven't checked grammar spelling etc so please forgive any. I ahve to look at the key board and then the thread and so on... wish I could touch type

Morning all
just a little update on things
i have been having problems Like forgetting things but thats part of things they said would happen
Anyway other than that things are not bad
just looking in to the side of the family tree in the West Indies and Holland which should be fun
Lots of info from there to add t my tree
So theat wil keep me busy

Goodmorning everyone,

Yesterday was rather hectic, we had to go to Port Elizabeth for Jimmy to see the Orthopaedic Surgeon for a check. What a long wait we had, our appointment was for ll a.m. and he only got to see the doctor at 12.30 p./m.
Anyway everything is fine and the doctor was pleased with the knee.

A friend came back with us, she will be spendiung a few days here and we alwlays enjoy her visits and she enjoys a rest. Am loking forward to some Scrabble.

I planted some seedlings,Mimulus, I have not heard of them so am waiting to see just what sort of flowers they are and then a few Salvia.
My lettuce seeds have all germinated but it will be ages before I can transplant them.

The Shell Festival starts to-day, there are all sorts of activies, bands, and various stalls. The town centre is where it all takes place and as we are quite a distance from there we don't hear all the noise. There will be many visitors to town especially at the weekend. The festival runs u ntil Sunday. My friend and I will be going along to-morrow, Jimmy won't go as he doesn't like the crowds.

Enjoy the day and take care.


Val in SA.

Afternoon everybody,
Well at least the rain is spreading itself about. We are still being rained on, though it is not quite as continuous as yesterday. Just hope that the grape harvest is in or else there will be less of the red stuff next year!!!
Have been re-arranging furniture this morning, not easy in a house as small as ours, but by getting rid of the hi-fi cabinet, brought with us from UK 11 years ago, we have created more space for the new tv when we decide to buy it. It isn't only the cost of the set, we will need a new digi-box and a bigger dish...and so it goes on and on.
I do believe the sun is trying to shine, that's perked me up no-end.
Enjoy
Frances.

Good Morning All
Well I was rudely awaken at 3am this morning - thunder and heavy rain. This morning is a little brighter but have had a couple of heavy showers so far and by the look of the sky loads more to come. I always say when it rains in Spain it does so on and off for a week. But I will not complain washing is all done and ironed and I have my knitting and card making to keep me occupied. Although today I have promised myself to clean the 'hobby room' - you cannot see the desk for all the card making stuff and I am so UNTIDY !!!

Bridget - yes hubby finished painting the downstairs small patio area - when he starts something he goes on and pushes himself until it is finished - I keep telling him to take a break but will he listen. I feel so guilty sometimes as he also works 5 days a week and sometimes at the weekends too.

My mom. who is 86, comes out on 7th October for a week so we will be moving back to villa sit that week - everything is on one level so much more 'mom' friendly than our house - although she will have to come and see the new kitchen. Should have all the cabinet doors on by then - as we heard yesterday they are on a lorry driving down to Spain from France - well I have my fingers and everything crossed !!!

Well I can still see that cluttered desk - so think I will go downstairs and make myself a cup of coffee first THEN attack it.

Have a good day all

Love Mary xx

Buenos Dias mi amigos,


It is raining so hard here that the water drainage system is barely coping so please keep your fingers crossed that the rain does not get any heavier, I really do not want the lower floor to be flooded. It has never happened yet to any great extent but......
Yesterday was a beautiful day, the sun shone brightly and it was very warm even touching 30cc in the middle of the day. The sky was a wonderful blue with small whispy clouds and no greyness anywhere.
Our young visitors took themselves into town, climbed up to the castle and had a look around then went on to the top of the Ramparts for the wonderful panaramic views. They had a lunch at one of the dozens of small friendly bar/restaurants and then joined as near to the beach. A former colleague of my OH had contacted us to say he and his wife were staying about 30mins away and could they come to see us, so we agreed to meet in town. We sat opposite the beach and had a light lunch, talked over past times and what retirement had done for us etc....We then all came back to our house and had more chat and soft drinks because we were going out in the evening and they had to drive back to Alcossebre the palce where they are staying, all in all a pleasant day.

In the evening we went to the Engish Bar and had our fortnightly treat which is an excellent Indian Meal, I have talked about the good food before so will not bore you all, came home around 13.00hrs and sat around for a while. The wind was begining to stir by then although the sky was clear. As I sat there I used the time to do my "quiet thooughts, and just hope that everyone is having support where needed and coping with whatever is concerning or worrying them. I also wondered if anyone else on this thread has these special 10 plus minutes during their day. I recalled some people who had told me that either their concerns were resolved or they had learnt to deal with them but still wished to be remembered. I even think of my own concerns, worries and thoughts and then try to remember that unless we are tested we really do not know how strong we can all be. so today I am sending not only positive thoughts but also a big HUG to everyone.


OH and guests still sound asleep, the rain is slowing down and they sky looks less threatening so maybe......

Mary in Spain has OH finished that painting yet?

Val in SA how are you today is your cough improving, and how is OH?


were you serious when you said that Christmas decorations go up early in SA? One of the things that pleases me in Spain is that there isn't any real sign of Christams until December and they certainly do not go to the extreme of present giving that seems to have overtaken England. I should think that when I visit UK I will soon see Christmas adds on TV, shops laden with Xmas goodies, etc children demanding and getting vast amounts of Christmas gifts and I am sure that most people have no idea of the real meaning of Christmas....I feel sorry for them and not at all envious.

yes of course I love Christams and all the traditions around it, but even when we were faily affluent my children were not overpowered by the number of presents etc, and they tell me they had a great time. The house was always packed with people, yes we went to Mass and celebrated the birth of Christ, we laughed and giggled at the silly jokes in the crackers, we enjoyed our food, at least I think they did, and we had open house for whoever wanted to visit.
We played silly games, and fell asleep after lunch, etc


Any views anyone...I heard on a TV programme that a family spend around 700 to 800 hundred UK pounds on each child and the had FIVE CHILDREN where does the money come from...well they said that the mother couldn,t work because of her "nerves" and the husband had a a bad back so was off sick so they were borrowing the money from a loan shark!!!

I am stopping now otherwise you may all see the other side of me!!!!

The sky has turned dark grey and I have had to switch the lights on in the house.


I look forward to hearing from you all and if you think I am being Grumpy it wasn't and isn't intended to be that why rather I suffer from amazememnt or perhaps I am simply MEAN....Answers on this Postcard please.


Bye for now

going to make a coffee


Bridget

Hello Everyone,

I seem to be going in reverse to-day!!

It's cloudy and cool here, we had a few drops of rain last night but not enough to do any real good, although it looks as though it could rain any minute. The dam supplying us and surrounding areas is 58% full so we really doneed the rain.

I am much better thanks, not coughing nearly so much thank goodness. Hope you too, are soon over your cold Bridget. I know what you mean about lots of visitors, we laughingly refer to our place as a B&B and always tell our friends to make their bookings timeously!!! Strange how everyone always wants to visit at the same time. Yes, I managed to finish the puzzles on Sunday.

Have just had a lovely telephone chat with my friend who will be arriving to-morrow to spend a few days with us. We will be able to play some Scrabble which we both enjoy.

I will be having a look at Peniscola later this afternoon .

I want to visit the nursery this afternoon to get some flowers for the garden, haven't made up my mind yet what I will get. It's best not to go with a pre-conceived idea of what I want as they will be sure not to have it.

Bye for now



Val in SA.

Hi Bridget and everyone,
The day started out ok but now guess what...it is raining AGAIN.
Went to see some friends this morning who have just taken on a dog, she is the sweetest thing about three years old. She had been found either abandoned or lost in a very poor state, full of ticks and fleas, but they have really cleaned her up and she has had her injections and her operation. She had obviously had at least one litter of pups. She didn't have a microchip, but that isn't unusual for a Spanish dog, it costs money to have them chipped and at first she would only eat human food ie scraps, that also is usual for Spanish dogs, why spend money on buying dog food!!! One thing about her which is unusual out here she doesn't bark, what a blessing as every dog in Spain, particularly those owned by the Brits bark their heads off.
Thank you for listening to my moans. I am quite a cheerful soul really.
Enjoy the day
Frances.