General Chat

Hi all, Well Johan has just gone to have his hair cut so I can 'borrow' the computer for a while, Usually I have to wait until around 4.00 pm to get on here. I can still feel the pain in my legs from walking around in Germany last Friday. The supermarket where I usually go to has changed hands overnight without any notice in the paper. I am annoyed as I had a book of stamps which I have paid for and when you had a certain amount you could cash the book in - at a profit. I'll now have to go and sort them out tomorrow to see what provision they have made for people such as me. My neighbour, bless his cotton socks, said he would go to another branch of this supermarket for me and hand the stamps in, but I told him that the supermarket should have made provision. Must now wait and see. There is a price war here in the Netherlands with the supermarkets, one trying to outdo the other. All to our advantage I must add. The weather here is very damp at the moment, but it is definitely warmer. Must not think of leaving any winter clothes off yet though. 'Ne'er cast a clout 'til May is out'. Well have a good day everybody. Thanks to you all for your best wishes - greatly appreciated. Sylvia xxx

Hi everybody, Well, I have just hit a key and lost a whole text - sh.......t Now have you girls all received your Valentine cards today, or like me none? Johan's words are 'You don't feed a fish once you have hooked it'. How romantic our menfolk are! I ventured out with my scootmobile today as I was up bright and early. I was soon home again as it was so cold and windy. I decided to spend the time cleaning the fridge and one of the kitchen drawers which hold knives, forks and spoons. How on earth does dirt get inside a drawer which is closed all day? One of nature's secrets! Well have a nice Valentine evening. Sylvia xxx

Hi everybody:o) Good old Sylvia, you're the most frequent visitor on here, still don't know how you do it cause you seem one of the busiest as well:o)))) Update on his Lordship Madoc - he has an appointment with Bristol vet next Tuesday, his original appointment was cancelled cause we both had the flu - all well now though:o) He is limping still even with anti-imflamatories - at first they worked but not so much now. But he's still a very happy dog,which is important. We have just found a lady about 10 mins from here who takes dogs into her house whilst the owners go away - we took Madoc to see her yesterday and he loves it there. Found an old bone,no probs with her dog, had a good old search in the garden which holidaying dogs have the run of, well its a nice size her husband has sectioned off and made safe. They can run in and out into an old kitchen and hall way, so can be inside if they want, its brilliant. We have a party to go to in March in Sussex so we'll definately leave him with her. l have told her about some of his habits and will make a list of the rest!!!!!!!!! (The postman and paperman among some!!). We also still have 2 neighbours who will help out, so he's a lucky boy:o) The weather here has been damp all day with splutterings of rain and loads more rain expected this week and weekend - grrr - we do need it though. Do hope everyone that has been feeling poorly are feeling better now:o)) Take care all:o) Love jude sarf wales xx

Hi everybody, Am a bit late today as I had my granddaughter Linda for dinner and she comes home late 7.00 pm and then we sit and talk afterwards. How lovely Jude that you can leave Madoc in a safe place when you go away. I bet you didn't tell the people all that Madoc does. He may even behave himself when you're not there though. I had my trusty help in the house today and she came in like a drowned rat as it was raining so hard. However, this afternoon we had sunshine and it was Springlike again. I started doing some sewing this afternoon but never got very far. I have bought new cushions for my dining chairs and am taking the labels away that show the temperature to wash them in etc.etc. as they are so unsightly. I am also altering the ties as they are a bit too far apart. Well, at least I did start them, I also did a couple of washing machines, so that will be 5 shirts of Johan's to iron tomorrow. Tomorrow physiotherapy, have to pass the supermarket so will do a little shopping, and then hairdresser is coming instead of Friday as she is going on wintersport. If it is bad weather I will be staying in on Friday and not going to the market, that is why I'll go to the supermarket tomorrow, have to pass it anyway. I think our Fred has pitched his tent up somewhere as he is so quiet. ... And where is our June? Oh well, see you all again tomorrow. Sylvia xxx

Hi everyone, Sorry I haven't been around, I have been working very hard scraping the wall paper off the walls. Infact I am not staying long because I am absolutely shattered. Its always the same, you move into a new house thinking that you will take your time with the decorating, then you change your mind because you dont want to live with it. Anyway, its been lovely reading all your news, I will try and pop in again tomorrow. June xx

I really thought that i had left a message earlier today ,but again it must be in orbit somewhere. I am glad you have someone to have Madoc who you are happy bout Jude,we will be looking for some one to have Max if david ever decidedes to move out!!! June you watch yourself with that decorating and don't get so shatterd you can not make the meet. Slyvia hope the pyhsio is working and the weather stays good for you on friday. Have a few days off the rest of the week, (leave and days off) so I might not get on here if I do what I need to do.!! Speak to you soon,Brenda

Hiya Sylvia,no i havnt,naaaaanananaaaaaaana, lol . Fred has been busy packing cases and getting ready for tomorrow night ,and still doing research. Hi Jude[waves] nice to see you anytime ,and thanks for the news about Madoc,don'tyou worry i bet he will have the time of his life,loads of walkies ,and pals to play with,but no news of fat cat,or is puss going with you.? I don't know ,everytime that June comes on here she is up to the eyeballs with something or another ,i think it's time for some of you girls to take her in hand before she does herself a mischief.,all work and no play is no good to anyone. Wotcha Mavis,oh yes,a few of us have webcams ,i am even trying to encourage Mary and a few others to get them,to go with the mic's it is good fun isn't it.Well i'm off ,back to bed now to see if i can manage a couple of hours but i will call back in before i ship out lol. See ya later people ,have a good day. Fred.

Hi everybody, Nice to see you Fred. You didn't say exactly where you were going, or is that a secret? Hope your good wife knows! June, take it easy. Tomorrow is always another day. Brenda, is another one who should take it easy. Fancy losing texts! Haven't seen Di for a couple of days, but I'm sure she is as busy as usual. This morning I went to my physiotherapist and told her I wouldn't be going any more. On the way home I went to the supermarket and bought myself a lovely bunch of pink carnations - well who else is going to buy them for me? I thought if the weather is bad tomorrow I'll give the market a miss, and therefore did my extra shopping today. My hairdresser came today as she is going on winter sport tomorrow. I bought new cushions for our dining room table chairs and thought I'd take off all the tags (washing instructions etc.) and alter the ties. I've ended up with remaking the whole cushion. I took the outside piece off and all the filling fell out. They had sewn the cushion - ruby red colour - with white cotton! I nearly threw the whole lot in the bin, but being thrifty thought better of it. I've now got a bigger task on, so will probably tackle it tomorrow after I have made some bread. The weather is definitely warmer. In fact I went out on the scootmobile without gloves. I took them with me, but didn't need them. The sun came out and it was quite Springlike. Now will close for now, have a nice evening everybody., Sylvia xxx

Good evening all,had a nice couple of days off work,but had errands to do for my dad,but did have a lovelly fish and chip lunch with him and my sister,(we shared a portion of chips between us).Also had a meal out with John yesterday at the cafe in the supermaket,an all day breakfast ,it was 10.45 so we called it a brunch as we had not eaten at home,so I have been spoiled . Have also been doing a lot of sorting out in my files and boxes in here as I want more shelves ,so I need to make room I will loose two small cupboards ,hence the sorting,but will end up hope fully with more shelf space. Buy really must put more information on discs. Slyvia ,never mind me slowing down you are very industrious with your sewing and bread making. Fred,hope you have a good time when ever and whereever you go camping. Hope everyone else is ok , Brenda

Hi everybody, I am so pleased that I didn't have to go out today as it has been raining on and off all day. I started off by baking a couple of loaves of bread then a banana/chocolate cake for the weekend. Mind you I don't suppose it will last the whole weekend! I started on my cushions but my sewing machine has packed up. It is the same fault as I had two years ago. I cannot change the wheel from zigzag to ordinary stitching. Johan said he will look at the machine for me. I hope he can mend it as the shop says the machine is old. They want to sell me a new one. This machine is a Huzqvarna (spelling wrong I know) and it is not so old at all. Annemie came down for a chat and that is how the day went. I keep thinking it is Saturday as I usually bake bread on a Saturday. Well will keep this note small and play on the computer. Have a nice evening. Sylvia xxx

Hi friends, Sorry I've not called in lately, but think I've been suffering a little bit from too much computer, and a lot from breathing in too much of the verathane fumes that have filled our entire house while John was varnishing the floor. I felt really bad, tired, thick headed, (well, more than usual), and sick. I'd sit down after lunch and sleep like the dead all afternoon. Then woke up one morning feeling great, and realised what had been wrong. We had windows open too, but that didn't help. Anyway, the rooms all finished, and it really does look swish. Now John's on to the next project. I told him today, I just want to sit and knit like an old lady for a while. He now has plans to remove all the raised beds in the garden and remove all the paths and cultivate the entire area, as paths waste so much space. I feel tired thinking about it. It's so cold here, although sunny each day, and last night we had another windstorm, and the garden's littered again, with fallen branches. One things for sure, I'm not going out there to clean up while it's this cold. Lovely to see Jude again, with news of Madoc. Hope Fred is having fun out on the cold sea in his boat. I'll take the fireside any day. Hi Sylvia, Brenda and June, and Mavis. All busy as ever I see. John's waiting for a cuppa, so must go. Love to all, Di.xxx

hi everyone. Tried to do a little gardening today but the sun was too hot. Went shopping for a birthday pressie for my son in law who will be 48 on Monday. Makes me feel old!!! He wanted a new holder for all his business cards - found a really nice one. He has many contacts being in the building trade. Also bought new speakers for my Computer. They are great. My music sounds much better now. Made cakes this p.m. Coconut cake - a great recipe - no butter or eggs. Very popular. Made cheese scones to take to a sick friend Decided to have a change and make some 'get well' cards for Probus Club members. Booked a motel in Wellington for next weekend - will be a long drive down - 9 hours. We are visiting our Grandson at the Army Camp at Trentham - taking my 'old' computer for him. He is an apprentice Armourer and is getting lots of home work so the processor will be a help to him. Plus the games of course!! We haven't been to Wellington before so will enjoy having a look around. It is called windy Wellington - so we are prepared! Don't know how many days we will be away - depends on Pip really. He gets pretty tired. Has to have weekly blood tests too - we don't like to miss these. Saw Fred on my Web Cam the other evening - I think I have my sound sorted now Fred. Talk to you when you get back from your trip. All for now. Mavis NZ

Hi all, Just a short note tonight as I want to watch several things on television, including Dave Allen on BBC2. I haven't done too much today, made a delicious pizza for dinner, but that was all the cooking I did today. I have been making some more cards as I have several birthdays in March, including two wedding anniversaries. Di, where is John getting this extra energy from? Just as we thought Spring was just round the corner, down goes the temperatures again. Oh, how i hate the cold. Please sun shine for me. Have a nice evening everybody. Sylvia xxx

Hi Sylvia, Mavis, Brenda, June, Jude, and John, John does have a little more energy than last year, Sylvia, but mostly he does a little and then rests, does a little more and rests, and so on. He has to or he couldn't do it. That's why the floor was rather a prolonged job; quicker than I thought it would be, though. I've been bitten by the 'tidy it' bug, and have been sorting through drawers and I'd also like to know how crumbs and dust get into drawers that are only opened briefly to take something out or put it away. Today I've been doing my sewing drawer. Dashed down to the dollar store to pick up some different sized little trays, and bottles so now everything is neat and tidy. We had Safeway Chinese for a light lunch today, as we've been invited to our nieces for dinner tonight, roast beef , and she's an excellent cook. She went to France 2 years ago on a special cooking holiday; a little learning French cuisine and a little sightseeing, living in a French chalet with a large group of friends, and she learned a lot of great cooking tricks. It's about an hours drive over there, but always a pleasure to see her. She's a realtor dealing mostly in ranches and acreage up the valley, and very busy, so we don't get to see her very often. It's been another beautiful day here today but so cold. I'd have liked to get outside and pick up after the overnight windstorm a couple of days ago, but you'd have to move around a lot in this weather to keep warm! Well, I'd better get ready for our rare outing away from Tsawwassen. Hope you're all well and keeping warm and happy, including our seagoing buddy, Fred. Take care all. Love, Di'xxx PS. Talking of favorite sayings of husbands, have you heard 'What's the use of keeping a dog, if you're going to bark yourself?', Sylvia? That's one of Johns, often used to get out of doing something!

Hello Everyone. I used to visit this thread, but haven't lately as I never seem to get the time and I drop in on the Canada thread sometimes. Anyway, do you mind if I join you again occasionally? I expect some of you will still remember me. The one with a problem husband? He is not too bad at the moment anyway. 'Bye for now. Love from Sylvia in Perth WA XX

Hi everyone, We have had a heavy frost overnight but now the sun is shiming so it should soon melt away. Sylvia in Perth, Oz, Its lovely to have you back, I'm glad to hear that Norm is a bit better. I have just added to your thread about games, that brought some lovely memories back. Di, I get hit by bugs like that too but only occasionally, lol. I have a great throwing out session. I found a box yesterday that needs looking through, also we have sleeping bags that need chescking to see if the zips still work. When Beckham was a puppy, we took him camping and he was 'teething' on the zips and now they dont work. I'm trying to think what other use they can be put to or maybe i will give them to Oxfam as blankets. Sylvia v O, I am hoping that Spring is around the corner too, but this last couple of days we have had hard frosts at night. I am dying to get some colourful plants in the tubs, my son in law is redoing the garden, the path at the front of the house is about 12 inches wide so that needs widening and more soil needs adding to raise th lawns. I hope Johan can mend your machine, these shops are just dying to sell you a new one that wont be as good as your old one, it certainly wont last. Mavis, You cant garden because of the heat and we cant because of the frost, its a silly old world isn't it? I hope you enjoy your trip and that Pip manages it ok. I sure if as you say, he has plenty of rests, he should be ok. It will be lovely seeing your grandson again. Fred, where are you? still hunting around all those rellies? Kathleen, I hope you and Susan are keeping well. Jude and Elisabeth, Hows things? Brenda, its not long to the Meet now, Time for toast, see you soon. June xx

Hi ,its a lovelly sunny day outside,cold but not as cold as it has been,if it was a little warmer it would be great for drying.Put some out the other day but it was stil very damp and I had to finsh it in the drier. I am also in the middle of a tidy up,but think I need to write down what I have got rid off,last time I got rid of some old quikt covers that had spots of paint on them(don't ask ,long story) last week I was looking for them to cut up for cleaning clothes.!!!!!Then remembered,that they had gone in the bin with some old pillows I had been keeping to make into' mattreses' for the cats.The cats have little blankets ,but thought they would like something thicker,but then realised they would be being washed a lot so threw them out Nice to see Sylvia back join us when ever you can,its good to see all our firends old and new. Nearly time to go and visit Dad and then want to put a colour on my hair,getting ready for the holiday.Have sorted out some tops and need to sort out some skirts and trousers and see which match>Don;t really want to buy much if anything new <I have a wedding and two christenings and a 50th birthday coming up so would like a couple of new outfits for them. June,will not know until I am back from my holiday if I am working or if I can make the meeting will let you know about the 13th March. Have a good time in Wellington Mavis,hope your husband stays well Di hope the fumes etc have all gone and you are feeling better would have thought raised flower beds easier to handle or is John putting something else in thier place? Sylvia ,hope Johann gets the sewer fixed for you,Iknow you make good use of it. Take care ,Brenda

Hi everybody, I feel I have been a little lazy today as I only cooked breakfast, then set about preparing dinner of Babi Panjang, which I made with chopped up turkey fried in a wok with onions and spices, then carrots, bean sprouts, mushrooms. and served with rice. I have enough for tomorrow too, so another lazy, hazy day! I did run a washing machine inbetween. This afternoon I have been making cards again. That is my Sunday, where did it go to? I am now thinking of all the things I could have done and didn't do - guilty feeling really. Now have a lovely evening everybody. Sylvia xxx

Hi everyone, It looks as though we are in for another nice day. I want to go with my grandson and get some curtains and duvet for the bedsit he has made for himself in our house. I thought when he said the colour he was painting the walls. it would look a bit yukky but now he is getting it all finished, it looks very nice. My granddaughter has redecorated her bedroom too and that looks lovely, it was her first attempt at papering and she has made a very good job. My daughter has the wallpaper etc ready for her bedroom but she cant paint ceilings since her car accident. So she has to rely on one of us doing it for her. My bedroom will have to wait until I get my retreat decorated. Sylvia v O, I like the sound of Babi Panjang, is it raw or cooked turkey that you use to make it? what spices do you put in, please? I tend to do the washing in between other jobs too and I am lucky that have a large drying area, when its not raining of course. Brenda, I hope you have a good holiday. I know you will do your best to be at the meet, that date is Sandra and Jim's 39th Wedding anniversary, too, so no doubt they will be staying later like they did at the last meet. Well I can now have a cup of coffee, I hate Monday mornings when I take my once a week tablet and cant have other medication and food or drink for 45 minutes. So I am off to make my coffee and then I will laze around for a while. speak soon June xx

Hello Brenda, June and everyone, It is nice of you to welcome me back, although I haven't actually been away, just not had much time to stop and talk. I will make sure I have time now. What's the weather like in England now? We have had a very mild Summer here in Western Australia, but today it was rather hot, 37C and tomorrow 39C. Norman is a lot better than he was this time last year and I am not feeling quite so stressed.He still has his day out once a week and I make the most of it. By the way, we have had a new Grandaughter. She was born 2 weeks ago and her name is Kate, Sylvia, Christine. I'm sorry if I've already told you this. I was so excited at the time, I told everyone I could. Well, must go now, so until next time, love from Sylvia in Perth WA.XX