General Chat

goodmorning well yesterday was hot!!!! with the humidity about 45 at one point in the day went over for tea?dinner with the family and got quite a surprise during the 2 weeks at camp bryan has grown even taller and quite a change in his face he is about 5-8 now and looks so grownup both lindy and andrew were surprised in the change in him their swimming pool is getting quite the work out in this weather about 7pm the heavens opened and we had a thunder storm and lots of rain but it cooled things down, fred hope that the bite you recieved clears up quickly we had a lady over her who got bit by a black widow spider she was in her garden and became quite ill, good to see sylvia back and I hope that you feel better soon, with the heat we are in for more thunder storms to-day so do not plan on going out. big championship soccer games this week-end for both laura and Ian so I shall go along to watch it tends to be a all day event should be fun. just saw one of the cats slinking by on his belly that usually means thunder is somewhere near he will be hiding in one of the bathrooms no doubt funny how cats hear it long before humans do bye for now dorothy

hi quick note for fred and brenda I have sent you both an e-mail that I recieved from my sister in canmore the photo's were taken near their 2nd home in canmore alberta they do a lot of hiking in the mountains near where they live, you will see from the photo's why I don't go hiking with them apart from the fact it would probably kill me, hope all on the sight are well bye for now dorothy

Hi .this will have to be short and sweet as they say ,it took ages to get on the internet ,had to switch the cable of and on again.
Then seemed to get a dozen screens on,anyway after getting on had loads of emails for a change not just rubbish,
Dorothy all yours are great.
Fred hope the infection is clearing up .one of the guys at work had something similar two weeks agai.
Bought a couple of tops for work as I have ruined three in the past two weeks ,will have to use a bib I think!!!
See you all tomorrow.Brenda

Hello - much cooler today. It's a bit blowy, have just had to close my back door as the breeze was blowing things around. I think we might get a shower or two later, it is very overcast.
Good to see you back Sylvia, I do hope you will feel better soon. Such a shame you had to cut short your holiday, cystitis really pulls you down.
What an age it is taking for Gayle to get her treatment started John. I do hope it gets sorted out soon - it must be a nightmare dragging on so long.
Fred hope the infection clears up soon, what was it that bit you? We get a lot of nasty little mozzies (it's all the water around us), it seems there isn't anything that keeps them away completely, persistent little blighters they are.!!
Brenda, I see some of the things the youngsters write on FB - it makes me cringe at times. Knowing some of them, they don't actually speak that way in "real life", seems they don't realise just how they are letting themselves down.
G.daughter was told the contractors should be relaying her floor in two days (that was two days ago!!). She had a phone call yesterday to say they will "come to have a look at it" on Monday - I will be there and they will get the length of my tongue if they don't start work right away. It should only be a days work - and then she can get a carpet laid and move in.
My brothers birthday today, I'm remembering the day he was born. How quickly this past year has gone.
Hope you all have a good day.
Take care
Love
kathleen

Good after noon all, well ,back from the doc's again with a stronger antibiotic,so ,i hope this one works okay.
I havn't been bitten again since i sprayed all and sundry with a pesticide,so the little bugger now knows ,Fred has a bite too he he.
The pics of the bears were great Dorothy ,heck ,someone was brave to get that close ,i was charry about getting too close to a wild camel,they smell and spit a lot,bears are something else.
We had a little shopping session after we left the doc's ,Morrisons right next door and we hit just at the right time for the reductions,a little marrow ,just big enough for the two of us,25 p, broad beans,2 lb for 35 p,a cabbage ,40 p,.and some asparagus .40 p.
The marrow i have done for the tea ,stuffed with chicken [shredded] cous cous, with a lime, corriander, and mint sauce.to bake in the oven ,done with a roast potato and half a parsnip apiece, steamed broad beans ,a little calabrese ,ditto cabbage ,boiled potatoes for mash ,steamed new potatoes, and baton carrot ,weeeell, i can't live on salad all the time ,but i can have a ruddy good try ,he he.
In Azda i found some nice pieces of Mackerel fillet reduced to 98 p,enough for two brekkies ,[in the freezer they went ] and lo and behold ,having a mooch around the electrical gear while the missus was doing her thing [you know lads] the searching though stuff with no intention of buying owt .lol a woman thing [ducks to avoid the missiles] anyway ,i digress, there i was looking at what's on offer ,when i spot a high speed u s b hub,about the size of a ten box of cig's [if you can remember that far back] and less than half the thickness ,just the ticket for packing in the lappy case for my holidays ,and only a fiver to boot ,can't be bad ,that.
I gave Liz the big terrabit hard drive and nicked the little verbatim back ,because that will slip in the case smashing as well ,lol,getting myself well set up here.
The missus as as happy as a piggy in you know what ,the hard drive on the desk top was pretty well full,so she has now emptied it onto the big drive,and is happy with the puter back to it's old speed,and ready to go again.
Hope you have these builders sorted by now Kathleen ,would you like to borrow Liz's stick?or better still ,the stick AND Liz ,lol.i could have a couple of days holiday at the same time ,he he.
Well time for me to go ,the oven is calling ,see ya later all.Fred.

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hi glad you liked the photo's of the bears that chris and wayne saw on their hike I am assuming that he had a long lens on the camera but up where they hike you can run into a fair bit of wild life, well yesterday we had a terrible rain thunder and lightening storm and several areas near to me had tornado's touching down in vaughn near canada's wonderland (theme park) houses lost roofs and quite a bit of damage was done. the tree's around my building remained intact I think that barrie missed most of the damage no one in this area likes these kind of storms as quite a few years ago the town was nearly destroyed by a tornado. to-day it is calmer hot and humid but calm. to-morrow they are calling for thunder storms so not sure if the soccer chamionships will go on they do play in the rain but not if there is lightening so I will wait to hear if plans have changed plus the humidity is to hit 32 and that is hard for me to walk around the different fields and breathe. fred your bargins at the shops sounded great as always, brenda enjoy the new tips bye for now dorothy

friday evening 9pm my time just an update on the damage that was one in vaughn ontario near me in 15 seconds 600 homes were damaged 200 beyond repair plus in other areas they are cleaning up from the storm and yes that is right all this damage was done in 15 seconds they think that in ontario as a whole possibly 3 tornado's touched down. fred if you look up vaughn on the computor I am sure the town has a web site and you may see pictures of the damage bye for now dorothy

Hi Dorothy, just read your latest message (just off to bed). How dreadful that so much damage happened in such a short time. We have no control over Mother Nature and she can certainly cause a lot of problems. You do seem to have had some extremes of weather over the past few months.

Hope you and all your family and friends are safe.

Take care
Love
Kathleen

hi kathleen yes my family and friends are quite safe in all that damage only one death happened an 11yr old boy and one man suffered a heart attack at least that is what they have reported, as rain and thunder are in the forecast for to-day not sure if the soccer championships are going to take place but it is only 8-45 am so have not heard from the family as yet so we shall see bye for now dorothy

hi what a great day I have had the weather stayed fine and no too hot and the soccer games went quite well Ians team played first and after a tie game and two five minute overtime games ( they are only 10) they won on a shoot out, they were thrilled as they had not expected to make the finals as they lost a few games early in the season and today with it being holiday time some of the team were away they ended up with only one sub and the team they played led the league all season to say they were excited was an understatement, but lauras team were not so lucky they had no subs and again four of the top players were away anyway they tried there best but lost 7-0 but they gave it there best shot and that is all that counts we were proud of her efforts anyway these are 12 yr old girls . so now I am resting up after cheering all day but it was fun hope you all are having a good week-end bye dorothy

Morning all ,and a special morning to Dorothy after those football results,we could do with them over here ,i think Newcastle could do with them ,lol.
It couldn't have come at a better time for you all too ,those pic's i saw of the hurricane damage were horrific,and Hurricane Bill seems to be on it's way to you now but hopefully it will have lost all it's strength before it reaches you.
The weather has gone crazy this year ,even Greece has been hit hard with wild fires, cor ,us brits have a lot to be thankful for .
Liz and i did go out early in the week for a meal,and we settled on the Astley Arms,at Seaton Sluice [a Crown Carvery] and had a lovely meal,well cooked .hot and lovely meat ,one slice of each,turkey,beef,and gammon,the veggies you had to help yourself to,and we had cauli done polish style ,[yum] beans ,diced carrot ,roast shallots.roast ,and new potatoes.gravy ,and a choice of condiments, with a veeery hot english mustard,horseradish sauce ,medium heat,and even mint sauce,.
This delightful meal cost £3-75p apiece and waqas soooo good ,we said we would be back ,lol
We were still stuffed the next day thaqt we had toast ,[two slices] for dinner ,and a light salad for tea.[burp].
oh ,and we had a bowl of strawberries with cream for dessert .
We arn't doing too well with the veggie patch this year ,too cold ,not enough sun ,and far too wet,the beans are already dying off ,but at least ,i have a dozen bags in the freezer for the winter,which is better than nothing.
The calabrese don't look too bad ,and the brussel are doing well,but the beetroot and sweede look a little iffy at the present time.
I won't be growing cabbage next year [apart from the kale],i will try perpetual spinach instead ,seeing as they are like the kale and calabrese,pull a bit odd and leave it to grow on,and the spinach has such a long season,from july ,right through to spring,must useful for a winter veg.
Pity about the strawberry season though ,hundreds of berries on the plants ,but because of the lack of warmth and sun ,they won't ripen,but ,there is always next season.
They will overwinter in with the apple tree and plum ,the apples look good,and i may just get the first plum next year with any luck.
Hope everyone has a nice weekend ,see ya later peeps,Fred

Morning all.sorry I have been missing again,have been sorting out my family tree,seems I might have been given some duff info on my fathers side ,its way back and I had no way of checking and assumed it was right!!!so put it on my tree,still sorting it out.Might have to delete some info if I can not verify what i was given, not sure what that would do to my tree.
Also been sorting out a problem with my bank and credit card .
Thought this card was cancelled last year ,but it wasn't closed altogether even thougth I was not sent a card when the old one expired!! It is the one I pay my Genes renewal on and in June they took payment and I thought it was from my new card,but it wasn't.The bank said I had a statement ,which I have no trace off ,which I did not pay so this week I got a reminder letter asking for the £9. 0dd for the genes renewal ,and 12,60 for the interest and non payment .!!
I phoned the bank ,who where really good and cancelled the £12.60 and took the £9.odd oayment.
I can not cancel the account yet as the payment needs to go througth all the channels etc.
Got on to the genes account part of my membership and can not change the account from which they take payments unless I upgrade!!!!! Which will cost £30 something pounds every 6 months.
Don't want to upgrade ,so will either have to keep credit card account open for genes,or close it and when genes take payment and it is refused next year,will have to rejoin I think and loose my coninued membership.I am looking into this again,but anyone know what happends incases like this??
See you all tomorrow ,Brenda
I was working yesterday and it was really busy with the kids ,they are so noisy and some are really cheeky,was glad to finish lats night.On work today at 12.30.till 8 pm,not my favourite shift or library,so I just want to get it over.Have a half day tomorrow and a full day on Thursday to work,then have Friday,Sat ,Sun and Monday off.!!!

goodmorning gosh brenda you have had fun with the bank credit card and genes, at least you have a long week-end to look foreward too, not much new over here this week having been doing some work for the charity and thinking about doing some shopping for when the company comes. we are having hot and humid weather at the moment but I am making the most of it, had a visit with the family doc yesterday for drug renewals and found out my blood pressure has dropped to 104/40 quite low so that meant a med change I feel fine but he was not happy , I see the cardiac specialist in oct so we shall see if any other changes are needed, low is better than high I guess bye for now dorothy

Good morning all. a bit windy but now bright and dry. We had some rain through the night and early morning - doing my cucumbers a power of good, they are growing really well. The peppers also - not bad for two rescued plants that looked about to give up the ghost when I bought them. Tomatoes not doing too well though there are a few fruits, plants are growing like trees but not setting fruit. However, the brambles that have invaded all through the shrubs on one side have yielded a good crop of blackberries - not going to chop them down just yet as the berries are really delicious.

I may not be around much for the next four weeks, off on Friday morning to drive up to Solihull. Still trying to make up my mind whether to use the M40 or avoid the motorways altogether. Difference in travelling time is about an hour but doing the "scenic" route gives more opportunity to stop and take a break. Originally intended going up on Thursday afternoon but have decided to wait until Friday mid-morning. I just hope the weather will be better this year, for the past two years during my time up there it has been cold and wet for much of the time. My eldest g.son will be off to Newcastle on the 11th then it will just be me, the youngest g.son and Poppy the cat.
I will have use of their computer so can keep in touch though Dan is interested in my research so will probably spend time doing a lot more of that - two heads are better than one when trying to think of places to look and two pairs of eyes tend to see more.
Hope you all keep well and happy.
Take care
Love
Kathleen

Evening all.froma windy and wet Manchester.
Really tired tonight ,did some extra hours at work today as there are lots of people either sick or on holiday.Have a full day tomorrow ,so am hoping to get an early night and sleep well.!!!
Looking forward to the weekend,but the weather again seems to be unkind.
Hope you have a good visit Kathleen.
Hope you get the medication sorted Dorothy,,take care of yourself.
Brenda

Hello,well its drier and a little warmer than last night,managed to get t o sleep very quickly,but did not manage the early night.
Still I have had a good morning and this afternoon should go better as we have three staff not two which means we can watch the junior section better when the little darlings are in. Off for four days after today, till Tuesday,having lunch break at minute.need to check my emails ,see you later or tomorrow.
Brenda

goodmorning kathleen enjoy your trip, and brenda I hope you enjoy your time off spoke to anne yesterday and she said it was pouring down, I had a food day yesterday first of all a friend came for lunch she was on her way further up north to stay with some friends for a few days so she popped in and we went to the red bull for lunch they serve the best bangers and mash, then when I got home there was a mesage from Ian on the machine"grandma mom is cooking a turkey why don't you come for supper?dinner so off I went, to-day I am dieting!! the wether remains good at the moment but they say we are in for a wet week-end but that's ok as I am going to have a mini fall cleaning session befor the company comes. take care all of you bye for now dorothy

have been sat for hours sorting out some papers in one small expanding folder,!!!why do we keep so much stuff!!have a small carrier bag of papers to either burn or shred and compost.I was looking for an old statement from last year,and thought the folder needed a sort out there was bills and statements from 2004,I thought I was good at keeping things organised ,but apparently not.
I am meeting my friend tomorrow and going to either the Lowry Centre or Bury ,depends on the weather,
we will have a light lunch somewhere ,
Hope you managed to have a lighter day food wise Dorothy,I am at a stage where I need a bit more will power / encouragement or something as I am struggling .!!!
Speak to you all soon.Take care Brenda

Good morning,hope you are all alright,?? I seem to be on the Marie Celeste?
Did not have chance to come on here yesterday,got up late,then had to make a couple of phone calls then received a few.
Went to meet my friend,we had a nice few hours at the Lowry ,a shopping centre not far away ,we got several bits and peices.Saw some lovelly shoes ,which I need for work,hoping to go back when I will have more time to get them.
Had a sandwich and cup of tea there for lunch.Our other friend who works there managed to join us,which was great..
Came home and was going to do the weekly shop,but the rain was bouncing!! will have to go this afternoon. My son was on here after tea and I had develped a headache,so did not get here..
Hoping to go and look at some blinds for the kitchen this morning ,also need to get some cushion covers I seem to have got rid of my "spare set"
might also get some cushions for the dining room chairs ,the seats are dark brown leather,and I want to brighten them up abit.
Hoping to get back later ,Take care
Brenda

Afternoon all ,at last,like Brenda ,i have a few minutes to myself ,after housework,garden work with weeding ,lawn and hedge trimming ,and yesterday ,at last getting next doors fence put up ,and if i say so myself did a very good job.
We have just come back from the sons after a practice Christmas dinner ,and very nice it was too[burp].
We have already been commandered for the Christmas tea,nice to be popular ,lol.one measl less to cook ,yeeeeees.
Well ,at last i found out just what the kerfuffel was in cyprus last week when Sean finally called after being discharged from the hospital.
It would seem that Shade [the cat] found a sleepy blunt nosed viper in the garden and decided to take it as a present to his master ,there being no mice around.
Shade marched indoors proud as punch and deposited this [not so sleepy] anymore snake at Sean's feet..
Even at this stage all would have been well ,this is not an aggressive snake ,and would have slithered away wanting only to get away,but no ,one plonker of a grandson decides to pick it up by the tail,of COURSE the snake bit him,the blunt nose dosn't let go of a victim preffering to hang on ,move it's jaws from side to side pumping more and more venom in to the wound.
Sean is a lucky lad but ,i bet he won't make that mistake again,he he.
Four weeks and a bit,and we will be there for 6 weeks ,but i tell you what ,i will be keeping a VERY good eye on the cat ,AND checking under the bed at night ,lol,i kid you not.
I am having the day off tomorrow ,so ,i will see you all later.Fred.