General Chat

Hi all, It is a bit late but I don't want to go to bed or I'll wake up too early. I've been in Rotterdam all day for my sister in law's birthday. I met up with lots of nieces and nephews whom I'd not seen for years. How they've grown, especially my favourite niece's two boys of 18 and 20 and their sister of 15 - my niece died of cancer in her early forties but had suffered many chemo cures etc. and told the children she was dying and taught them cooking etc. They are such lovely young people and a credit to their mother. Their father was headmaster of a school but gave up his job for a while and only works part time now. The weather has been lovely again, but we had mist this morning. I don't like travelling when it is misty. Tomorrow we are going to the library in the town where they are selling off old library books. I dread to think how many books my husband will come home with - another bookshelf badly needs adding if there is room. After that we have an appointment to see another location for our party next year. Still cannot make up our minds. Pleased that the clocks are going back tonight, as I feel like collapsing at the moment. See you tomorrow maybe. Love, Sylvia xxx

Hello all, Yesterday was a lovely day, sunny and bright and not too cold. Went to Kew to the TNA and it seems the world and his wife decided to do the same. It was very busy, a little annoying because people were not taking the little boxes to indicate which viewer they were using - you are supposed to leave it in place of the film you remove for viewing and then go to the appropriate viewer, which should be free. Not so - three times I found someone was already using it because they hadn't taken the little box with the number on. It also means that sometimes people forget where they have taken the film from thus making it difficult for the next person to find. Didn't make much progress, although I did find my Uncle, that is my Dad's younger brother, who had also joined the army at the age of 16yrs and 22days. He was found out after serving 66 days so was obviously less convincing than my Dad who got away with it for 4 months! That has given me his exact date of birth as well as an indication of when he joined the Royal Navy - which he did when thrown out of the Army. Didn't find my Dad's second attestation papers but have found that there are 4 films in all and I had only looked at two. The staff are very helpful and told me when I go again to ask them and they will help me find the correct films to look for. I came away from there with a headache and achey eyes, it did mean I didn't have time to do any other lookups but I will be going to the FRC at Islington next week. So, Mary, I should be able to find out something about your g.father from the records there. I will also be going to the LMA the same day so can check there as well. Picked up some leaflets on how to find members of the Police Force which will help. Kew is closed next Friday as there is a Public Service strike - in protest at job cuts. Saturday, did a quick trip to the local LDS Family Centre and confirmed the Registry Office to get my parents marriage certificate. Felt too tired to do any more looking there - it wasn't very busy but some of the films there are very difficult to read. The clocks go back in a few minutes now - so I am going to do the main clocks now and then go to bed. I will sort the rest out when I get up. Sleep well, will catch up with you all again tomorrow. God bless Kathleen

Good Morning/afternoon All,sorry to be late,took advantage of the extra hour and had a bit of a lie in.Have spent the rest of the morning trying to tidy this room again,why is it that everyone puts things in here just for a while to sort other rooms out and I end up sitting at the pc in a tip? Was working yesterday and then went to a Ruby wedding celebration,which was brilliant.I have been looking forward to it all year and really enjoyed it. June/Di have lots of photos to scan and have been using my digital camera, but like you Di couldn't remember everything as it was so long since I had used it.I realised what I was doing wrong to transfer my pictures to the pc.But now I am being told there is aproblem with the devise?Don't know if it is the memory card or the camerathat if damaged,I have had the photos that where on the memory card developed and that was fine,June some good ones from the last Meet in Manchester,I will try and scan them to email you.I am hoping to go to town on thursday to the main library ,which isn;t far from the Chinese and will visit the pub I ytold you about ,it is called The Old Monkey!!! Mary could have been me on the beach on my first visit,but we couldn't get of the coach on the second one,apart from running into a restaurant for morning coffee.I love Sydney ,stayed in Kings Cross on my first visit ,did not know what it was until my friends husband told us,Was at Sullivans Hotel on the second ,it was good.We walked down town most times and soaked up the atmosphere ,visited Paddys Market,Darling Harbour,and of course the Opera house and loved walking round the rocks.Hoping we can do it agin when we get to 60.or before if the lotto comes up. Sylvia,glad you enjoyed the birthday party and get something sorted for your own party.The friends who had the "big do" last night had to book the room nearly two years ago to get the date they wanted. Kathleen I think I will have to visit more records places to start getting results on the family tree again.My grandad was in the army in the first world war,but I don't know which regiment or anything,where do I start? Les lovelly to have you with us again,just add your messages when ever you can. Well have to go,Johns mother is down today from Clevellys and visiting his brothers house as his daugher and her husband have come over from Yorkshire with their new baby . We are going over when we get a call to say they have arrived,then we are going to my dads,so I had better get changed and perhaps wash my hair I had mousse and hair spray on last night but I hate it so I usually get it washed off asap. Sorry if I have not mentioned everyone,Take care Brenda

Good evening all, Well had a busy day - hey I thought Sunday was a day of rest! I let my husband go on his own to the library where they were selling off books, videos, CD roms etc. Well, fortunately he only came back with CDs. I love Gregorian church music and he came back with one and another of Davids Psalms from Cambridge College choir as well as Julio Iglesias and son Iglesias - what a choice! I managed to prepare our dinner whilst he was away. This afternoon we went to view our umpteenth hall for our party next year and now we've decided that this is it. WHY, you may ask, well we get the hall free! Is that the reason why I wonder. Anyway it seems cosy with dimmed lights and tablecloths on all the tables and candles. An apart area where Johan and I can sit on the throne, so to speak, to greet our guests. Most of the catering will be done by the owners, but I'll add some finishing touches. Does anybody know where I can find nice headings for the letter I want to send everybody. I thought of having our wedding picture on the left top and the Dutch and English flags, maybe crossed in the middle and the words somehow 80th birthday and 50th wedding anniversary. Anybody any ideas? My son is going to give me his scanner and is buying himself a new one. I'm not very good at all these things with the computer, so would welcome ideas. Looking forward to hearing from you. Sylvia xxx

Hi everyone Its a dull dry start today but looks promising. Last night I had the young children from around calling to "trick or treat", they had such lovely costumes on, I never thought to have my camera ready, I was so busy handing out sweeties. I have the same problem with my camera and photos, when I have mastered something I have to it down straight away because if its a few weeks before I do it again, I will have forgotten how to do it, so I have set up a file of notes now. Kathleen, the Mormons have built a beautiful church just further up the road on the outskirts of Chorley. There they have a Family History Centre, which is very good but sometimes even though you have to book the "readers" I have arrived and they have all been taken. They do eventually move away, but let you know that they haven't really finished what they were looking up. Mary, The LDS site have been doing maintenance to the site, so maybe you will have a bit more luck in a day or two. I have now got my clocks right, its my body I'm having problems with and Beckham doesn't help, how do you tell a dog about the clocks. Brenda, I look forward to receiving the Manchester photos, especially as I only got 3 because the rain got in my camera. Its not long now to the next meet up. Lesley, what clever ideas you have for your cards, when I receive cards that are unusual, I keep them and bring them out each year. Sylvia, your husband did well with the CDs, have you listened to them yet? The Hall sounds nice and cosy and personal, just the thing for an anniversary. Also you will enjoy adding your own ideas to the catering. Di, I'm glad your bathroom is finished, I usually place paint cans etc around the door posts, to stop the pets rubbing against them because dogs and cats are always curious and want to join in. I always put flour on my baking board too, I dont see how you can do otherwise. I have just been to look at the Canadian thread, its doing very well. I've just seen the time, I had better get moving, see you tomorrow. Love June xx

Yes, it's me again. A pinch and a punch the first of the month we used to say at school! We always have our sirenes tested on the first of the month at 12.00 noon so we cannot forget it is the first of the month. The weather is dull today, but I cannot go out as Johan is fiddling around with my scooter. He wants to make it foldable for when we go down to Calais. I've told him I want to go there at the beginning of December as there is a huge shopping mall there, which includes Sainsburys and Tescos, as well as all the large French shops. My husband hates shops, but is coming with me because I really want to go. I wanted to go to Amersfoort tomorrow with my neighbour but she is busy. She is a real German. Her sister is coming on Saturday so everything has to be shipshape. Her husband is even painting one of the doors which leads on to their hall. Her bed is made twice a day!In the morning she takes all the cushions etc. off and in the evening her husband makes it all up again. Her husband isn't allowed to read the newspaper in the sitting room. He certainly isn't allowed to smoke in the house. He sometimes comes down to me. I don't like smoking either, but I'll never turn anyone away. I like company too much. The more the merrier. My physiotherapist is really helping me. I can almost jump out of bed in the mornings now. I've done some dusting today and tidied up the sitting room, but don't feel like housework. You can't see the dust with this dull weather. My daughter phoned me yesterday evening at 10.45 pm. I wondered what on earth was wrong. Apparently my granddaughter who lives here with her father had a lot of pain and thought she had appendicitis. Her father told her to go to bed. Anyway, my daughter asked if I would phone Linda this morning and if necessary go round to her. I did telephone, but Linda said she felt a bit better. I thought my problems were over when the children left home, but now have the grandchildren. Anyway, isn't it nice to feel wanted? Greetings June, Di and Kathleen, having to miss Fred at the moment, but he'll turn up again one day. Have a nice day, as they would say in America! Sylvia xxx

Well you do all seem to have had a very busy weekend. I have recovered now from my visit to the TNA, just wish more progress had been made. Mary the LDS Family Search site has to be bullied into submission!! Ignore the "site unavailable for maintenance" as this has been happening for some time. If you just keep pressing the "Search" button, hopefully you will eventually get some results. I haven't had any problem with dates, in fact I have found some from both Pallots Marriage (1824) and Birth registers (1800) complete with images. They do update the site so it is worth going back and rechecking. I think I may have finally found my g.mother's birth on there - but with her name as Rose instead of Rosina. Give me the dates and I will have a look for you. Yesterday I was taken out for lunch which was great, no cooking and a very enjoyable meal. Just a small pub but with a very pleasant eating area, very light and airy and away from the bar. They serve good home cooking, means you wait a little but everything is freshly prepared - except of course for the roast meats and things like Winter Stew - which looked and smelled really delicious. All vegetables are freshly cooked as are the Yorkshire puddings - well worth the wait. It is really dull and overcast and has turned very cold - I am freezing here so will come back later as I must warm up a bit. Hopefully will make it this evening - unless Chris decides to play Chess with someone on the other side of the world. That can go on for ages, especially if they have a little chat afterwards. Catch up with you all later. Love Kathleen

Hello everyone,this is just a quickie as I am trying to sort out my photos and emailing them while I am in the house on my own,should be dusting and polishing but ,i am here instead. Glad to see everybody is busy ,you all sound so industrious. Will try and get back later as my son is out at a football match tonight so the pc is allmine all night !!!!! take care ,Brenda

Hi ,well everyone is still busy judging by the lack of messages since my last one. June hope to scan the photos from the last meet tomorrow,got sidetraked with other piccies today and to night.Can you send me your correct email address as the last one I sent you from my address book didnot work. Not done any research tonight ,busy with the photos trying to remember what to do each time without prompting,think I might have it sussed now !!!. Need my sleep now ,my eyes are feeling a little strained. Speak to you tomorrow,take care brenda

Hi Di, Kathleen, June and others, Di, I have used Burda and Neue Mode patterns in the past - yes, German and very good. Have been trying to use up a lot of eggs which I bought, So I made two fat-free sponge cakes which I've now frozen in. Next week when I have visitors will take them out and fill with fruit and cream. Ran a washing machine of 40 degree washing. Heard from my neighbour of another shooting in Amsterdam. A film director, not really liked by us, but that is no reason to kill him. Apparently a Moroccan moslim did it. Where is it all going to end. This is going to create a great problem in Amsterdam where Theo van Gogh (the producer) lived. Theo had just finished a film over a popular politician of ours who was murdered last year, whose name was Pim van Tuyn. It seems there is no more freedom of speech allowed!!!! I feel very upset about all of this, so will close for now. Greetings, Sylvia xxx

Di ,loved your letter ,but ,what the heck is swiffering,,i take it it is some form of housework but can't work out what it's about ,but you do sound as though you have been really busy over there. It's all right for you lot ,nice and warm and somewhere dry to hang your washing ,some people have all the luck.Fred.ptfg.

Hi everyone, It's dry this morning so it looks promising. I have come on here first this morning before I get side tracked. Yesterday when I took Samantha to work, the traffic was bumper to bumper, it was horendous, she got in the office for 9.45 instead of 9, I counted 7 lots of roadworks, most of them major ones too. Then I picked Gaynor up, we were downloading some discs etc, everything seemed to take longer adjusting to the XP sustem. We both have this cold which doesn't help when you have your head forward. Fred, I'm glad you are still with us, have you finished packing yet? I am a bit puzzled what swiffering means too. Di, What I would give to have whales and seals swimming around. It sounds such lovely countryside where you live. Lesley, I feel the same about rain, it is very depressing. Hope you sort out your trip to Yorkshire to see your dad. There will probably plenty of rain there too. Sylvia, All these shootings, it seems to be a world wide problem, all so senseless. I think as you get older, it depresses you more, sometimes I find myself nearly in tears at what one person can do to another. Mary, I have had the same problem with LDS. I'll have to give them another try today, its useless trying at the weekends, there are so many people tracing their family tree these days which is good in one way, but I dont think the existing sites can cope with the volume of people. Brenda, I know what you mean about getting sidetracked, it has happened to me this last day or two. I have now made a list of jobs to do. Monday morning we went walking in Cuerden Park, which we are on the edge of, (pity the M6. M65 & M61 all cut into it.) we took the dogs who thoroughly enjoyed it, I think everbody and their dogs had turned out it was such a lovely day. Di, the main reason for going to Cuerden was to take some pictures for Peter Dudley, we are in contact most days. He's still busy with his photography and Betty with her line dancing. If you remember, they got married at the same church as me and used to to live in the same village and we have mutual friends, (unfortuneately some of these friends are no longer with us.) I forgot to tell you (I think) Gaynor had an email at the weekend from her cousin (my brother who died, his daughter) we haven't had contact for over 25 years, she saw Gaynor's name on Friends, she has just started the Family tree too. There have been a few emails flying backwards and forwards this last day or two. I will leave you now, its nearly time to commence battle with the traffic again. See you tomorrow Love June xx

Good morning everyone. It is a nice bright day so far, a bit cold but dry now. We had some heavy rain during the night, all gone and a clear sky for the most part. Di, your walks sound so interesting with so much to see and your descriptions of it all bring it all to life. We have had the Canada Geese flying over - in perfect formation, they are lovely to see. But usually it is a 747 or whatever leaving a trail of smoke behind, we do miss seeing Concorde even though, if you were too close it could feel a little uncomfortable. The vibration could make you feel very weird and best to cover your ears!! I found some of my (very) old patterns recently, mostly Simplicity but I like the Vogue ones nowadays, haven't seen any of the others you mention. Sylvia, how is your toe now? Pleased to hear your physio is working for you. I love the idea of being able to jump out of bed - haven't been able to do that for quite some time. These days it is usually 5 minutes thinking about it and then a gentle roll over to get my feet on the floor first. Oh the joys of age!! June, I don't remember the park you mention, which direction is it? I would no doubt find everything very different now, it is so many years since I was there. Though the TV advert for Clarks shoes - do you know the one "Preston is my Paris"?, I recognise that area of the town although it has changed a bit. I hear from Peter as well, though I have only received photo's from him recently, but my fault I haven't e-mailed him for a while. I did come on the site for a short time last night but was not impressed with the way things were shaping, far too much bickering and back-biting going on, so I went to bed. Later I thought I should have put a message on here just to bring a nice friendly thread to the fore. Have to do some work on my tree now as I have had another contact, again on my paternal g.mothers side. This lady has only been doing the family tree for two days (I think she means on this site) so was really pleased to find a link so quickly. Mary, Lesley, Brenda, Lou, Fred, Jude & Elisabeth (where are you two hiding?) Hope you all have a good day, catch up with you all later. God bless Love Kathleen

Hi everyone,been on the pc. all morning scanning in photos and did not realise the time until John has arrived home from jury service,. I am on work at 2 and need to wash and change so can not stop but I see I have a lot of cathcing up to do, Just wanted to say we have a lovelly sunny day here but still on the cold side,speak to you later <take care Brenda

Hi all, Well a horrible damp, misty day. Johan and I took a taxi to a large shopping centre not too far away. I bought lots of candles, serviettes, and then went into the Garden Centre. I bought odds and ends to make up my Advent Wreath. Full of Xmas odds and ends, but so far no Xmas trees! Kathleen, my toe isn't given me any more pain, but is black with a large piece hanging off. Doctor thinks it's ok, so I suppose it is ok. Linda, my granddaughter has a bladder infection so didn't come today. Apparently she has pain in her lower stomach. No more time, but hope soon to be able to write more. Love, Sylvia xxx

Hello friends, hope you are all keeping well. Not long in after taking Lady for a walk in the rain. She doesn't usually like venturing out and getting wet, but the didn't hesitate tonight and was out the front door like a shot. With all the fireworks going of the past lot of nights, we have had to keep her inside, and I think she has missed being able to go for a wander in peace. It has been very mild here the past two days, wet at times, but none of the frosty nip that we had last week. Going over to the doctor's today, we went "over the hill", and the view over Belfast Lough was truly wonderful. We sometimes forget to appreciate our beutiful scenery and take a lot for granted. Looking over Cave Hill and glimpsing Belfast Castle through the trees was like looking at a picture postcard. Got my flu injection - at last. There had been a short supply here in Belfast, but I didn't even have to ask for it, my GP just told me to roll up my sleeve while I was there. I visited my Dad on the way back, and waited for the "MouseMan". Dad had little furry visitors a week or so ago, and I wanted them sorted, didn't want any surprises when I was doing his cleaning! Mr. Mouse Man left his little boxes about the house with poison in them, hopefully this will yeild results. One interesting point which he mentioned - we had bought Dad one of those electonic gadgets which you plug in and are supposed to discourage mice and all sorts. I asked how effective they were, he told me they don't hold great store by them, as they have been unable to get any reliable data about them. Some people he felt were being exploited by ruthless retailers, one lady was told she would require one in each room, it cost her a fortune and she still had mice! Next step was visit to optician for Dad's new specs, his first pair since having a cataract removed recently. What a difference that made! He was so pleased at the improvement in his sight, and at being able at last to get new reading glasses, now he can do all his puzzle books again. Pity we had to end up paying privately for him, when he had been unable to depend on the NHS at his time of need. Was really busy today, next stop was into town with No. 1 son and met up with No2 son. Lunch for three, and my purse was considerably lighter, a visit to Marks and Spencers food hall and it was definately a LOT lighter, student food parcels don't come cheap!! First of the Christmas goodies bought today, 2 boxes of M & S biccies to put away for the big day. I had to laugh though at the reaction of my 20 & 16 yrs olds when I purchased my biccies, they declared it was starting to feel a bit Christmassy now the first supplies were being stored away. I was also accused of "murdering the christmas spirit", my crime?? buying an artificial tree last year. Ever since they were tiny we have visited a local forest and bought a real tree, and then had our Christmas PicNic, a family tradition. Last year there was a shortage of trees, and a notice in paper informed us that there would be no sale in the forest. Well they were so disapointed! We then spent £100 on an artificial tree, and were made to feel like Scrooge!! It's amazing how quickly the Hallowe'n stock has been cleared from the stores in town, now all the Christmas stuff is really in your face so to speak. Over the next few weeks I am really going to try and get all the pressies out of the way, I hate rushing in town at the last minute, and getting stressed out. Time to make hubby his supper as he is due in about 20 minutes, hate the late shifts, as I feel all I do is cook all day! Oh I must ask has anyone got any recipes for tasty traybakes? Various things coming up and I need to whip up something quick and easy to feed visitors, or to give to my lot to take to school for fund raising or parties. Get fed up making the usual caramel square, rice crispie buns, 15's, lemon fingers, and vienese whirls! Hope you all sleep well, or for those who are just beginning their day, hope you enjoy it. God Bless Anne

Hi everyone,well I don't know if this is tonights message or tomorrows looking at the time,I am still doing my photos on the scanner and have had numerous phone calls again tonight as welll as visiting my friend for her birthday. mary hope you are not to tired to enjoy the trip after all your preperation.i did a bit of panning when we went to Bendigo? we went on our first trip with our friend who live in Mornington Victoria,they lived nearer to Melbourne then,we did the Great Ocean Rd ,whata wonderful place,want to go back there someday. Di haven't bought a pattern for years,last one I used was from a womans monthly magazine which printed them free,but as I put weight on I could not use them as I was hope less at making them bigger.Sorry all those shootings are upsetting you Sylvia,we have had some here and you do feel threatened in your back garden so to speak. Fred /June, I think swiffing is a special sort of mop/brush for wooden floors which polishes as well,Di will put us right I am sure. I have nmade a few notes of all your messages ,so I could reply ,but I am so tired I can not keep my eyes open so Please forgive me ,June,Kathleen,Ann as I will have to go to bed,see you all tomorrow.Take care Brenda

Just a brief comment for now. Di!!!! How awful, little meeces are bad enough but a rat is bigger, you get the feeling that the wretched thing is going to suddenly appear every where you go. I remember reading that if there are cats in the house they won't come in but I know that's a fallacy, lets hope Pan frightened him enough to make him leave. We do have something similar to the swiffer - can't remember what it's called now but they advertise it a lot on TV. I'm off to bed now, will be back later. God bless Love Kathleen

Hi Everyone, Just a quick message from me.... Everyone is pretty low today in Oregon with Bush getting in again. The cashier at the supermarket was very depressed with it all. Di, It was dry here today also. We had a lot of rain yesterday. In a way, I actually prefer the wet weather because I like the humidity and the warmth it brings. This time of year the dry days are also chilly. You have to sort that rat problem out. If you see one there are probably more. Can you shut Pan in the kitchen for the night? I will have to send Boris up there. He would love it as he's an indoor cat and only get his paws on moths and spiders. Went golfing today but now that the clocks have changed we played the last few holes in the dark. Have to make the most of the dry days now. Haven't seen Jude or Elisabeth for a while. What about Peter? Nighty night, Crista

Hi everyone, We have a lovely sunny Autumn morning here, I have just hung out the washing so it should be dry when I bring it in. I was on MSN messenger early this morning nut now I cant get back on. Hi Crista, nice to see you, Peter is fine, we were talking yesterday but twice the internet went down on us. Poor Peter had to suffer all my coughing, I did keep switching off the mike but wasn't always quick enough. Kathleen, Cuerden Valley is going towards Chorley from Bamber Bridge, thats probably why you dont remember it. Cuerden Hall is now the Sue Ryder home, there are picnic areas, a lake and a stream with quite a few ponds with ducks etc. It became famous when first the M6 was built and more lately the M65, people were living in old farmhouses and up trees etc. to try and prevent the motorways being built. Its a lovely place to walk very relaxing and peaceful despite the motorways being so near. Di, A couple of years ago I had mice,it made me so ill, we caught 1 in a trap, another ran up Nick's friend's sleeve when he cornered it then the other just wouldn't be caught and it found its way into my bedroom. Anyway I called the local health department and their man came and put boxes down, it cost £30 but it was the best £30 I've ever spent, at least I could have my own bedroom back. I gather there was another little upset on the board last night but missed it thank goodness, its seems to have blown over now, I hope. Lesley, This is early to receive a Christmas present, I'm afraid I cant match that.lol Brenda, I'm not surprised you are tired with all the running around you do. Anne,Belfast, Yes I've started on my Christmas presents too, as soon as I hear someone say they would like something, if its within my budget, I get it. I cant bear the pushing and shoving in town at Christmas. My poor old back starts aching, it just isn't worthit. Mary, How do you manage to clean the van like that, you'll really need that holiday when you do go. Sylvia, Thankgoodness that toe is better, you have been in pain a long time. I hope Linda is soon feeling better. How long is it now to her holiday? Hi Jude Elisabeth Fred and all, I know Lou is alright I was talking to her last night. well I had better get some housework done. See you tomorrow Love June xx