General Chat

Bridget - didn't you use the watched threads section - I have your Diary and a couple of threads that I put on covered by that - I think your OH is right about the charity work - it could mean a lot of work, some of which might not be appreciated as much as you would like.

I have discovered that I don't have Mary Hopkin (the sixties chart-topper) on my tree after all - because I gave her the wrong mother and father, but I have corrected it now. Mind you it took me hours of trawling old interviews etc. (googled of course). At least I am certain I have Jill Ireland and her two husbands (Charles Bronson [Death Wish] and David McCallum [the man from U.N.C.L.E.] on the tree as well as Sir Fred Pontin (Holiday camp king)

OH and I have been to the Christmas Shop today and bought a new tree (should last my lifetime) and lots of other decorations, we think we got an early present, because I am sure she undercharged us!!

Got our little car back from the garage yesterday, haven't got the bill yet, but unfortunately it seems it's engine is on its last legs, we will keep it going as long as we can but something is obviously wrong as it makes a constant tapping noise, which is very annoying, but can be drowned out by the in-car music centre!! At least it took OH to work this morning and brought me back safely! We hope to do our cake next week [we will be using one of those new fangled cake tins (made out of silicon)] and then buy our Christmas food the week after so that we are completely ready for the festive season. I have decided this year to wish as many people Merry Christmas as possible - I don't care how many people I offend - no-one is going to get me to use the phrase 'Happy Holidays'!!!!!!
Berona looks to be all set for a scorching Christmas on the beach!? How I do envy you - Summer and Christmas together!
Jan - sorry about your sycamore - always sad when a tree is cut down - but at least there won't be so many leaves in your garden next year.

No work at all for me this week, and we aren't signing on tomorrow either as there seems to be a general strike of civil servants - lots of delays for those on a flight. At least the army will be looking after border controls - that should frighten a few of the illegal immigrants away!! Unfortunately, most of the schools will be shut too, so there won't be a lot of peace!!

Trust everyone is well
Take care
Gerard :-)

Its always the way Bridge that no one wants to take on a job that someone has done...trouble is people like you and me get sucked in to do it because we feel guilty, that no one else wants to do it !!!

Nearly December..must start writing Christmas cards

Regards Jan

Good morning to everyone who has posted on here. It is dry, the sky I'd a very pale blue, it is very cool, and very quiet with just a bird song now and again. Even Jet and Joe came straight back after a visit to the garden!

Nothing particularly interesting to add at the moment, but who knows what will happen during the day.

Yesterday evening I am certain that I opened a new thread asking for help and Advice about Army and Navy records. It was the last message I did.
Can I find it? NO I cannot not so will have to try again.

We had a wood fire last night and it was so good and created a great deal of warmth. It reminded me of childhood when my family had coal fires and when the coal man came it was emptied into a hole outside, what I mean is there was a round heavy lid in the street ( I think it was outside our front door) the coal would be emptied into it. Does anyone else recall having their coal delivered this way?

We are out tomorrow for the farewell party for our friends who are returning to South Manchester. They will be missed as they are good fun and I used to help them arrange various events to raise funds for the local community especially for the very old and the children with health problems. Sadly no one wants to take this over, I did mention it to OH but he felt that I should not offer to take over but be ready to help if it is re resurected. I know in my mind he is right but........


Oh well enough of my ramblings, wishing you all a happy day

Bridget
:-)

I have put the cake in a tin and in the top of the spare wardrobe so we are not tempted to eat it before Christmas!

It is chilly here today with the sun trying to break through but not much sign of it winning,

We had a good time last night and stayed out longer than intended, but worthwhile to be there.
The owners of the bar have said that my family can send cards to their address for special occasions.....I thought that was a kind thing to offer.

Somewhere below our house the is a Yappy dog who has not stopped yapping for about 20 minutes it is driving me mad! Maybe it has been left alone.

Sorry that this is a short message but have things to do, so bye bye for now,

Bridget in a cool and overcast Spain
:-)

I have no problems with cake ........... mmmmmm lovely!!

:-D

Bridget. I can smell that cake from here! I love any kind of fruit cake. However, it doesn't like me and always seems to settle on my hips!

When you said I was first on the thread, I was confused until I realised that I was first on this page. However, I reverse the order of posts and I'm not first when it comes to my computer. I get to page 1, then click on the white triangle next to Post Date, and it reverses the order so that it shows the last post first. If I post, it reverts back again, but I just click on the triangle again to go to the last post submitted. I always look for the laziest way of doing things!

Clear blue sky and sunshine here to-day. Sounds nice at 9am, but forecast is for 30, so it could get a little too hot for comfort. I try to get gardens watered and work done before I run out of energy, so that I can sit quietly if the heat starts to affect me.

I fear it will be cutting down a 30ftr sycamore that will be the most expensive !!! It has been very windy here today, but has now calmed down...its getting dark already, still the fire is lit and we are relaxing...lovely


Jan

Good morning to you all.

The cake referred to in my last message smells delicious and looks good as well. Now safely tucked away for Christmas.
Sorry to hear about your fencing etc Greenfingers I expect it is quite expensive to replace, and time consuming.

This morning the weather is looking much better, the sun is beginning to break through, the birds are twittering, and when outside there was a great feeling of tranquility. Long may it last.

Wevare out for lunch today called Tinsel and Fun, some peoplevwill be in fancy dress, a short quiz, 5 rounds, lucky dip and of course music. The food will be excellent and I do not have to cook!
The purpose of this it to hsveva fun get together before some go back to the UK for Christmas and New Year.

Not sure what I shall be doing this morning, nothing to do with house work today so maybe I shall just relax.

Bridget

Yes Bridget , its a bit nippy here too !! OH finally got out the last root of the privet, the worse one and very deep, just waiting to hear when the fence is going up. During the night, when we had gales, the fence panel next to the soon to be chopped down tree, fell out, and OH has had to put it back with a little help from our friendly local farmer...tied the fence to the tree...a bit Heath Robinson but it worked.....always something to spend your money on when you have a garden..whether or not we are covered by insurance is another thing....

Good morning from still dark and a bit nippy Spain.
I am up early finishing the prep for cooking another Christmas cake, as first one has been eaten, with one third
going to Holland and one to Barcelona, and we and friends ate the rest
Trying out the recipe by one of the entries on Culinary Delights, this one you have to boil all the fruit and then leave to soak overnight. So up early and now have to put in the cake tin and place in the oven.

Out today for lunch, so hope the weather stays good, it was lovely yesterday.

Berona congratulations for being the first person on this thread, it is lovely to hear from you, and how nice to have the family visit for your birthday. I am sure that you will have a grand time with the family at Christmas, we are not with family, so enjoying the company of friends on Christmas day and having a special meal for two on Boxing day .

As I look out of the window I can see a black sea, deep red horizon and dark blue sky. Ooh, stepped outside and it is cold!! Hopefully it will improve by around 10.00 hrs as it did yesterday.

Well time to line the cake tin and put it in the oven, but need a coffee first, will try to be back later today, meanwhile I hope everyone has a good day.

Bridget in Spain :-) :-)

Greetings from Oz! Not a lot to report other than the weather. We have had an unusual Spring. A few 'odd' days with temperatures in the thirties (unusually high for Spring) and more rain than usual - although not much where I am - about 20 miles from the ocean. The coast gets more wind and rain than we do.

It's hard to believe that Summer is only 4 days away. It think this is why I just can't get motivated to do anything about Christmas - no cards, presents or decorations even thought of yet! I won't be entertaining, so no cooking required either. These days, I'm the one who gets entertained. A couple of weeks ago, I had extra nice food in to use when the family visited to celebrate my birthday - but they brought so much with them, that mine was left in the cupboards and fridge/freezer. They also left what they brought with them, so I have been living on that ever since! I might see what's left and take it with me when I go to my daughter's home on Christmas day.

My day has flown past and I am not sure why?? Does this ever happen to you??

Magnificent sky this morning, even OH comented on it. The whole of the sky was red and very slowly as it moved south so the blue sky started to show it's self.
Sorted the kitchen cupboards, and then released that I needed a few bits and pieces so off we went. Bought more items for cakes, the dried fruit eggnog could not buy marzipan anywhere. So have decided as neither of us actually like marzipan we will not decorate the cake.
Cake seeping up the brandy, orange and lemon juice, ( from our own fruit trees) so will put in the oven in the morning.

Trying to think of a good meal for Boxing day. We are out for Christmas day so decided to have a special meal at home on Boxing Day.......all suggestions will be greatfully received .

Noticed on another thread that the annual money for the winter months, to allow pensioners to have a bit of help has not yet been received by everyone.
This is for people in the UK. Hope everyone gets it soon.

Well not a lot more to tell so will leave you in peace,

Goodnight

From Me

Bridget

we too had a little rain, but now the sun is shining tho it is quite cold.

We have had a heavy week, taking down the privet hedge, waiting for people to ring you back with their quotes for fencing...and now the expense of taking down a tree, which has decided to push its way through our fence, and it is also lifting our decking...more expense. Fortunately we have a lane at the side and the tree surgeon will be able to take the tree down from there.

Its the clearing up which is a pain


Have a lovely weekend everyone

Have you any favourite recipes Gerard, if so go on Culinary Delights...it would be nice to have a mans point of view

Jan

Well it is a long time since a day went by and no one went on this thread - so here I am today on Friday early in the morning, planning what to do with OH on our Friday jaunt. The last two weeks we have been to the British Museum, extremely interesting, but after OH working from 5-9 in the morning we can't get to see too much. Last week we went round the Africa exhibition - amazing, and the week before we went round the Americas and the Enlightenment exhibitions, lots of statues and collections. We hoped to go to the London Transport Museum, but it doesn't open until 11 am and cost nearly thirty pounds to get in (although that does give you free entry for the rest of the year!).

This week I have decided on the V & A in South Kensington.

Bridget - having worked for Weightwatchers (UK) for over 20 years I could give you some advice on losing weight - but I think your plans, if you are happy with them, should work for you, specially as you have your two dogs to give you exercise each day.

Yesterday at my voluntary work the director told us the community centre would be closed for 2 weeks because she is having surgery on her knee and won't be at the centre. This is sad because at this critical time we needed to get all the revenue we could. I just hope we can survive until the new year. OH has put my name forward for a job at her place of work and there may be a place available in the new year - fingers crossed!

Jan should be pleased this morning as it has rained, mizzly at first, but now I can see the blue sky at dawn, here's hoping for a nice day, it was surprisingly warm this morning at 4 o'clock.

I trust everyone is well, I shall light my candle at church on Sunday and say some prayers that are needed, and wish everyone a happy and fruitful weekend.
Gerard

:-)

Busy again Jan. Glad you have got it finished. Hope you don't get any more rain Bridget and that yours soon stops Mary.

I have been industrious the last few days, gradually wrapping the presents for the ones that have to be posted, those for delivery this weekend and non family. Just got all daughter' lot to do now plus OH's. I used to enjoy wrapping up the presents but do find it tiring these days, my own fault as for the younger children I always buy several small presents and wrap them all separately so they have more to open.

Made my saus rolls and mince pies for Christmas yesterday, and open froze them, I love them freshly cooked....we have finally finished cutting down our privet hedge, and are now awaiting the fencing people to come along. It is a shame about the hedge but it was badly diseased. I feell that as we have planted so many trees and evergreen shrubs in the garden for the birds etc, we are entitled to cut down what is ill....we do hate doing it but sometimes it is necessary.

Dry but cold here in Norfolk

Hope you have dried out Bridget

Regards Jan

Well I wish the rain would stop in this part of Spain - like Bridget we too have leaks - the joys of living in a house with a flat roof. Annoying part is we have done a fair bit of decorating and the damp patches have started to appear. This does not happen every time it rains it seems as if it depends on the wind and which way the rain comes down - if that makes sense !! Oh well no dount we will dry out soon. You can have 2 showers in my bathroom - the warm one and the one that leaks !!!! Must remember to keep my sense of humour going.

I have some of the rubber type baking tins Bridget - I made my mince pies in them last uear and they were fine. The problem I have is trying to keep them straight when taking them out of the cooker - I have visions of them falling on the floor. BUT they are so much easier to clean.

My favourite possessions - well my grandma's engagement ring means a lot to me - my mom gave it to me about 3 years ago and I wear it all the time. I too have got an old Singer hand sewing machine which I just about managed to stop my SIL taking to the tip when clearing out M-i-L house after she died. It still goes like a train.

Well must go and do some cleaning up - although mopping floors will have to wait along with the washing - until the rain stops - now that is a good excuse !!

Take care all and enjoy your day

Mary xx

Good morning, the sun is back, the rain has stopped and everything is drying quite fast.....yippee

The birds are twittering, Jet and Joe are running around the garden and up and down the stairs. OH on my desktop so once again gphaving to use iPad.

The slow cooker is on cooking the beef casserole and I have a saucepan full of cooked mince with all sorts of odds and ends of spices etc, I will divid this into three bags and freeze them.
My sister in Bath wants the recipe for the Christmas cake I made and has already been eating and OH wants some more made so looks as if I will not be bored!

Has anyone used the new rubber type "tins" to bake cakes, I have bought them but nervous about using them.

Hope that you all have a great day and I will have a look in later.

Bridget

I am afraid that I can’t for the life of me say what my most treasured item is. I have so many. I am like Bridget in that I value my photos, some are in old type photo albums, some in modern memory books (scrap books) and some, the digital one, are on discs/memory sticks and in the computer. If I had to choose to save just a few I would choose the two small albums containing my daughter and son’s baby photos, the three that contain our grandsons’ baby photos and a disc with younger Grandson and Granddaughter’s baby photos plus family history photos. If I just had to choose one I would choose the large 12x12 scrap book that is the Family history scrap book with photos from Frat Grandfathers through to youngest member of the family.
But I have many other things I value. In no particular order as they say: A Newspaper from about 1937/8 I can’t check right now, it is in a trunk. Then there is the gold rimmed glass tumbler that was from the Golden wedding of my Grandparents. A Captains chair belonging to my Grandfather who died in 1947, a dining room chair that belonged to my Mother’s older sister and given to her by somebody (my sister has its twin and they are beautifully carved). My Mother’s wedding ring, my aunt’s engagement ring which I am wearing at the moment with my mother’s wedding ring. The family bible from my mother’s side of the family with my Great Grandfather’s writing in it. A letter written to my Great x 3 Grandmother from her employer in 1832 telling her that her husband, my Great x 3 Grandfather was seriously ill in Brighton. They lived in London and he was a coachman who had taken his employer to her Brighton house from London. I think he subsequently died from this illness but I can’t find his death anywhere.
I think that is enough to be going on with. If I had to save everything I valued at any time I’d need a pantechnicon

Oh Bridget please send some of the rain our way, cannot remember when we last saw some
Hope everything dries out OK