General Chat

Ooh dear ladies I will perhaps return tomorrow after paid toil to tend to you both. I will be bringing FTY for my dear Oh is abroad, FTE is abroad and Mama in law will be going home from her overnight sitting duties for FTY. Please set up devils x box and the French revision rota :-D


Back tomorrow



Teresa :-D

Good upside down evening to you all.

Petunia and CC, I am sorry to hear you are both below par. Botheration to all winter ailments... It would seem a tad early in the season for the bugs to be doing the rounds, but the seasons are all up the wop so why shouldn't the bugs be too :-S

CC, Sooty and Sweep, I used to love watching them on the old black and white TV :-S, now that is going back some time... When TV programmes were fun and without violence. But then again too, the cartoons we watched had violence but we didn't recognise it - or I didn't....

Fruit and I had a wonderful day shopping yesterday. We have purchased the most beautiful lace for 'the' gown. I can hardly contain my excitement. I will furnish you with photgraphs in time.. I must not be too forward or you will all be raising your eyebrows at me. :-D. I must say, I think I am quite pleased to have only one female fruit.

I have been out in the garden this afternoon, planting annuals. Let us hope they prosper and grow with viguor. I did note one I planted a few days ago has a death wish :-|. There is always one isn't there.

My OH and I have a very serious job this evening. We have until 5pm tomorrow to submit our objections to the new clean air bylaws... I totally appreciate the reasoning, but we heat our house by a wood burning boiler :-(.. We shall, or at least, OH shall be filling in our submission form and hoping for a positive result. We won't be holding our breath...

Teresa, pleased to hear FTE is happy and well. Good luck to FTY in his exams. I always think Mama's should be awarded an exam pass too ;-).

Better get on and cook our meal, very late tonight.

Toodle pip
Susan

*thinks* sarcasm is the lowest form of wit eh? well ... I would say that I vary my wit to suit my company - but Petunia is an absolute dear and so very generous and hospitable. Its just that sometimes the devil gets into me ....

Heyho folks, I am better today, it was a 24 hour virus and I worked it off yesterday by staying in the house. Today, it was back to work ... such work as a retired lady pensioner does ..... in other words, I still work like a slave.

Unfortunately I have more computer problems and my hard drive has to go see a nice computer man to get fixed. Basically, Spybot will not update, although I have Malware Bytes, and Microsoft Security Essentials which several people on here said was a good AVP. Both MB and MSE say my computer is clean .... but Spybot wont update which means there is a problem. This same problem happened last year in spite of MB and MSE updates and scans, and I always accept the Microsoft Updates, but the computer man last year found my hard drive was infested with All Sorts Of Rubbish including a very virulent piece of malware.

So, I expect the same problem has happened again.

I have had so much stress with using the internet over the last few years and to be honest I cannot take any more. I've removed myself from several internet sites which I was using, and have changed my GR membership to not renewing automatically, so I will be gone next year. I would have left this year as you know except that I was persuaded to stay. It is not a hissy fit at GR or any of the members, I really cant take the computer stress any more, its making me ill. Perhaps if I was younger .....

I will also be winding down my email accounts, although for a while I shall visit the library to get a free hour on their computers. You ladies who have my cell phone number please feel free to use it. Texts are always welcome!

CC

Hi CC i have replied to your email we must keep in touch by text, Im glad you are feeling better and sorry you have computor problems again.

Look foward to you visits from the libary :0)

Hugs


Teresa x

Good evening ladies.

Cherry dear, I am pleased that you took my joshing in good part. We do like to spar verbally with each other, dont we dear? Why is that rolling pin behind your back dear? Have you been secretly baking with Mrs Berry, behind my back? Oh goody, I do so love minced pies!!!!!

A dollop of festive cheer, along with the mulled wine.

I understand you are incommunicado. I will text you from the Bloooooberry dear.

Teresa, do keep us informed as to where your wandering fruit is cruising next. I can picture most places, and the ones I have not been.......................I can Doodle.

Dear Upsidedown Susan, I am getting very excited about this Wedding dear. Lace? How wonderful. Did you see the pictures of Princess Grace when she married? She was in lace. It has a mystical power to it. Will it be white or cream dear?

Now someone sent me a naughty email about Sooty and Sweep. If I can locate it I will send it to the more broadminded of your ladies. I dont know if I understood it properly, as I am so pure................but it did make me titter!!!

I am still a little poorly thank you dears, so will make this do for now. Pat-trish-aaaaah has been conspicuous by her absence I am afraid. I know that both Cherry and I are contagious, but really, did she have to wear that Diving Suit, complete with gold-fish helmet? At least I think it was her.......................

Good night dear Ladies.

Auntie Petunia

Singing this to you CC

Don't leave us (me) this way
Don't understand how
We are (I'm) at your command
So, baby, please
Don't you leave us (me) this way
:-( :-( :-(

good morning ladies. Well - it was a false alarm. I talked to the computer expert who checked SpyBot on another computer, and it seems it was a problem with them. Not me.

I was very worried, because I had a similar issue nearly a year ago and my hard drive was infected with all sorts of nasties which prevented SpyBot from updating. Also my AVP was prevented from updating.

So I spent yesterday doing a long scan with both MalwareBytes and the AVP, and in both cases they had updated correctly. Both said my pc was clean.

When I first had SpyBot installed on the hard drive, I was advised to select Safer Networking 2-Europe; but this disappeared from the list and Grail IT-Europe appeared, so I started using Grail IT, even after Safer Networking 2 came back. Yesterday morning I'd tried updating with Grail IT.

Last night, after I spoke to the computer expert, I tried another SpyBot update, but this time selecting Safer Networking 2 - and the program updated normally. Am delighted that my computer didnt have to go away to be fixed, so I wont have to visit the library to use their computers ... for the time being, at any rate.

Lesley I wont be renewing my sub when it expires next year. I've finished my family tree researches, and every time I have a computer problem it raises my stress levels. Perhaps I dont cope well because I'm ill but I do find every little set back makes me feel worse. I was going to leave GR earlier this year and was persuaded to stay, but I really do feel next year will be the time to quit. I have to have more surgery anyway, and I can keep in touch with people via email or text, but I really do have to reduce the stress factors in my life and computer internet access is one of the stress factors and I cant sort these issues out by myself.

Anyway ....

I am delighted to announce that my viral infection didnt last longer than 24 hours. I'd been a tad worried it might develop and end up in my lungs, as has so often been the case, but a mug or two of boiled water with honey and brandy did the trick.

Normal working hours were resumed yesterday, and I spent some time in the frontyard picking up piles of leaves. I expect that more leaves have blown in overnight but I havent checked yet.

CC

oh dear me, Petunia, you werent supposed to see that rolling pin. It was one of my Hamazon purchases for a present for a special lady, its made of solid marble, and was intended for said special lady to take with her when doing her Good Works, to knock a bit of sense into certain heads.

I noticed that Pat rish aaaah is wearing a World War II gas mask today, along with a dust mask. Who on earth has put these silly ideas into her head? She used to be such a quiet compliant little thing, but she has not been herself since her first foray into Essex to stay with Teresa.

CC

oh Petun...eeee....aaaaaaaaaaaaa !!! where are you dear?

I have just the job for Pat rish aaaah, to keep her out of mischief. It is seasonal work, and she wont be required after 26th December, but if her application is successful then she will earn a little money of her own and hopefully gain some confidence.

She will need to like working with animals, particularly reindeer, and able to drive a sleigh (which will give her a break from the tuktuk). She must also be willing to travel at short notice, internationally - all over the world where there are children. She will need to have a tolerant nature, because there will be elves and fairies on the loose there. Duties will include mucking out stables, gift wrapping, and packing sacks with the wrapped gifts duly labelled, and ensuring that the sacks are placed in the sleigh for her temporary employer to deliver to the designated recipients. Grooming the reindeer is also an important part of this job.

There is a perk of the job - if she accompanies her temporary employer on his rounds, she will find refreshments are usually on offer ... mince pies, and a glass of sherry. Her employer is no longer permitted to drink while in charge of a sleigh, following an unfortunate incident where he fell down a chimney and disturbed the residents with some inebriated (and rather fruity) vocalizations.

A uniform is provided. She would be required to wear a short red tunic, trimmed with white fur around the hemline. And a red cape with a hood also trimmed with white fur. I hasten to add, it would be fake fur. And black tights and stiletto heeled shoes, also black.

If Pat rish aaaah is interested in this vacancy, and if you can spare her during December, Petunia dear, she can send a handwritten application to : Santa Claus Incorporated, North Pole. SCI is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

I thought this would be a wonderful opportunity for Pat rish aaaah, as she is usually away with the fairies anyway.

CC

and another thought occurs to me - who shall we nominate to be the fairy on top of the Christmas tree this year?

CC

Welcome back CC, pleased you have sorted out the glitches in your pc.
Though we shall miss you when you are gorn...

Now, I do hope you were not looking among the Motettes for a 'fairy' to top the tree?
Mercy, I have far too much to do to be nesting atop a tree surveying the world and it's grandma. If it weren't for this mama and my fruit, there would be no Christmas in our house.
We are hosting the entire family - both sides , so we shall be busy busy busy :-D.
Fingers crossed for a fine day :-S.

Are you sure Patrishaaa isn't on the jungle juice? Such a strange creature that gal.
:-D.

I have a very busy day today :-(, why is a womans work never done eh?...... There is an imbalance here somewhere...

Petunia, cream lace, beaded and stunning !!.

Better get me rubber gloves on and ready myself for the day ahead ;-).

Toodle pip ,

Susan

you dont have to "miss" me Susan. I shall be contactable by email. However I just got to the point where I need to cut back on some of my internet time and keyboard use - I have very bad arthritis in my hands - and I've finished my genealogy research. While I am on the computer, I'm neglecting other things ..... sigh ... and I quite agree with you that a woman's work is never done. Perhaps if the menfolk assisted us a little more, it would be.

I always say "the world and his wife".

Well, I dont know what Pat rish aaaaah is on, but I dont think its legal :-D

**

Teresa I have emailed you with a fuller explanation of Mockingbird, in case you never read the book.

CC

Good evening Ladies,

I am improving by the day, I should be back to full force by next week.

I dont know why Pat-trish-aaaaah is becoming so huffy and puffy. I only call her four times an hour. She has adequate time to get back down to the scullery before I call her again.

She was muttering something about Steptoe and Son, and Upstairs Downstairs, Upstairs Downstairs. But I can never watch anything in black and white. I am not a puppy dog. If it is not in full colour, I am not interested!!!

I am not so sure about the uniform to accompany Mr Claus either. You know that Pat-trish-aaaaah is not exactly sylph-like, and the thought of a teeny weeny skirt with stockings is not what the doctor ordered at all. She will catch a chill in her btm, and I am not rubbing her chest.

Lesley your singing is lovely. Have you ever thought of entering the X Factor dear? I am sure you would wow that nice young Mr Barlow. Deep breathes dear, deep breathes.

Dear Upsidedown Susan, The Dress sounds wonderful. Every young gel should look like a Princess on her wedding day, and your Fruit sounds like she will excell. We await the next tit-bit with baited breathe. Will there be a veil? Will there be a tararara? Do tell when the time is right.

Teresa dear. A young acquaintance of mine just got the Exam Aid books from a well known book dealer. It gives an abridged version of the book, so hey presto, no revising. Beware dear. IT DOES NOT WORK.

I am getting very figdety sitting in bed all day. But it has given me the opportunity of creaming my hands on a regular basis. As you know I have wonderfully lilly-white hands, but this cold weather does them no favours at all.

You will be pleased to know that they are now back in pristine condition.

Typing in white cotton gloves
Auntie Petunia

My hands Auntie are neither lily white or soft as a babies dimple.they are red and dry like a Towie on a sun bed :-| I have been for many days at paid toil and I feel they may need some goose fat and a good exfoliation :-S

Thank you for your kind enquiries about FTE. She is residing in Antigua today on the beach on her day off with her fellow workers drinking cocktails and eating burgers, burgers Auntie, I ask you whatever next. She also had a burger in Portugal. Do you think she is on a mission for a well know food chain?????? Tomorrow she will be in the Virgin Islands, the following day St Marrten, then St Lucia then Bridgetown then several days at sea until they get back to Portugal again no doubt stopping for another burger :-|

Susan you are very brave being the hostess to all the family at Christmas. For many years regardless of weather I was at paid toil or not I had all the relatives over eating like there was a near famine on the horizon. Many times did I wander orff to toil while they all continued feeding and drinking etc etc so I made a decision and stopped and awaited my invites to all and sundry and guess what................................................




I will let you ponder on that one ;-)


Thank you for your email Cherry dear and your words of wisdom Auntie regarding the English GCSE book. I think I should read it and will have some idea of what the poor lad is moaning about! Tis French GCSE next week. I only speak the Queens English so he will have to get on with it and we can hope for the best.

Lesley your singing is very good. Was it the Communards version? Hope all is well with baby E, I bet you are getting excited about sending things to Father Christmas. Perhaps Patricia can take them to him in her new job :-D

Tootling orff now to watch the recording of Ms Clarrissa Dickson Wright tell us about breakfasts. Now she does speak the Queens English :-D



Teresa

I am glad you are feeling better now Ladies, .i am a little cream crackered after many days of paid toil, I have to pick up dear OH on Sunday, he is 8 hours in front of us abroad. I feel he may be jet lagged to say the least. I will leave you in the good care of Patrisssshaaaa and Mrs Berry.

Pat rish aaaaaa where are you :-S :-S :-S :-S :-S :-S :-S :-0 :-0 :-0 :-0 :-0

OMG

She's gorn off to the jungle with Eric Bristow, Ant'nDec and Linda Robson, quick what shall we doooooooooooooooooo

Good Evening Ladies

Auntie Petunia your flattery will get you everywhere :-D but me a blonde bombshell and a lovely singer :-S :-S :-S

How strange Susan that in your part of NZ wood burners don't seem to be acceptable :-( were as in my part of the UK they are becoming more and more popular :-)

I've heard say lard is as good as goose fat for your hands Susan and much more reasonable in price :-) Meanie Glam-ma is only getting E a bear for Christmas:-( I have been advised to try a shop in Colchester for one not sure of the name of the road that it's in but I know it's just along from Pasha a shop I REALLY like to browse.

CC above all you must look after your health and yourself :-) never forget I make a lovely cup of tea served in the best china :-D

a very good morning, ladies and everyone else. I fear I have offended my pussy. I woke up about 4.30 for a discrete visit, and upon return to my bedroom I found the feline demanding to be let out via the window. So I let her out and went back to bed. I went to the kitchen shortly before 7 am, to find the cat sitting on the doorstep ... and it was pouring with rain. She jumped over the threshold with a shrilling. As I said to her, she wanted to go out and it is not my fault the rain started falling, nor that I didnt know the rain started falling. Now she is washing herself all over - all over my bed - and on the bottom sheet too. The bed was freshly made with clean linens on Thursday. Never let it be said that the cat dumps her fur all over dirty sheets.

Petunia dear let me reassure you about Tricki Woo. Dogs do not see in black and white, this is a fallacy. Modern technology has established that they have the ability to see some colour, although not as highly developed as we see colour.

The more evolved monkeys and apes also have some colour vision, in fact one ape was able to paint in colours, I saw a documentary about her some years ago. I think her name was Koko, she was rescued from hunters who'd killed her mother. Koko was taught to speak using sign language and then "spoke" to her guardians, and painted. At least, they claimed it was her work. She also had a pet kitten, who she adored, and she was heartbroken when the kitty died. I think there are videos of Koko on You Tube.

Do allow Pat rish aaaaah to take that Seasonal Job, it is only until Boxing Day. I think she is plump enough not to take a chill - you never see an arctic seal with a cold do you? Also, all that trotting around with Santa and the reindeer might hone a few lbs off her, meaning she will be more sylphlike when she returns home to you and all the stairs she has to climb will be nothing to her. Just think, no more huffing and puffing. I am sure when she returns from the North Pole she will be more appreciative of you, and all that Motie Towers has to offer. And, while she is away, she can send you postcards.

CC

Oh dear me Teresa, what a state your poor hands are in, and the state of your cuticles has to be seen to be believed. I blame that alcoholic gel that hospitals insist everyone rubs on their hands. I refuse to use it. Forget the goose fat. Try some best virgin olive oil on those cuticles, and aloe vera hand cream which is only £1 in your M&S.

Oh my, burgers. I hear an old farmer even opened a fast food restaurant in Moscow or was that an old wives tale? I am glad to hear that FTE is seeing the world, even if there is a burger at every port, instead of a nice young man.

Yes, do read that book - you wont find one single cuss word in it which is probably why the youngsters only want to know what happens on the last page.

I will never forget when I was a Parent Helper in the school library and one day when I "went to work" the library assistant pulled me into the side room to look at a book which had been ordered by a student with her Papa's permission. But the library assistant disapproved, because of all the nautical expressions - in fact, she knew where every word was, so clearly she had read the book cover to cover, and she flicked through every page, pointing and saying to me "look at that ... look at that". My eyes glazed over, and I made my excuses and "got to work".

Why is Pat rish aaaaah in the jungle? She's not a celebrity.

Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke were apparently pupils at Sir Thomas Abney infant & primary school in Stoke Newington. I was also a pupil there, but in a much earlier decade.

CC
singing "Old MacDonald had a farm, ee eye ee eye ohhhhhh"

Now Lesley, are you still proferring refreshments to your visitors using the Railway China mugs and plates? Perhaps I should borrow some of dear Petunia's Spode and Worcester and loan it to you. The dear old soul wont notice a few breakages, should anything go amiss, she never goes to SpecSavers :-D

I wish you every good luck in finding an English-made bear. Have you tried googling for toy shops in Colchester, to see what the search results throw up? The name of the road should be given. I had a similar experience with a shop in Lowestoft, I knew the name of the shop but not the road it was in, so after I got back home I googled, and full details came up including the road name.

We are orf to another antiques and collectors fair tomorrow. MFH came home with a newspaper which is banned in this house - insofar as I have a notice on the porch door that says No Free Papers so I dont get any - and this paper carried a notice saying there would be a fair at Potters Bar. MFH drives, so getting there will be no problem. There will be 70 stalls according to the notice, so it should be very interesting. There used to be a big and very good fair at the Lea Valley Centre but that stopped, I never found out why.

CC

Good morning Ladies...............I am talking to you via the Bloooooberry..............so forgive me if I break up a little...................I am taking part in the Lord...............Mayors Show in the City.

Naturally I am riding in the carriage.....................with the Lord Mayor..................you may have seen a gracious...............lady sitting next to him, tis I.

we are heading for the Banqueting Hall...............where I believe there is to be a slap up meal................good.................I have been starving myself the last few days...........to get this bug out of my system. So I am feeling better.

Teresa dear.................thank you for keeping us up to date with your Fruits exploits on the high.........................seas. If we do not know exactly where she is, we can look it up on the Tinternet. I am mildly jealous of her. But so lovely that she can do this sort of thing at such a young age......................so much to look back on when she is older.

Lesley dear...................I am sure you will find your Bear in Colchester. I have been along those little back streets, and there are lots of lovely................interesting shops. I got a identity disc for Trickey in on of those shops. I had to write down the info......................and go back for it an hour later. It was lovely..................but she lorst it in the Ponds at Hampstead!!!!!!!

Cherry dear, welcome back into the fold. We are so pleased you got your ooojamaflip fixed, but you could have just called along the corridor to me dear.

Now, a very strange thing happened this morning before I left. There was a telegram......................I did not think those still existed. But it was from Australia. Apparently Pat-trish-aaaaah has indeed skipped off there. She says she is in disguise and will be someone called...................................Mad Nad, and we are to look out for her.

If she pulls this off in the heat, I will indeed let her go and help Mr Claus. She will need cooling down.

Smiling and waving regally
Auntie Petunia