General Chat

Good morning all. grey and cold here but dry.
Florence yes I am watching masterchef. some of the food looks delicious.

I posted my cards yesterday goodness knows when they will get there as the post offices all have large backlogs.

Ginny glad you have the house contents sorted, one thing off your mind. Hope the new neighbours turn to to be nice it makes such a difference.

Expecting my son to come for an hour or so in a minute to collect their presents and bring mine.

Joan, best stay indoors in the warm.

Good morning everyone, hope you are all well and reading previous posts it seems you have all been keeping busy getting ready for Christmas or tidying your gardens.

We have new neighbours yet again, I haven't met them yet but OH has spoken to the chap and said he seems ok. lol. A man of few words my OH unless it is about football or racing.
I am so not ready for Christmas, haven't got anything sorted at all. Must get a move on or it will be jam and toast for dinner. Haha.

Finally finished sorting my sisters house contents out. Boy did she have a lot of stuff that I had never seen her wear. A bit of a shopaholic . All now is being done by the solicitors re probate and house sale.
These last few years haven't been the best have they for anyone and with all the problems with cost of everything it looks like it isn't getting better any time soon.

We had a chap come round from a charity asking if we would be interested in joining a scheme for housing a homeless young person if we had a spare room, which we don't . Not sure we would want to as OAPs and not being as mobile as we were. Not really sure if it was some kind of scam either just seemed strange thing to happen out of the blue.

Anyway have a nice weekend all and take care .

Ginnie


:-D :-D

Good morning peeps.
Still grey and overcast here and quite chilly so not a very inspiring day to get things done!

The last of my parcels, daughter took on the bus to the Post Office. Oh my, I was beginning to get a bit fed up with all the parcelling, never mind the wrapping!

Every year, I say, I will cut down but when you have children to buy for, I hate just giving money or a voucher as it's not very exciting for them on xmas day!

I also have only done 60 cards this year as a few haven't sent for 2 years, so I crossed them off my list. I'm getting annoyed with a few friends who decide to tell me after I've sent cards, they are not doing cards anymore!

I seem to send plenty but am not seeing so many coming here but I don't send to get back its just the principle of it.

Making mince pies tomorrow for my neighbours so looking forward to that. I shall pop round in the afternoon with 6 each and a xmas card.

What's everyone else up to?

Anyone watching the MasterChef finals week?

Florence in the Hebrides

good afternoon, folks.
Overcast and grey here but less windy and dry for now.

Since I had a visit from the nurse for my Covid jag, I felt awful for 2 days. Felt sick and had a blinding headache and just out of sorts. Today I'm feeling almost back to normal but hated feeling like that. Don't think I shall have any more boosters.

Some of my parcels have been sent but still a few more so was busy earlier finalising the packing etc. I just don't seem to be as organised this year although I started quite early!

Joan, I planted lots of little anemone bulbs in a tub and they have grown so quick!! Eek was supposed to be flowering in Springtime. If we get frost or snow, I do wonder if they will survive?

Good that you got some outside work done Joan. The trees must be nearly bare now. I'm thinking mackerel pate with toast and salad, or a cheesy potato pie made with grated carrots and onions too. Have that with baked beans.

Choice's choices. I do feel I need something hot & filling as not eaten much as wasn't feeling well so think cheesy potato pie it will be.

Linda, your trip to York sounded lovely visiting the xmas markets. i have never managed to do something like that but would love it. All the hot food and xmas lights, mulled wine etc.

Hope you got a pair of boots sorted now.

Ann, how are you doing and anyone else looking in? What are your plans for Christmas? Are you getting visitors or going away?

Christmas day will just be myself & daughter and then shes off elsewhere so shall be home alone over New Year :-(


Take care all

Florence in the hebrides

It hasn’t been a bad day here, just a bit damp. We we went to York and got there just before lunch. It was incredibly busy with all the Christmas markets on We couldn’t get in from lunch in the first couple of places we tried, but ended up in Wagamamas which the girls like. We were after an Xmas party dress for Eve. She had ordered one from Monsoon on line, but she is so slim, that it was too baggy, so had to go back. We went to the Monsoon shop in York, but incredibly found that it was closed for an hour because they were short staffed! The only thing we got was an Xmas jumper and some ordinary tights from Primark. We tried a few shops for a dress for Eve, but with no luck. There is plenty of stuff for small girls, but she takes age 12 and there is nothing at all. Her mum will just have to try and order some dresses from Amazon and hope we can get one to fit.
I wanted to buy a replacement pair of black ankle boots from Hotter while they were in the Black Friday sale, but they didn’t have my size in the shop. I could get them online, but the discount is only thirty percent, but forty percent in the actual shop, so I will wait until after Xmas

It was dark by mid afternoon, so it was nice to see all of the lights

Afternoon peeps
What a horrid dull dark wet & windy day it is and am so glad I don't have to venture outside.
It just seems the gales have last day & days, ferries cancelled etc and shelves in places are depleted.

Joan so glad the tanker got out of the bog and moved away from your driveway. So lucky there was a farmer able to help!!

I'm waiting on my neighbour who is coming for coffee at 2pm. It's been so long since we had a catch up, I'm really looking forward to seeing her. Shes the lady who was taking us swimming, but we haven't been in ages.

So, it will be good to get some fresh news and maybe learn something new.

Yesterday we were Sooo busy. Wrapped lots of parcels, stamped cards and then......we put up the xmas tree. A little earlier than usual but so glad it all done.

Don't think I have ever put it up before my birthday but makes the room look lovely.

A nurse turned up without any phone call yesterday as well to give me my 3rd Covid jag. I'm ok but my left arm is quite sore so leaving the basket of ironing until tomorrow as just couldn't face it. I didn't sleep a wink last night either, so not sure if that's related to the jag or whatever?

Can't believe the month is nearly over, it has flown by and with all these postal strikes coming up, I just wanted to get things away asap and then no one will be disappointed.

Happy Sunday everyone and stay safe

Florence in the hebrides

Joan, hope the tractor managed to get the tanker out of the mud? Hope he had already delivered your oil though!

Oh Joan, what a nuisance. How is it stuck? Are the wheels sunk in the verge of the path or something. Surely the guy delivering your meds could park and walk up to your house? It would be awful if he just drove off and hubby didn't get them.

Actually, I'm waiting on my prescription being delivered and they haven't come back to me so I hope I get it by Monday latest otherwise I shall run out of one of my meds.

Florence in the Hebrides

Afternoon folks.
Well hardly slept last night as the wind & rain kept me awake. When I got up this morning all was calm but now it has blown up again and some hefty showers.
Daughter went to town on the bus to do some coop xmas food shopping as they do a free home delivery later this afternoon.

I now have nearly all the xmas presents and so tomorrow shall be sorting them and wrapping ready for sending beg of Dec. With more strikes maybe coming, I don't want to disappoint anyone if their parcels don't arrive.

Have been having a deep clean of the kitchen cupboards and work surfaces today as so many crumbs behind the toaster and biscuit tins!!

I couldn't find the cellotape and then remembered it was in a box in the hall cupboard. Oh my! I had to practically empty all the boxes before I found it along with the parcel tape right at the bottom. Not sure why I thought it was a good idea to put it there???

Hope all ok with everyone.

I think it's time for a sandwich and a cuppa as time is marching on.

Florence in the Hebrides

Afternoon peeps
Well the rain is still here and by golly its brrr, wouldn't be surprised if it snowed.

Postie just came and left a huge box in my porch, but it was very light. I opened it to find a 2023 calendar and a small canvas picture. Both xmas gifts for children.
But honestly, all the paper packing and the size of the box was so unnecessary!

It would have fitted in a box half the size or maybe an A3 padded envelope, such a waste of cardboard.

Tesco came early at 10.30 after saying 11-12pm but I didn't mind as it meant I could get on with other things and not hanging about waiting on them.

Was watching a new drama last night before and after the news at 10 called Tokyo Vice. It was really good and as it continued after the news, it finished late but just had to keep watching! Think there are 7 more episodes to watch.

Made some bagels (see other thread) but was disappointed with them as too stodgy!!?? Going to stick with scones and sponges me thinks.

The only bread I have made that worked was during lockdown. I made soda bread and added lemon juice to milk to make butter milk. It was tasty and rose well. Bread has never been a favourite of mine and never works. Not sure what I do wrong, but I shall just buy my bread in the supermarket as less hassle.

Hope everyone else well and fine today

Florence in the Hebrides

Good morning peeps.
It is hosing it down today and poor daughter got soaked whilst waiting for 5 minutes for the bus, poor lass.

Had quite a busy morning so far and not lunchtime yet.

Had to phone sols and try and locate mum's lease as they don't have it and the estate agent asked to see it. So various phone calls made and have located a copy so that will suffice.

Had to call the landlord as daughter showed me green mould in the corners of her window ledge in her bedroom behind the silicon seals. They were very quickly on the phone arranging for someone to come on Thursday to deal with it. I shall get them to check all the seals on the windows and make sure non elsewhere.

I think it's the seals outside under the window where the problem is.

Tesco coming tomorrow so have just completed an order so thats that ticked off my list.

Courier will be here soon with some deliveries as I just got a message. I had ordered various things from Amazon & Studio for xmas presents. That means as daughter is away until Friday, I can get wrapping without her seeing anything.

Having another bowl of my soup for lunch and will finish it for tea so no cooking today...yay :-D

So, a very busy morning, but the time passes more quickly when you are busy.

Hope everyone else having a good day

Florence in the Hebrides

Oh Joan, that's quite a common but annoying occurrence here too!

One summers day it was beautiful, no wind, no rain just sunshine and then the power was off for about 5 hours. Couldn't understand why or how but later found out a bird's nest at the top of a pole had gone on fire so they had to find a replacement pole!

There is a website that shows the areas without power in Scotland and if an engineer is on site. It's called SSE Power Track Map. Google it and have a gander. So, if yours goes off and on, in-between that you can google and see if an area close by is off.

I decided to make a leek, potato, lentil and any veggie soup this afternoon. I grated the carrot, and it was very tasty with crusty bread. There is enough for 2 bowls tomorrow. yummy.

Florence in the Hebrides

Good morning, folks
Well, it is very very chilly here with an easterly wind but.... the sun is shining brightly so a sunny, crisp wintry day.

Daughter has gone off to town but just a quick jaunt as back on the 2.30 bus.

Oh Linda, your poor neighbour but surely, he won't want back on his bike so soon after all those injuries? Thats the trouble on a bike, no protection for your arms & legs etc Hope your OH takes great care.

Ann, I find I get all my cards done fairly early, but then I have to write a note into several as for many of my friends, this is the only time we exchange news and that tales me awhile! Hope you get the machine sorted.

Well, the rest of my pigeon clan were back in my garden today minus 1 and no sign of neighbour's kitten. I put out wild bird seed and they had a feast.

Plenty of washing and tidying up today. My bed has xmas gifts on one side waiting to be wrapped etc...silly season is here lol

Bin day today and at least no rain. Should be here very soon and then i will put the bin back in its place.

Joan, hope your weather has much improved, sending some sunshine over to you
:-D :-D :-D

Take care all

Florence in the hebrides

Brr, it is only two degrees outside, I have just got back from my slimming class, I don’t intend going out again.

We have lots of cats around here, plus some Sparrow Hawks, there are often lots of feathers lying around. Whatever is doing it seems to be very efficient as there are no gruesome bits left.

It is World football day at Esme’s school. They are forever having special dressing up,days. Last Friday it was Children in Need of course and she had to dress in spotty things. She didn’t have anything and her mum couldn’t find anything her size in the supermarkets. So I did a trawl of the charity shops and amazingly found a pair of black leggings with white spots in her size. Next to it was a white spotty blouse, slightly too big, but with the sleeves turned up, it did the job. Today they had to wear their football strip, or sports clothes. Of course she wanted a football strip, so OH went off round the charity shops, being a market town, we have lots of them. He managed to find a matching top and shorts belonging to the local boys team. I would have thought they were supposed to be handed back in to the team, but he bought them and she has gone off happily today wearing them. She has some leggings under the shorts to keep her warm. The next special occasion is Xmas jumper day, but that will be easy to sort out.

OH has gone out for his bike ride, I will be glad when he gets back, hopefully but without falling off. He goes about three times a week just for exercise. The man next door is a mad keen Lycra clad cycling type, he does silly mileage with a cycling club. Last week he had a bad crash, four out of the seven fell off in a high speed down hill crash. He has a black eye, very bad bruising down his hip and leg. He has taken a large amount of skin off one arm and has possibly broken a rib. It won’t stop him though, he had a really serious crash just before lockdown and that didn’t put him off.

good morning all very dark here and 3 degrees but, as far as I can tell in this light, no frost. I am up early so that I didn't sleep in as hopefully the dishwasher man is due today, he says between 9 and 12 but he could be early.

Oh poor pigeon Florence. Young cats are so fast and soon learn to catch birds. And with no cats around the pigeons are not used to the danger.

Yrs Joan I have seen on the forecast about your bad weather, hope it is calmer for you today.

I still have quite a few cards to write as I only do a few at a time. I find handwriting quite difficult these days and my writing gets unreadable if I do too much. I have a few letters to write (type) too to add with the cards, I have slipped behind a bit with my letter writing lately.

My neighbour messaged us to say the poor pigeon was put to sleep as any injured bird that comes to them has to be put down because of the bird flu!
I'm sure with looking after he would have got stronger, and his feathers would have grown back eventually.

Joan I very nearly had cheese toasted crumpets but decided to save the last 2 for my breakfast tomorrow with marmalade..funny that!

Watching The Larkings filmed not that far from where I used to stay in Kent.

Florence in the Hebrides

Afternoon folks.
Well, a busy day yesterday at a xmas fayre. Daughter was selling her Avon and did really well, so I was so happy for her. Lots more people than in previous years so well supported.
I had a great day chatting to lots of teacher friends haven't seen in 4 years and it was so uplifting for me mentally. Two had said they promise to come & visit me very soon so I'm looking forward to that.

So slept well but was woken sharply at 8am by the loud squawking of crows in my garden. The racket they were making was unbearable and couldn't understand why until......I decided in the end to get up at 8am and soon all became clear.

I had my coffee but left the back door blind down until about 10am. When I raised the blind, all became clear what was going on. There were feathers everywhere, all over the grass, my path and around my doorstep.

Suddenly I saw something move behind my big black pot and realised it was the kitten next door but has grown as about 5 months old. He had feathers in his mouth and was biting something. I then realised he had a pigeon trapped underneath him and he was yanking all its feathers out. Oh my poor wee thing!!!

I opened the back door and tried to shoo the kitten away, but he wasn't budging even using my stick to move him away. But then I saw the bird was still moving so I went round to the neighbour to tell her, and she came round straight away.

I gave her some thick rubber gloves and she picked up the pigeon. It was alert but very shaky, so she took it in her home and put it in a box in a dark room to let it calm down and tel the RSPCA who have now arrived.

Sadly, she thinks they will probably put it to sleep as it's only a pigeon and not a dog!

It was so distressing to see, and I know it was only a pigeon, but I feed them regularly and gave them all names.

Just not used to having cats around here as no one else has one.

So that was how my Sunday started.

We have put up the little tree on top of my filing cabinet and put out the wooden decorations etc but the main tree won't get decorated until Beg of December as per.

Sunshine & showers here with double rainbows and the wind had died right down too but extremely cold so had to put the heating on (another saga for another day!)

Something light for tea, cheese toasties I think, not feeling too hungry as still feeling full after all the "junk "we ate when away.

Hope everyone else safe & well today.

Florence in the hebrides

Ha! ha! No, neither do I!

Thanks, Andysmum.

ArgyllGran, I agree - the website is a bit lacking in info!

As far as I remember (from pre-covid) the restaurant, open to the general public, is open until about 9pm, but we have only been there once and were not impressed. The service was so slow that we had to skip any second course or miss the concert!

The cafe/bar is meant for theatre-goers and opens a couple of hours before the start of a concert. It is open for drinks in the interval, but is shut by the time the concert ends. In our case this was about 9.30pm.

I have just found something on Google which says it is open 24 hours!!! This I do not believe.

Thanks, Andysmum.
I've had lunch there once or twice - long queues!
Do you know what time they stop serving food? I can't find info about opening hours anywhere online.