General Chat

Ah Lesley, I must say how extremely kind you are,
And the Whimsies will be coming to a very good home
Its just a pity the little critters have to travel so far
But once with me, no more shall they roam.

I shall be gainfully occupied, filing and smoothing,
And I have assorted shades of felt tip pens, and glue,
And oddly enough it is work I find quite soothing
And while I whittle I shall be thanking you :-)

Tis very generous of you to send them post free
But I hesitate to take something for nowt
So I shall make a little something for thee
And pop it in the postbox - as soon as I can get out !

Tis the 20th here, so

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY CC", I am not so much shouting as singing lustily :-D.

Have fun mending the whimsies, I would not have the patience. Though having said that, I am in the throws of making table decs for 'our do'. I have been give 70 empty baby food tins... Some are to be candle holders, some to be table numbers.. I am going to be a busy gal. If the air should turn a pale shade of blue, tis only me
:-(...

Charlie is a sweetie, must be a tad chilly for him, he is much closer to the ground than our mutt. :-). Lesley, odds are our pup will never see snow ;-).

I seem to have whiled away a great part of the morning, I have things to do. I must away and get on with my day.

Keep safe and warm all,

Susan

PS: is anyone else sick of hearing about Lance Armstrong, I know he is a cheat but I am over the continual snippets of the interview he gave :-P

CC the Whimsies incur no fee
Tis a gift from me to thee
I will wrap the parcel with love and care
Your postman better not throw it in the air
Will add a post when I send
Hope you get pleasure while you mend

hello Lesley thanks for your kind wishes for my birthday. Are you sure you want to part with the Whimsies? they are, after all, collectibles now, and you might in the future wish you'd saved them for baby E. A nail file, a felt tip pen to match colour, and some superglue fixes many a small bit of damage.
Having said that - if you really mean it that I can have them, I would be very glad to give them a good home. Thank you :-)

Good Afternoon

Humouring Auntie Petunia over the pictures of Charlie playing in the snow ;-) Auntie Dear is that a Halloween collar that Charlie is wearing :- I wonder what your fruits pup would make of snow Susan :-0 I'm sure she and her new friend or is it her brother or sister would love it :-D

CC here's wishing you a Very Happy Birthday for tomorrow I hope you enjoy your day <3 wouldn't it be nice if the 160+ onlookers popped in with a birthday greeting :-) CC Dear you will have to let me have your address so I can send you those chipped Whimsies as a belated birthday pressie :-D :-D :-D

Teresa I trust your route to paid toil has been free of snow and ice :-)

Lazing on a Saturday (Sunday) afternoon.
Lesley x

One forgot to say - there will be no Bumping tomorrow
*gives dear Susan nz a gimlet stare* yes you dear.
you wouldnt want to put your back out, so close to The Wedding, would you.
LOL

oh Wow but the cyber cake is a day early. Do I get another cake tomorrow please ? :-) :-)
on the other hand - that would be 300 candles to blow out over the weekend :-S

300 candles .... oh my word ..... well, Its the thought that counts - even if I will be out of puff by Monday :-D

What a nice dessert knife - its solid silver isnt it dear? Looks like Mappin & Webb to me .........

Cecil was the photographer? Would that be Cecil Banksy?

Well, I shall be hostessing an Afternoon Tea tomorrow afternoon, Petunia dear, in your drawing room if that is all right with you? Of course you shall be my guest of honour, since its your house, and everyone is invited to attend - even Pat rish aaaaah. We shall be a merry throng indeed, with a couple of bottles of Harveys sherry, served in the finest crystal glasses from your crystal glassware cabinet. Mrs Berry will be delighted to come back even though its a Sunday, and help with the catering. I shall be serving cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off, sherry trifle, and of course slicing the second birthday cake so everyone gets a fair cut of the pie.

Its still snow laden outside. I watched my pussums trek dainty across the patio on the areas where the snow had receded, until she'd reached the area of the patio beneath the patio table where there is no snow laying. There was a quicker route, but that would have meant walking through snow.

BTW - why did you need a passport in 1955, Petunia dear ?????

Trundles the hostess trolley along the hallway. My, my but the flames from the candles on the cake are very warm indeed. I shall have to be careful not to stoop too low, for they will singe my eyebrows.

Flings open door. Ah Cherry dear, just move slightly to the left so that I can push the trolley through..................here we are dear, Mrs Berry baked a cake for you to celebrate your 21st Birthday. Chokes! Really, 22 dear? You are looking very well, it must be the Ponds.

I am soo pleased that you like the new photograph dear. As you can imagine I have boxes full of my likeness, and yes, the new one was taken by a society photographer. Whispers...............dear Cecil. I shall show you a selection over the next few weeks. With a beauty such as mine, it seems a shame not to share..............

Chivalry is not dead dear. I too was offered a seat the other day by a young man. If he was kind enough to offer it to me, I thought it would be churlish not to accept. I smiled sweetly and sat down. What a kind thought.

Cut the cake dear. Here, take this dessert knife. A large slice for you, and I shall cut the rest, and send it down the cyber hatch to our friends.

Happy Birthday dear......................

Auntie Petunia

*sips hot tea* my word it IS cold outside. I have just returned from the Post Office, dressed like Nanook of the North braving the elements, and believe me anyone who has to venture out in today's elements is very brave indeed. Its snowing, quite heavily now, and there is enough snow for the neighbourhood children to build a snowman that can reach the moon. The wind is gusting. If this keeps up, they kiddie winkies will be able to build a snowman that reaches Jupiter.

I had to go out, because I had a parcel to return to a Hee Bay seller who sent me the wrong item, I've had a full refund for that. Now I shall wait for a refund of the First Class Recorded Delivery postage I paid for.

*gulps hot tea* I also had a form to post back about my Bus Pass, they're changing it from 3 years to 5 years; and another envelope containing a wee something I am sending to the first twins to be born in OHs mother's paternal family since the 1850s. I got them a little St Chris on a chain each. But these two envelopes were send Second Class Recorded.

*chokes on hot tea going down the wrong way* My hands are so cold in spite of wearing gloves, do you think I am going to get frost bite?

I also have a slight sore throat but this is most likely because I yelled at someone who had the temerity to dial my ex directory reg/with TPS phone line, to ask me some questions. I do not accept telephone survey calls, and I told him so - breaking the sound barrier in the telling (or yelling) ......... The thing is, this isnt the first marketing or survey call I have had where they actually know my name. Who is giving out this information - my name with the phone number .... this means its not just computer generated random digit dialling. And that is scarey.

The snow is snowing, the wind is blowing,
but I shall weather the storm
what do I care
if I have no fur coat to wear
I've got some gin to keep me warm ...... :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D

I met a Good Samaritan today, on route to the post office. The parcel for the E Bay seller wasnt heavy but it was quite bulky and I felt that I didnt have a secure balance, what with having to hold a walking stick. I was treading very carefully, and a young lady asked if I was all right, so I said yes thanks I'm only going to the post office, and she said she could carry the bag the packages were in and I could hold her arm. So kind of her, and I felt so unsure of my footing that I accepted, but it did make me feel like my dear old Ma who has to hang on to my sister now every time Ma moves around. Normally me and my stick gets around quite well, but I am terrified of falling over. :-S :-S :-S

you look much better today Petunia dear, and that photograph does you justice. basking in front of the log fire is clearly doing you a world of good. My compliments to the photographer, as well. I presume he is one of the society photographers. Never anything less than the best for you eh, dear !

Thank you so much for your kind birthday wishes. I think the current arctic blizzard will put a spanner in the works of my plans for Sunday. Ah well there will always be another Sunday just as sure as the Sun rises in the East every morning.

Coughs and clears throat. Deposits into a lace edged hankerchief!!!!

Happy Birthday to Yoooooooo
Happy Birthday to Yoooooooo
Happy Birthday dear Cherrrrryyyyyyyy
Happy Birthday to Yoooooooo

As much as I would like to rally the troops dear, I think you will be merciful that we do not give you the bumps.

Tutty tut dear. You are as young as the man you feel dear.

Well it is very snowy here, and not warm at all. I have to go to the Bank very soon as I have a cheque to pay in. A refund from someone. The princely sum of £5, but I need it more than they! I have managed to rake out the old gum boots, they are either growing or I am getting shorter! They are passing my knees now. But they are waterproof, and that is what matters.

I have marked the date in my social diary dear Upsidedown Susan. I shall be ready at the end of the cyber hatch to catch the bouquet and a slice of cake. I am soooo excited.

Now, dear Beatrice is a whizz on the organ as I told you. And she get herself very comfortable on it. As she has an ample behind she needs to adjust herself until she is placed solidly, and then she tinkles away on the ivories, and the noise she manages from the pipes is amazing. Such depth, it reverberates around the church and reaches the rafters. She studied under a very famous professor dont you know. She was a pupil at the Royal Academy of Music and even taught a Lord of the Realm. It is my mission to make sure she replaces that Ponsonby couple. By whatever means.

It seems we have a newcomer dears. Dear little Haley who is an Empress I believe. As you know we welcome Royalty with open arms on this thread. Please come and sit by the fire dear, warm your tootsies. I have opened your link dear, what a jolly tune. I think I know of the popular beat combo, it seems they come from the North. And have the motto Keep The Faith. A sentiment I quite agree with. We should all have a little faith in our fellow man. Thank you dear, it was a very kind thought. I do not know the town in which it was filmed, not at all like my neighbourhood where it is very straight lines and tall houses.

Lesley dear, I hope you are filled with relief at your good results. Well done dear.

Teresa please smack your fruit for telling us of warm temperatures. She is tormenting us!!!! Mind you in her position, I would probably do the same.

I have been searching the tinternet for a suitable hat, so watch this space. I do not see why you should not all share my creation!

Mrs Berry is baking a cake in the kitchen for dear Cherry, a sponge, but she will ice it this afternoon. I have sent Pat-trish-aaaah down to the shops for candles, so we will have a tea for Cherry this afternoon. What Larks Pip!

Pip Pip
Auntie Petunia

good morning ladies, yes arent I the early bird this morning. This is because there has been a hiccup with an online order I placed - the item I received was not the item I'd ordered, so I am waiting for the retailer to send me a Label to print off, and is arranging a courier to collect. The item I ordered, is on its way to Australia ....... I've had a full refund. Oh lud, you cannot imagine my disappointment on finding, not my order, but an absolutely ghastly china plate.

Thank you Teresa for the birthday wishes, its very kind of you :-). My word, another year older - another wrinkle on the brow, another grey hair, another arthritic twinge. Whoever said 150 is the new 40, lied. :-D :-D. I cannot wait for my cyber pear cider and slice of cake. Yum!! But could I please have some Total 0% Greek yogurt on the cake, instead of double cream? thanks :-)

I think its too mean of your FTE to keep all that warmth to herself, surely she could sent a bowlful back to Blighty? I dont want to encourage global warming, but right now this Freeze is too much for even me to bear, and I always used to be hot all the time, even in the winter. I now have some sympathy for the GOG who has always felt the cold all his life.


Susan it seems to me that only the letters and packages coming INTO the UK are subject to such delays. Anything escaping FROM the UK gets cleared through Customs more efficiently. Perhaps NZ Customs could give UK Customs a few lessons in efficiency?

My thanks to you too for the natal felicitations. "Lunch out" sounds delightful, and in fact I had planned to push for a ham salad sandwich and a pot of tea in the nearest hostelry to the antiques centres, because I plan to have a roast chook dinner in the evening, in front of the TV with my legs raised up. For the odoema, dear, why, whatever were you thinking????? :-D I love my roast chicken leg on a Sunday, the meat on the bone is so much more succulent than any other part of the bird.

Our local rag often reports stories of posties being prosecuted for theft, mainly because they are too lazy to complete their rounds so hide the undelivered post in their lofts or garages, untouched. But a percentage of cases do involve actual theft. One female postie was caught after a number of Amazon customers reported their items were not arriving, and all the addresses were in a specific area so Amazon contacted the sorting office, and the postcodes concerned was pinned down to that postlady and it was proved she'd stolen the goods for her own gain. I really hate finding myself in the situation where I now need to order some items online because I cant trail round the shops any more, to check stock in different stores in different places. Just 40 years ago I thought nothing of ambling around shopping centres in different districts for hours ......... but these days the thought of having to visit Lakeside or similar fills me with dread.

Now, I shall be making one of my toilet roll and sticky tape Hat creations, to wear on 23 March, because I shall be with you in spirit if not in body, so I might as well dress the part. Should I decorate it with strips cut from a black plastic sack, a green plastic sack, or a clear plastic sack? Please advise as I dont want to clash with what you are wearing. I found a delightfully dirty old rocket stick dumped in the frontyard after some inconsiderate soul's firework session last November, and I was going to use it as a plant stake, but I will create a fascinator with the stick instead.

For my dearest MGT

http://youtu.be/xg14_Q_-ZN8

Love and hugs

Hayley <3

CC, my parcel came from the UK.... :-). I am not sure what our overseas postal rates are, I know we don't get surface mail at Christmas any more... A local stamp is now 70c. We have had a postie in the South Island, prosecuted, she had failed to deliver thousands of items of mail over a period of time... My own Mama has complained of mail she sent to the same town, to her great grandaughter, never 'arrivng'. It arrived alright, postie just stored or buried mail she couldn't be bothered delivering. I think she stole from items as well.... I hope she goes to jail.

Early felicitations from me too. I do hope your GOG obliges and ferries you off for a days outing on Sunday, weather permitting of course :-). That will entail a nice lunch out, loively jubbly.

It is official, there is to be a wedding on March 23rd. OH and I have received our invite :-S, I thought we were a given :-D.... oh, that must have been our credit card ;-).

Petunia, how kind you will purchase a new bonnet. I am thinking it will need to be fur lined if your dismal weather does not improve, though the shortest day has been so you are on the uphill to Summer :-D.. For us, the reverse, we are on the slide to Winter and I feel like Summer hasn't arrived properly as yet. :-P

I am a little annoyed with myself. We had crumbed fish for dinner and there were leftovers, I forgot to put the leftovers in the fridge so now the fish will be going in the bin. I have nothing else save cheese, to put on our sarnies :-(. I love cold fish on a sammy. Oh well, how sad, too bad, never mind. Cheese it must be.

I will email you all a pic of the two pups, twice yesterday I had to return the visiting pup to its minder. I think it prefers our place to its holiday home :-D. The minder was a bit naughty and smacked the puppy on the head, like that is going to make sense to a dog.

Toodle pup ( :-) )
Have a pleasant weekend, CC have a lovely day on Sunday. Enjoy the cyber cake from Teresa.

Happy Birthday dear Cherry for Sunday, early greeting I know but I thought I would send them just in case I was indisposed on that day. Some pear cider and cyber cake are coming your way :-D :-D :-D We do not have 'orse meat, only when in France like the French do :-S. our meat comes from the butchers owned by FTYs godfather. It is very nice and only from the local sources.

Susan how excited you must be for the forthcoming nuptials. My dear Friend is going to be a MOB this year and has two pairs of shoes, one for the Church and photos and the others for the reception and merriment. I think I shall follow her lead. I cannot be on strutting the light fantastic and end up with blisters or a broken limb ;-)

I do think places of paid toil must be very busy in the broken limb dept Auntie. I do hope you are feeling a little more like yourself :-)

I spoke to FTE yesterday, she had just come from the deck after sunbathing :-| I informed her it was -6 here but she did not seem at all worried. She is orff on a tour of the Caribbean Islands today. Tutty tut.

Orff now to continue with the unpaid toil of this house.

Toodle pip for now


Teresa

:-)

*glares at Susan for getting a better international postal service that wot I did* ;-) Mind you, it was the fault of Customs, for causing the delay in the first place.
Did I mention there was a cruet set, of the type I was after, on sale in NZ - anyroad, I found a photo of it in Google Images indicating it was available to buy. However the standard international postal rates were exhorbitant so its still in NZ as far as I know. I paid the Canadian seller for Express Tracker and it was a few £ more than the NZ standard package rate, so God knows what the NZ Express Tracker charges would have been.

The G....L bunnies are quite cute. I wouldnt mind having a modest collection of them. It would certainly infuriate the GOG. :-D A gel must have a hobby :-D :-D. Petunia dear, I shall whisper in your ear about the German-made cruet pieces. They are available to view on Hee Bay.

BTW - I am now quite an expert on Doulton, Royal Albert, Wedgewood, Chelsea, etc etc. I spend an inordinate amount of time sweeping up the pieces ............. ! OH ! werent you aware???????

The thought of Beatrice sitting on an organ is intriguing. I assumed that she was too old for that sort of thing.

I do hope that your hangover from the Woo Woo is easing now, dear. "They say" a cup of black coffee is good for hangovers. Or, a hair of the dog. Shall I bring you one? Where are you Tricki Woo I need one of your hairs for your Mama Motie.

Speaking of the GOG - I asked him if he would drive me to Sawbridgeworth on Sunday, weather and chill factor permitting, for a nice day out wandering around the antiques and collectors centers there. Otherwise I would be spending my birthday at home alone (apart from the GOG who'd only slump in front of the TV). I need the chauffeur, because Sawbridgeworth is too far away for me to be able to drive myself.

Dear Ladies........................what a day I have had.

As you know I have been poorly, but now fighting fit, and indeed will put paid to Mrs Ponsonby and her pompous husband. He of the stops and bellows fame. I shall get dear Beatrice sitting on that organ if it is the last thing I do.

I went for afternoon tea today with my dear friend of many years. I was a little surprised when she suggested this place in the new precinct, but who am I to bristle when she was paying. I generally frequent the Nell Gwynn Tea rooms, but we went where she wanted. It was very dark in there and quite a few brown leather settees. I must say I am used to sitting bolt upright at a table, but when in Rome........................

I must say that iced tea is my usual tipple in the afternoon, but she persuaded me to have something called a Woo Woo. A fruit cocktail I believe, it tasted of cranberries [so good for the bladder] I must say it was very strong..............I cannot remember coming home to be honest. I think I may need a lie down, I feel a bit woozy.

Oh Lesley dear, I am SO pleased that your mammogram was clear. Such a relief for you, and the rest of us. You must have a sticky bun as a congratulations to yourself.

Cherry dear, I shall leave the finer detail of china to you dear. As you know I have Chelsea, Doulton and Wedgewood. But I know very little of German china-ware. You must educate me sometime.

Teresa dear, you must be full to bursting at your place of toil. There is so much sickness at this time of year, literally. Trust you are getting missives from your Fruit in warmer climes. Can she pack me in her suitcase when she next travels?

Dear Upsidedown Susan, I am getting excited for you dear. With weeks to go, it will be action stations all around. I bet your dear daughter will look like a Princess when she is in her gown. All brides are beautiful. I shall be purchasing a new bonnet so that I can be with you in spirit. I think a pale pink straw will be suitable..............

Feeling fragile
Auntie Petunia

Yippeeeeeee to Lesley, great news :-).

Poor you Petunia, a sore back is no laughing matter, I hope you are much improved. Your good works will be needed somewhere soon, I am sure...
The 'shoes' are sitting in the front entrance, the bin has gone out today , the shoes have had a temporary reprive :-|.

CC, you are too kind ;-). I am off this afternoon with my fruit to the dressmaker. Fitting number two. Fruit went yesterday, on reflection, wanted a few changes and asked me along for a second opinion. I am quaite excited to see the dress on my fruit. :-)

Teresa, hope your casserole warmed your cockles?. Thanks for the icecream, it didn't make it to my feet :-D. Every now and then I get a longing for icecream and buy a 2L tub.... Then it calls to me each evening, I cannot say no :-S.... Yum yum yum. Somehow, low fat yoghurt isn't quite the same :-(.

Talking of UK post, I ordered a small wedding gift on a Thursday evening NZ time, the parcel was in our PO box ( at the Post Office) on the following Wednesday morning, just in time for me to take to Wellington last Thursday !!. Great service I thought....The parcel was from Spaceform.... I love them.

This morning, fruit and puppy came home with me after our walk. Pup was running about the garden and I went to see her. We both heard a dog wimpering. Well, would you believe it. Next door are dog sitting, their dog ( when I called it but don't tell my neighbour), came and sniffed our pup through the fence, next thing it was over at ours and the two pups just ran and ran and ran... More unbelievable is the fact that they are both cross breeds - both part Huntaway so very alike, same colouring... Fruit has taken them both to hers so they can play the morning away. I imagine they will need a rest very shortly :-) :-) :-)

I am running very late this morn so must be off,

Toodle

Susan

good evening ladies, I hope you are all warmer than you look, let me make some space for you around the log fire ... will an extra inch be enough??? I've often heard that one more inch can make all the difference - and it does, usually around my tightening waistband.

Yes Lesley, you have hit the nail on the head. G ............... L. I noticed some new items on E Bay tonight (they woznt there yesterday), from that maker, but at the prices being asked, they can stay there. Well done on your clear screening - no doubt good news of much relief to yourself.

Oh thank you Teresa, a plate of beef casserole is just what I need. Do you have any pear cider to wash it down, please?? I hope it is real beef and not horse meat as has been found in certain beef burgers. Am I glad I only insist on buying the Finest Venison Burgers, or Finest beef burgers with tomato and basil.

I wonder where dear Petunia has disappeared to. She dashed out after breakfast this morning, muttering something about Mrs Ponsonby and organs. She does seem to have a bee in her bonnet about this woman but dont tell her I said so.

Ah that's good news Lesley, never mind about the spelling, mine is a saints name :-D,

How odd that is snowed yesterday at my place of paid toil but not here at my place of unpaid toil. It was thick snow as well :-S

Prostate Aunty :-S :-S :-S :-S I do hope all is better :-D :-D :-D

Cherry dear I have a slow cooked beef casserole for tea. I shall send some to warm your cockles :-D

Susan, you can have the ice cream ease your poor aching feet ;-)

Orff now to extract FTE orff the devils x box


Teresa