General Chat

Bridget - sorry about your Jet - I remember when I was about six or seven, 'Auntie' Lilian (who was actually the wife of the plumber and not related) had a chocolate cocker and I got to play with it when she visited - one day it had a 'fit' when I was playing ball with it. I am thinking this may have been a 'stroke'. Good news was the dog did recover and lived at least another three years.

I think I have found your tree on the other lot - obviously living relatives are not visible.

Sorry again about the football, but it wasn't my beloved Arsenal that beat you but that dreadful North London team T***enham.

Gerard
:-D <3

I am delighted to be able to say that Jet is well. He was seen twice yesterday and the medication was already working...cost a large amount of money but what else could one do. He will be seen again on Thursday evening and then if all is well he will be seen as usual. He is taking 4 lots of Meds but will go down to 2when the others finish.

Thanks to everyone for your support.

Today the sun is shining but it is cold, not normaly this cold at this time of the year.

I have been quite lazy today apart from cleaning the house, only the part we live in, sorted out the garden at the top of the ground, and OH checked the watering systems as some were not quite right. Washing done, ironed and put away. Food prepared for our evening meal.

The darts night was good fun and also good to see other people, but today we are staying at home.

Nothing else at the moment, so please have a happy / content day and I look forward to seeing who adds tomorrow.


Bridget :-) <3 <3 :-)

Good morning to you all.

Well what a surprise, our weather is awful to day! It started at about 5am and hasn't stopped, heavy rain. Dark sky and Thunder & Lightening. Jet & Joe are under our bed, hiding from the sky and the noise and it is warm.

I think we will stay at home until this evening when we go out for a quiz, the people who arrange this quiz always come to our quiz.

Well not much else to say so will be back letter,

Have been very busy again.
Off to my relaxation session tomorrow morning. So need to get to bed.

Will try to come back for a chat in the next few days.

Take care everyone.

Here in Spain it is still raining, not gentle soft rain but torrential rain, flooding some houses down by the beach, driving is hazardous and everywhere is grey and very cold.
Thank goodness we do not have to go out.

The Quiz was good and 23 people came along and just as we finished so the rain started, we could hear the water flowing down the streets,, the street lights went out as we were driving home, not very pleasent.

Nice to see you back Tess,

Hoping that everyone is well

Bridget

It seems that we are all having weather we don't want!
Yesterday was the first day of Autumn here and we actually had some rain where I am. Still not enough to water a garden, but enough to make arthritic joints ache!
Further into the city of Sydney, there was torrential rain for a while and up north, the rivers are overflowing. Still a few thousand people unable to get back to their homes.

Bridget - I have to tell you that we don't get a lot of news from Spain and I wonder if you hear anything of Australia? Perhaps the news media is not equipped to get the news across? We hear of things happening in the US and UK as they happen! We also get to see it happening via our TV. It makes the world seem so much smaller, doesn't it?

Good morning to you all and many thanks to those who have added posts in the last few days.
Yippee the sun is shining, the sea is grey/blue rather tha black, and I can occasionally hear people checking on their gardens.

Berona, in Spain I have never heard anything about weather etc in Austrailia. However it is at times on the UK news especially when there is unusual weather etc. Sky tv does more in my opinion and of course as OH is sports mad we do watch the cricket etc. This means that we have UK televisions not Spanish.


I am now helping someone else about their family and I was truly taken back when I discovered that some of her family lived in the same streets as some of my Hampshire relatives!! It really is a small world.

My granddaughter Evie is being baptised tomorrow in Belfast where her mothers family live and close to where my son and his wife and daughter are posted. I am sad that I will not be there but they understand why and will send many photos. This made me think about all the migrants who left the UK and went to Australia, Canada, America etc in boats which took a long time to arrive. Children died and so did others and then buried at sea. Many found that their dream was not what they had hoped for. I am amazed at their courage and determination. Does anyone else feel the same?

I am rambling again, ......sorry.

Bye bye for now,

Bridget :-) <3 :-) <3 :-) ;-)

Bridget - my father's great grandparents did that and I think I have mentioned it before on here - they were a young couple with three little boys. I don't know if they looked upon Australia as the 'promised land' but there was no work for them in Bisley, Glos., so they came here (took about four months to get here) and buried the two younger boys at sea when there was an outbreak of measles on the ship.
I often think of them when I am doing that branch of my tree. What choice did they have? They must have hated the place before they even got to it - but they couldn't turn around and go back home. They might have lost the eldest boy - or even one of themselves.
After working on a farm for a while, they opened a saddlery and life became easier, although it required hard work. There was no refrigeration or any way of keeping cool in Summer and no sanitation, either. No wonder they died in their fifties.

They built a home which is still standing (and heritage listed), had three more sons (rearing two of them, along with the eldest boy) and the sons, too, became pioneers of their district. One of them was local Mayor and another entered Parliament. It's hard to imagine how it was then if you could see it now.

Berona, what a sad time your relatives had, I once read that more people from the UK died than survived in the first 20 years in Australia, how sad is that.
Also of course many convicted people were also sent to Australia..it begs the question were this people so desperate for food, work, somewhere to live etc or were they simple thieves etc?
How did those who had lived in Australia think about all these strange people who suddenly arrived and wanted to take over!!

Must go. Someone has just arrived unexpectedly

Bridget

The only people who lived in Australia prior to 1788, were aboriginals. They had no say and the Englishman took over.
From that time on, Britain wanted to populate the country, so it was easy to get a passage out and they even sent 'criminals' out, sentencing them to 'seven years penal servitude in Tasmania' for minor crimes. The old story goes that they were sent out here for seven years if they merely stole a loaf of bread to feed their families.
When their time was served, they were offered some land to farm, so most of them stayed here.
So far, I haven't found any 'criminals' in my family history. The average Australian of to-day is proud to say that they had a 'criminal' ancestor - when they can compare them to the prosperity of to-day's people.
Until after WW2, we had only British people here with a smattering of Greek and Chinese people, then we had the post-war influx of European migrants. Only over the last few decades, the immigrants have come from everywhere.

Well I'm back, sorry I haven't been on here much recently.

Bridget, I'm so pleased that Jet is doing so well.
Hope that you gets lots of photos of Evie's christening.

Berona, my great grandmothers brother, (from Herefordshire) married a woman who was born near Bisley. I know a lot of people from the area moved overseas, (looked up Bisley on the internet).
This family moved to Birmingham U.K (where I now live). didn't know anything about them till I started to research the family history. They lived in an area where I used to work and make home visits. I now wonder, did I visit any of the houses they lived in? I certainly visited huses in their roads.


Have been busy, going to exercise class and relaxation sessions.
Had my hair cut last week, at the college, on special offer, it cost only £1.
Just had a couple of inches trimmed off, to make it more tidy.
I was the first "real client" for the young girl doing the cut.

Toorrow I'm off to have my nails done. They certainly need a lot of attention at the moment.

Also been to hospital with my son. he has chipped a bone in his thumb and damaged the tendon 9or was it ligament), at work.
He works in an "assisted living home" and was injured when he put his (open) hand up, tp prevent a client from biting him!

Now that he is not allowed to drive, I have offered to get a provisional licience, so that I can drive him around anywhere he wants, as long as it does not involve the motorway.
For some reason he has turned down my offer :-D

Have had some mild sunny weather recently. Makes me want to take up gardening.

I am determined to try to get stronger, to loose some flab (I've got lots of it) get some muscle, so that I can get strong enough to mow the lawn and dig in the soil. Perhaaps some home grown spuds will be on the menu soon.

Will try to be back soon.

<3

Well here it is exactly mid day. The sun is shining and the trees are still swaying but the sky is blue not black so I am hoping that the worst is over.

Yesterday I went to Alcossebre about 20 minutes away and had my hair cut, I am delighted with it. It reminds me of when I was about 14, many many years ago. I was told off for putting on to much spray !

OH has gone into the garden to sweep all the mess caused by high wind last night, quite a task. Jet and joe are with him. Pleased to say that Jet is keeping well. Both of them sleep quite a lot of the day and Jet finds somewhere he can hide

We watched the new Pope this morning and I am happy that he is a Jusuit as they are the people who ask the awkward questions of the church, they do not simply comply and they make people think and explain why they are right. My eldest son was educated by them and has fantastic way of asking who, how, what, when, by whom etc and kind to those in need. He even brought tramps to our house to give them food, and sandwiches to take away. Even now 41 years old, married, works hard but still helps anyone he can, regardless of their position in life. However he is not a fool so helps those who will put something back into the community and not harm others. His twin brothers are similar.

Enough from me, I do not want to bore you all!,,



:-) <3 :-) <3

You didn't bore me Bridget. It was interesing to read about someone educated by the Jesuits.
A few years ago now, I went on holiday to the Far East, inclusing Malacca (in Malaysia), and was surprised to see a massive ststue of St, Francis Xaviour, who was a Jesuit and a missionary.

Had my toe nails done last week, at the college, quite pleased with the result. A little pampering goes a long way :-) :-) :-)
Youngest grandsons came here last Saturday (aged 8 & 9).
They had been to a new (for them) gymnastic club), at part of the Alexander Stadium, home to the famous Birchfield Harriers.

Later I went with them and my son, to an Indoor Rock Climing place.
Only the little ones did any climbing this time. Both had a good time and want to go again.
The people in charge said that they would love for me to go climbimg as well, as there are no higher weight or age restrictions :-0 :-0
Actually, I would love to try it but need to do more of my exercises tostrengthen my knees. Perhaps I will think seriously about it if (or should I say when) I loose forty pounds.

Monday 4th March was a warm sunny day, with no cold wind. I was happy to wait outside the supermarket for the Ring and Ride (special) bus to take me home.
Monday 11th March, I went to the same supermarket, this time I waited sitting down inside the supermarket, as it was really cold windy and with some snow, what a contrast :-(

It was dry most of yesterday, but rained in the evening, has been raining most of the day. The washing on the line (out since yesterday late afternoon), is getting a good rinse :-P

Still haven't sorted out my new cooker. I want an electric one, but it has to be only 500 wide. I also want a ceramic top, a timer, and a double oven (not that I am fussy or anything).

Keep your fingers crossed for me that my old faulty oven stays on long enough to roast a small chicken later today (please)

Hope that eveyone is okay.

I am off to write a couple of (important) letters YUK!

:-) :-) :-)

This morning I went through this thread from the first day to now! We certainly have discussed many things and shared good, bad and indifferent matters. This set me wondering if any one else has done this, and if so what did you like / dislike?
I really enjoyed the times we have discussed certain given items, and describing where we live, and special topics suggested by people on here.
This set me wondering if we could start doing this again, and if so perhaps we could during the next week submit two items each which we would like to discuss and then each choose which topic we could start discussing ? This would not stop other every day thoughts etc but would be great fun and a learning time........

This morning the sun is shining but there is still a fairly strong wind.
Yesterday OH could not find his birth cert, and this made him very cross, I must have looked through every draw, cupboard etc to no avail. Of course I have a lot of these through enjoying finding my ancestry and that really made him cross. Now why should I be responsible for the missing cert!!! Are all men the same?? In the end I got onto my comp and ordered another copy..............The cost was shocking but in the next four weeks he will have his cert. he needs this to be able to satisfy the people who will tell him about his Old Age Pension and he should start this from the 25 th of June. I do not recall having to go through so many hoops to get mine nearly 8 years ago.......

Well by now I expect that whoever has read this will be bored so no more from me except to say" have a good day and if this does not happen just tell us and we will send you happy thoughts!


It was darts night last night and OH came second. As usual I just chated to everyone and made everyone laugh when I took the board around a the tiny pub/ cafe pretending that I was one of those young girls who do this on the TV when darts are on.!!!

How typical of a man - and that is coming from me - if I can't find anything I always tell OH that she has 'lost' it or 'hidden' it. I retired last year and I don't remember having to supply a Birth Certificate, but perhaps because you are abroad it is needed.

Well it has been a quiet month since I was last time on here. But spring is here - I spent a few minutes tidying up the front garden - but I keep neglecting the back - the hyacinths are coming through despite the poor recent weather.

My football team is at last performing and I have progressed further with my family tree, but otherwise nothing really to report.

When the sun is out I become more active :-D

Keep adding to the thread everyone, I am thinking of a subject for us all

Signing off now, love to all, prayers for those in need, Keep warm (or cool)
Gerard
<3 :-) <3 :-) <3 :-)

I'm afraid I'm useless at thinking of a 'subject'. I usually roam around a few threads and read what people have to say, then, if I have something to add, I post on it. Otherwise, I go on to the next thread.
I have been contributing to SueMaid's thread since it was started in 2009 and usually have something to say on whatever subject they may be discussing. If they 'speak' of something I know nothing about, I just read it all and digest it - but I feel better for it because I may have learned something new!

Why not just say whatever is on your mind - good or bad - and others will join in the conversation until it is exhausted, and another subject pops up?

Greetings from Birmingham.

I forgot to tell you about going to the toilets at the rock climbing olace.

Had to walk through the rock climbing room, making sure that I didn't walk under any ropes.

Went through the door marked "toilets" and the first door on the right had a picture of a lady wearing a long skirt. As I wear long dresses myself (most of the time) I was quite chuffed to see a picture that resembeled me.

Opened door, great no queue, started to go into a cubicle on my left when I noticed a row of urinals further into the room :-S :-S
Wondered for a moment "why are there urinals in the ladies loo, how on earth would a woman use them??" :-S
When it struck me!! :-0 :-0 I was in the gents!!!

Some one had drawn extra lines on the pictue of a man on the door, turning the pants into a long dress.
I backed out, hoping that no one had noticed.
Should have remembered that the Ladies Loo is always further away than the gents (in my experience).


It is winter here at the moment, snow overnight which melted late morning, early afternoon.

It is now snowing again, but temp. is just above freezing, so at the moment it isn't staying on the ground (or anything else). If it is still snowing when the sun goes down, things are likely to change.

Saw a wren in the back garden a few minutes ago, hope he finds food and shelter.

Bridget, I'm not very good at thinking of subjects to discuss, but will try to join in with any that are already on the thread.

However, if I think of anything (don't hold your breath), I'll get back to you.
:-D <3 :-D

When I was in France, I queued up to go into a public toilet only to find that it was divided into two rooms - one had urinals in it - the other had closets, so when the queue divided into two queues, we had a couple of men amongst the ladies.

An attendant was collecting 5 francs by holding a saucer and a cleaning cloth in one hand and ONE very thin piece of toilet paper in the other, (which she handed to the person who put the money in the saucer), and as each person came out of the closets, she went in and wiped the seat. If that wasn't bad enough, when it came to my turn, a scruffy man came out of one and she went in and wiped the seat for me - all wiping done with the same cloth!. . I can tell you, I would not have been able to use that toilet if I hadn't been desperate!!

There, see? Who would have thought of using public toilets for a subject?

lol Berona :-D

How about that for a subject Bridget -
"loos I have used (or haven't used). ?

;-) ;-)

OOOH. :-D <3 ;-) :-P

What an idea!!

OK here is my story about "Loos"!

When I was about Three my mother allowed me to use the Loo by myself. We had a cat at the time as all around us were mice and rates from the bomb cites as this story was in 1949. We had I long chain which we used to flush after our visit. On this occasion our cat came in and I am not a cat person.....so....I picked him up, put him in the loo. Quickly sat on the loo and pulled the chain............mistake. The loo flew up in the air. I fell off and the cat rain away soaking wet......as for my mother, well she was not pleased with me, so I leave to you to imagine just how angry she was.
PS I am still not a cat person.

Sorry cats.