General Chat

Goodmorning, actually afternoon!

Gee Tess you are so fortunate to have places to go to for research, research here is very difficult and to get certificates from the early 1900s or earlier is virtually impossible. I applied for a birth certificate 2 years ago for someone born in 1910, I still have not received it. I applied for my father's birth certificate in February - he was born in 1909- I haven't received that either. Our Department of Home Affairs expect to be given all the information one is actually looking for!

The sunbirds here are Malachite Sunbirds, the males are beautiful in breeding season. they are a sort of metallic green with black-green wings, the females are dull brown with dull yellow underparts. Thy feed mainly on nectar, they love the aloes. They have long thin beaks to be able to get the nectar.

We have also had quite a lot of oranges and grapefruit, my husband made some marmelade yesterday. Our lemon tree is still very small and only bore a few lemons this year. Because of the drought watering the fruit trees was a bit of a problem before we had the tanks installled.

Have a lovely birthday BBQ Bridget, and don't feel alone I have also never learnt to swim! The reason I don't want to walk on the beach alone is because it is not safe any more, it is such a pity as the beaches are beautiful.

It is Fathers Day here so at church this morning all the fasthers were each given a lovely handmade bookmark.


Val.

12.44 p.m.

Good morning, from sunny Spain.

Yesterday the weather turned out to be lovely and warm with the sun shining. This meant that we could BBQ and enjoy eating alfresco. Robertta enjoyed her birthday party, and her presents. We had a various salads and dressings, steaks, pork and veg skewers, and chicken, jacket and new potatos. Freshly made bread, and garlic bread, Carlos drinks from tea/coffee, soft drinks and wine. For desert we hade ice cream, fresh fruit salad of cheeses. Later we had the birthday cake cut by Roberta with a little help from her mum. Roberta really enjoyed her day and so did we.

Today the sun is shining and promising to be a good day. We shall wonder into town, but I will not go to the Market as these days it is mostly Chinese made clothing, poor quality fruit and veg, etc. Such a shame as when we first came here it was quite a good Market. We will meet two friends at 11.00 hrs for coffee and cake, have a chat, enjoy the sunshine and then come home.
I have decided that we can eat the leftovers today so not much cooking!

Val, the Malachite Sunbirds description gave such a clear picture of them, thank you. How sad that the beach walks you once enjoyed so much are now not available due to the danger as you described. One of the most thought provoking reasons I have read. I assume this is physical danger from other people rather than a natural reason. And I guess that bit is something to do with poverty as you once wrote about on this daily Diary.

I can only wonder if the situation will ever change, for surly politics alone cannot resolve this issue...sounds as if there could be a debate on her, or a new thread???

Well time for mevto be up and around the house, rather than relaxing so will sign off for now and wish you all a very happy day,

Bridget :-)

Hello,

It is cloudy and cold to-day.

Went down to the Bank to pay for something on behalf of my brother, and arrived at the bank only to find I had left the details at home, talk about a senior moment!

We had the plumber around this morning as thought we have a water leak just outside the meter, he came but said he couldn't find any leak but would return in a while. He hasn't been back yet, it would seem as if the Municipality will have to replace the meter which he thinks is faulty as although the water was turned off the meter still turned.

Nice to hear that Roberta had a lovely birthday party, little ones do have so much fun don't they?

Some things said by children were posted on Facebook and this one made me smile -"Our Father who art a lemon, hello what's your name".

With that I shall say goodbye and take myself to have a cup of tea.



Val.

14.52

Lovely and warm here today. My physio came and he is very pleased with my progress, and really put me through my paces ! Then came the District Nurse...so young ! and she took out my clips all 30 of them, and I had a shower and a proper hair wash this morning so a red letter day.!!! We also planted (note the Royal we !!) some runner bean plants we have been given. So we have lots of veg to come ..... Spent a lovely day with OH yesterday, our daughter came to see her step dad and gave him a garden voucher, which he insists he will spend we shall seeeeeeeeeeeee

Another cup of tea awaits

Regards Jan
3.50 Norfolk

We have had a pleasant day so far. Nothing special but simply a relaxing day, meet friends fo coffee in a local coffee venue and sat in the shade but out doors. Watched people strolling along on the streets, looking in the shop windows. Son and family took granddaughter to the beach, wandered along the prom, went to the local market, came home and had lunch, help yourself day here today!!

Friend came to our house to use computer and send messages by fax. he is very good at bring the bottle of gin with Limes and tonics. We keep telling him it isn't necessary, but he says we always help him when necessary, and he simply likes us and comes to our parties etc.

I think we may be babysitting tonight or tomorrow night, but as Roberta is so good once asleep I am sure it will not be a problem.

Val and Jen, I am so delighted to read your very positive threads and that you both have had a good few days.

Must go now to go into the pool.

Will be back later today or tomorrow.

Spain 17.08 hrs
:-D

A quickie, as I have to be up early tomorrow.
Val, I looked up sun birds on the web and found some beautiful pictures. Didn't read about them though. Following your info. I will have another look at the pictures and read the script too.

Yes Iam lucky to lice where I can get info.
It can be a bit hit and miss though. I visit Birmingham Central Library, which is also a referance Library. If you have a readers card look can also request stuff from the archives.

However it is a little like the internet. Not all parishes have details there. Not all towns have their trade directories there. Some things are miss filled. Or detail have been taken from hand written script, so are often mistranscribed or mis spelt.

Jan, I am pleased that you have now had your clips out. Did the nurse give you a little reward for being brave? Or are you hoping that OH will do that.

Sometimes I can find a lot of info. others I have no luck at all. But at least I have the chance of finding something new to me.
You are obviously doing things right if the physio is pleased with you. Well done!!
I good shower and hair wash can be such a treat. Were you then all dressed up hoping to go somewhere?
Hope you and OH enjoy spending the voucher.

Bridget, Roberta and family sound like they had a lovely time. They must be really pleased to be part of your family.
Sounds like you and OH had a good time too.
Have had rain here this evening, lots and lots of it. But have managed to put to rubbish out for collection without getting too wet.

I am off shopping tomorrow on the Ring & Ride Bus. I am so lucky to have this service available to me.

It's 23.28 so good night eveyone.

Tess

To-day is our shortest day of the year. I believe it is the longest day for you.
Sun up here was at 6.53am and sundown will be at 4.53pm. Of course, that is here in Sydney, and as you said Bridget, this is a big, wide country. It covers three time zones on the world map - and as if that isn't enough to confuse anyone - not all of the states put their clocks forward in the summer! At present, we are all on standard time (varying from state to state according to which time zone is involved).
We don't have twilight. Once the sun goes down, it is dark. When I first visited the UK, it took me a while to get used to twilight.

It is the shortest day for us too to-day, sun came up at 7.29 a.m.
Have just baked another batch of rusks, when they are cool will cut them and then put them into a warm oven to dry - this takes about 4-5 hours.

Tess, the sunbirds are truly beautiful. Have just put out some seeds for the others, and the seedlings have been given some water they are growing very nicely, haven't lost any yet, hope the snails don't find them.

Look after yourselves.



Val.

11.30 a.m.

Sorry I have been silent but so much going on...friends from art came and made a impromptu lunch on Tuesday, then two of my sister in laws came round yesterday, then another friend today...its lovely to be cared about by others. I am so lucky to have so many caring friends. Daughters marriage is getting nnearer I have posted a poem on sayings and poems that I have adapted for her...hope you all like it LOVE YOU ALL

Tress, Val, Berona,and Greenfingers,
Thanks for your entries, happy reading.

We are busy at the moment with the family and visitors. I had a small laugh at my self yesterday, I said to my OH, " Isn't it nice that the children are willing to help so much"? Now given that their ages are from 43 to mid 30s I found that funny!!

We had a very good BB yesterday, these children certainly know how to make a great BBQ. Last night was quiz night and for the first time in ages we came up from Last to third......there were seven teams so we were chuffed.

After the quiz finished and we went to the beach because it was another fireworks night.
The reason for the event is that yesterday was the day to place all you worries, difficulties, etc onto a piece of paper, wrap it tightly and through it into a bonfire........then talk to the spirits and ask them to clear your concerns and worries.........Well anything for a fun time.

We went to the beach fires, then joined the parade, I swear that if the people on the stilts, with their amazing costumes were any higher they would have touched the sky. One of our visitors came with us and she took some great photos, she is a quallified photographer so I am hoping to have some good pics.

We went to one of the best bars in town and sat and watched the world go past as, the grand parents , the parents, children, grandchildren etc all talking at once, all happy and smiling ....a great evening. DIL missed this as R was very tired, over excited and would not sleep. The memory of "the terrible twos" came to mind, I expect most of you will know what I mean.

Relaxing, again today, I am sure that if I relax anymore I might just fade away. Tonight we are going to have the best Fish and Chips in town for our main meal and then have another stroll around town in the mid evening.

Tomorrow son and friend are off to Valencia to watch a the Car Racingof which I know absolutely nothing.

I am making a cake again today for OHs birthday tomorrow. I am in need of a poem or saying to give him as a Birthday card as I cannot find the one I bought in th UK.
So I am now going over to fav poems and sayings for inspiration. Any help will be appreciated.

Look after your selves and have a wonderful day.



:-D :-( ;-)

Bit breezy here today, lots of rain yesterday, which we needed. Bit under the weather today but only to be expected, under the circs. Been doing some more family tree, trying to find jobs for people, pity the 1841 census doesn't have that info. Be back tommorrow got some calls to make

Regards

Good morning from sunny Spain, where the sun is shining and the temp is in the low 30s the sky is blue as is the sea and it is very calm.
OH has opened his birthday cards, and just a few moments ago set off for the station so that son and his friend can catch the train to Valencia for the grand Prix. R, son's friend has taken his Scottish Flag safely tied onto some bamboo sticks. Men never really grow up, do they? They were going to stay overnight but the hotel prices were extortionate so the will be back tonight and then on the train tomorrow.

We are simply going to chill out, and then this evening we are going out for a special meal with OH.

Greenfingers, when does your daughter get married, you must be very excited. Have you got your outfit yet.....do let us know.

Tees, has the rain stopped yet?

When I was working in Attleborough, I used to get the Park and Ride bus into Norwich. It is such a good idea that I wondered if there is park and ride across the country? Nothing like it where I live! I did try the bus once to go to the Market in Benicarlo, but the noise that the Spanish ladies make, they all talk at the same time, and are very loud. It felt like Bedlam, and they squeeze so many people on one bus,it was scary.!!

Well I have just heard OH park the car so will finish now but will be back later.

Bye bye

08.49 hrs Spain

Good morning from a bitterly cold JBay, it has been raining on and off during the night at times very hard and there is a very strong wind blowing, definitely not the weather to be going out.

Happy Birthday to your OH Bridget, hope he has a wonderful day and that you all enjoy your birthday meal to-night.

It is a year to-day since my brother passed away, so all those memories come flooding back.

Hope you are feeling a bit better to-day Greenfingers.

I am going to try and trace one particular ancestor to-day, hope I have some success.

Enjoy the day.


Val.

9.23 a.m.

Thank you all for your good wishes. Tess no I didn't get a reward for having the clips out ! Not even a sweetie !! It was as I remembered last year BBBBBBBBBB painful. But better out than in !

Yes Bridge I do have my outfit, bought weeks ago before I got too immobile.
Hard to describe but its got a hankerchief edge and is full length and floaty with little straps the colours are ...wait for it khaki,green and red Yuk I can hear you say, but it works. The pattern is sort of like a plam tree leaf thats the shades of green, and the edging is red. I have a lime green shrug which covers up the horrible bits at the tops of my arms, one of the pleasures (oH No) of getting older. Boom Boom. I have red wedge shoes to go with it and green necklace and earrings. It looked good the last time I wore it... I also have a borrowed hat from my sister in law, which goes a treat. The wedding is on 25th July so not much longer now. They are so happy, you can see the poem I have adapted for my daughter on the Poems and Sayings thread.
I shall be a physical wreck !!!!

Haven't been out in the car yet, still getting my sea legs and learning to walk properly again is wearing the old leg muscles out but I shall get there.

Many thanks for your good wishes have a lovely weekend

Jan

I am going to have an early night, so just a quick catch-up now.

Still had some rain tomorrow. Am hoping if we get a dry spell to sit in the back garden tomorrow.
Have just had some photos via an email from a school friend who has moved to Greece. They are of her garden and the views from it. I am (almost) jealous.

Went out today to post a letter. Was walking along a busy road, large bus was pulled up at a bus stop, then indicated to say it was pulling out.
The driver in the vehicle behind the bus was too impatient to wait a few seconds, so pulled out to overtake, notwithstanding a row of traffic coming the other way. Luckily the bus driver noticed and stopped!! The on coming traffic also stopped or slowed down.
NOthing remarkable in that I can hear you think, except................................. The vehicle in question was a hearse ... complete with coffin!

Will chat again tomorrow,

Tess

Oh Tess, I know I shouldn't have but I did laugh at the comment about the bus, the traffic and the hearse
Jan,I have enjoyed reading all about you wedding outfit. It sounds beautiful and I am trying to picture you in it. I wool be so happy to wear long dresses as you describe but height etc does not allow me to.
I am 5 feet 1inch tall ( maybe I should say small). When I was barely 7 stone that was fine but not now, I blame the passing of time. ,!!

This chat has made me wonder if we could recall our favourite dress,and where we were and who with when we wore it...hmmmmmm got me thinking now.

Some where I did write about my favourite dress as a child,but cannot recal
Which thread it was on. So this time maybe we could write about our favourite clothes between the ages of 20s to 40s and then 40s to 60s,etc, other suggestions appreciated.
this morning is very peaceful here in Peniscola. The sun has been shining through for the last hour or so,there is a very slight breeze and the birds are surprisingly quiet.
The sea is as flat as a pancake and there are no clouds in the sky. Yesterday the temperature reached 36 c down on the lower part of our garden and even I went into the pool, the water was warm and I enjoyed about half an hour in the pool playing with Joe who loves jumping in swim ing around and the he climbs up the steps. Jet however does not like the pool so much but swims and swims if he is in the sea.
I felt good after coming out so hopefully I will have the courage to go in again today.
As I have said previously most of the houses around us are holiday homes for rich,Spaniards, French,and Germans.
Last week the shutters were being raised and cleaners were obviously working hard to prepare the houses for the owners visits,which started this week.I must say it is good to see the same people arrive year after year, but at the same time a shock as the noise level increases, and sometimes it is rather as I imagine the Tower of Babble must be,
.the children squeal and laugh, with an occasional skirmish,the men mostly sit in the garden and chat whilst the ladies bring out the food and drinks and then the cleaners are back each morning....now why don.t I have a.cleaner I wonder and the answer is "I cannot justify it" .

Yesterday as I walked around the garden(s), we have three different levels, I noticed that the pear tree,which is producing pears for the first time now has 10good size pears on it,I wonder when they will ripen. The lemon trees are drooping with the weight of the Lemons, and the orange tree looks very heavy with the second crop of oranges starting. I think I will have to go to Culi ray delights and find some inspiration for preserving these fruits.
A friend looked T my Kumquat tree and has assured me that the fruit is just as it should be.......I will not buy another one as the fruits are so sour and I am not sure how to use them. All suggestions for new fruit trees to be planted in Sept to October very welcome.

Not much happening at the moment,son and partner went out last night and arrived home at about 03.03 hrs, they said they had a great time. Their friends who had gone out separately came back somewhat latter, but were very quiet, I only heard them because the door handle to their room needs to be oiled.

Dear OH sent me off to bed at 01.30 as I kept dozing off. We had Roberta in her cot and in her room downstairs, but did not have to sit there all the evening as a portable gadget picks up every move and sound she makes. Very clever indeed.
I am now goi g to make a coffee, so will sign off wishing you all a good and happy day.

Bridget

08.07 hrs Spain


:-D :-)

Very cold and windy day here. Have had a busy couple of days in the house. Am expecting visitors this morning who will be spending the night here and then more in Monday also just for one night -Oh all that washing!

Lovely to have so much fruit on the trees Bridget, our orange tree did not have much fruit this year because of the drought, not many grapefruit either.
We made some tomato jam the other day as we managed to get lovely tomatoes at a reasonable price. So now stocked up with marmelade and tomato jam.



Have a lovely day.


Val.

8.46 a.m.

Good morning Val,

It sounds as if you are going to be very busy for the next few days, with all the visitors. Do take care of yourself,
.
We all went out last night, including the little one who had a long sleep in the afternoon. We were supposed to be out for a short while only!!!
We finally came home at 01.30hrs and the sensible people went to bed. Not me though, I stayed awake with three of us and we chatted about anything and everything, and finally I made it to bed at 03.20hrs. Now have a really horrible headache!
Will be back later

Bridget

Just popped in, without reading the recent posts. Off to the Library in town in a little while. If I still feel fit later today will come back here. If not it will be tomorrow or Saturday.

Tess

Cold again to-day although warmer than yesterday.

We had a church fund-raiser this morning - a sing-along and then soup and rolls and milk tart, it was most enjoyable.




Val.

1.26.p.m.