General Chat

Hi all, Yes, where is everybody - Spring cleaning? The January sales are finished as it is now February, so come on everybody get back to the Board. I've been for my diabetes check up and he is not pleased with me at all. I think I knew I wasn't too good, but don't like doctors. Anyway, I have an extra tablet to take every day and see how it goes. Must also lose some weight - not easy as we are going away again next week. Oh, when we were young we had no money for luxuries, and now we can spend a bit more we cannot eat them. The weather here is fantastic, sun all day, but at night very cold. Went to the shops today and bought myself some new tea glasses and others odds and ends. My tea glasses have scratches on them, from the dishwasher I think. A good excuse to have some new ones anyway. Must go now as our dinner is ready. Love, Sylvia xxx

l'll be on here later,l'm pretending to be busy - ssssshhhhush!!! jude sarf wales

Good afternoon everyone,very miserable outside again,and now getting a bit on the chilly side.Went shopping this morning for a few fresh veggies and ended up with two lovelly cardigans from the big supermarket.They will do nicely for my holiday to wear in the evening when it is chilly. Also got a magazine with a lot of new weight watcher recipes that don't seem to hard or exspensive. I am supposed to be changing the bed after sending a few emails so I can not stay long.Elizabeth I did enjoy the Royal ,but missed some due to a phone call.Glad your mil is on the mend. Sylvia ,I have to stop my self buying mugs and glasses,I just can not resist nice ones. Have to keep giving some away ,but my son does a good job chipping them at the edges, when he washes up. See you all tomorrow.take care Brenda

hi All Sorry not to have been on for a while but i have been busy with doing family tree write ups for my records, plus being away for two long weekends. If it didn't take so long to get this thread to load and get to the latest postings i would have popped in and left a brief message. However, thanks for your concern and e mail Elizabeth. Judith, and I had a lovely time the weekend before last in Newark. We left her place (leaving Tony and Stephen plus the children to sort themselves out for the weekend) at 0730 and took almost two hours to get there, arriving at Eden hall at 0915. (The first shock was getting up at 0630, don't see the world at that time very often.). Eden hall is a big old house dating back to 1875 when it was completed for a Robert Middleton esq. it cost £30,000 to build. It was originally called Middleton house and chapel, for although Robert Middleton had separated from the Newark Baptists about 18772 he included in the building a chapel with baptistry. The chapel occupied almost the whole of the central portion of the building with the large pulpit being just inside the entrance. There were two galleries which, together with the ground floor, could accommodate about 200 people. For baptisms there was an iron tank sunk into the floor, this was reached by iron steps. In the early 20th century the house was occupied by the Truman family and during this time the baptistry was covered over and the ground floor of the chapel became the billiard room, another floor was added to become the ceiling of the billiard room and this became the ballroom. It is still a lovely house with much of the original still in place, including the stained glass windows used in the chapel. It has a very peaceful feel to it and is extremely suitable for the purpose of a health spa. The 'wet' area is fantastic, so relaxing, with its Aqua temple and pool. The pool is large and warm and not out of my depth anywhere. There are different overhead jets that turn on and off in a random pattern and some whirlpool under water jets as well. There is a lovely Jacuzzi and another circular area, almost enclosed where waves throw you around at varied intervals. In the temple there is a sauna, a hot room, a steam room, a herbal room, and various smaller 'rooms' where you can walk in, press a button and get jets of water at different heights. there is also a large foot spa and a cold water pool where you walk on large pebbles to massage your feet. Lunch was delicious, a large buffet, as much as you could eat, and the treatments were wonderful. We were there from 0930 to 6pm and enjoyed every minute. Our hotel was very nice and 10 minutes from the town. The town was very interesting, we went in a very ordinary looking church (Mary Magdalene) and found that it had lots of different styles of stained glass windows, lots from medieval to modern. a really interesting church. we were impressed with how the buildings of Newark had been preserved, all different styles, from a castle to modern day, and the river looked interesting too, although it was a bit too chilly to explore that. (So we went to Wetherspoons instead). In the evening we ate in a great Chinese restaurant, spent a couple of hours eating and talking. so now I feel we know each other a bit better. Sunday we drove back to find that the children had survived. Tony, Stephen, James and his friend had gone to see Milton Keynes Dons play Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday and had a good time (Sophie stayed with a neighbour, Mum of James's friend), the first time Tony had been to a match in years. So it was a good weekend and Jay and I got on really well. she was so tolerant as I had this stupid cough and cold and coughed well into the night (and apparently snored too). All over too quickly and back to normal Monday. A good bonding weekend and I feel I know her better now. Then this weekend just gone we went down o hampshire, called in on my sister and gave her a ring binder containing biographies of a few of our ancestors. She then surprised me by producing a scrap book belonging to my dadwhich i didn't know existed. it had loads of things stuck in - including birth death and marriage certificates, some of which i already have having paid £7 for them but some of whic i didn't have. Aggravating really as tere were a few long standingquestions answered there and my dad knew I was doing the family History, In fact he helped me with it!! still it is great to have them, even though they are firmly stuck in a scrap book. i have managed to copy everything to my computer and onto a disc. There were also all his references in there dating back to 1927, a school reference from his headmaster when he went into the R Navy. Other than that, as I said, I have beenw riting up all the biographies and am now about to start on mine. i haven't been on the boards so much as I realised I was spending far too much time on here and not getting other things done. Tony is now decorating our bedroom so i have to be 'tea girl'. So i had better go now and do something useful for him. I wont mention everyone by name, just to say hope you are all well. We are looking forward tot he first holiday of the eyar when we go away on 28th february (Lanzarote for 3 weeks). take care Love Ann glos

Hi everybody. Sorry I didn't get to you yesterday, I had such a lot to do and so many interruptions. I have got as far as I wanted to today, so I can take a minutes rest now. Ann, Your weekend with your Daughter in law sounds very good, very different, just the thing to get through January. Sylvia, that meal sounds lovely, he must enjoy cooking to be able to produce that. When its your party you must have your photo taken so that you can show us this lovely outfit. Brenda, when I fall asleep like that, I blame my age, what's your excuse? Yes there some very sad threads at the moment, I have found the last couple of days I have been getting very depressed and I have had to tell myself off, because I have nothing compared with some. Elisabeth, I enjoy The Royal too I'm glad mum in law's eye is doing well, it must be frustrating for her. Jude hasn't got back yet, thats how it was with me yesterday, by the time I had finished, I was all in. I have had an email from my grandson earlier, he wanted the recipe for making pancakes, I do have my uses after all, lol Well I will go and make my dinner now, so I will see you tomorrow, dont forget to come onto chat to meet some old friends. Take care. Love June xx

Back for a moment, before I clear the table.... Ann, I'm glad you had a nice break at Elston, though I didn't realise you were doing the tourist trail around Newark too. You should have let me know - we could have met up for a coffee. I suppose we could have passed each other in the Market Place, and not realised it. It really is a pretty little town, with lots of ancient buildings, even if we only have half a castle! Elisabeth xx You didn't mention Elston Hall's more recent incarnation as a manufacturing base for fishermen's supplies!

Ok who nudged ??- mind you if you had'nt l would'nt have got back:o) l've been following the Gaynor threads - there are some wonderful people on here! Ann - l wondered where you were. You sound as though you have had a wonderful time and your off again soon - good for you,enjoy:o)))) We'll have to have another coffee in Gloucester sometime. l have been thinking about Bristol, my sister said she'll come,but l don't want to commit myself just yet. Sylvia - how was the hall for your party, is everything as you would like it to be, not long now. l looked on the card site, l could'nt get it to do what l wanted, so did'nt really see much,but what l saw was lovely:o) Elizabeth - don't forget those plates for my mosaics. l need to get a tile cutter/clipper, but won't until l have practised first. Will try cutting them with a cutter thing l found in Vics tool bag. Thing is with me l have so many things going on at the same time. My nephew asked me to cut loads of material squares for him, he's making a bed throw, so l have material on the table,its all been ironed, now l need to cut them out:o(((( l have started painting on tiles and they are upstairs in small room leading to this storeroom - paints,paper,brushes,stencils etc etc everywhere:o))))))) (l will finish one thing, l will!! lol) Di - are you ok, not seen your name for a few days. Kathleen - do hope Susan is feeling better now and how are you?? Fred - Madoc was a gooden today - he pinched hubbies steak off his plate - he he he - hubby answered phone, it was our daughter,l suggested she rang back, l went out of the room and Madoc went in!!!! you know the rest - mind you the plate was put down onto a chair, right under his nose as he walked into the kitchen - it was the first bit of steak we had bought in ages too:o))) (should'nt laugh) Hope everyone else is ok??? Jude sarf wales xx

Poor Madoc,blotted his copybook again i see,never mind jude ,i know you will get there sooner or later ,after all he is only a pup yet.It reminds me a bit of iccky,i used to love smiths crisps but whenever i put a packet down anywhere ,they kept going missing.many days later i caught the cat [iccy] with a bag in her mouth ,and watched as she opened the bag ,scoffed all of the crisps and then put the bag under a chair.The cat loved them so much that she came running as soon as she heard a bag rustle[we should have called her masie] any way ,i was blaming my sister ,and my mum was blaming the both of us for leaving the empty packets all over the place,quite comical really,we could have made a fortune on the tv adverts for smiths. you may be able to do a deal with madoc,he is quite comical ?,eeeer something to do with a butchers shop maybe HeHe.fred ptfg&a&g&s.

Hello everyone, Fred, I had a cat like yours she was called Lucy (aka The Queen Mum because she thought she was!!). The merest rustle of a crisp bag and she was there, amazing how quickly she could get one opened and emptied, her son (who was called Fred ) -:) would sometimes try to pinch one and get a smack on his nose. Kyzer would stand and watch but knew to keep his distance - mind you he would come and let me know but his party trick was getting chocolate out from the bottom of my friends bag - without disturbing any of the contents. He was the clever one though, never left any evidence!! Not long now until your party Sylvia, hope all goes well. Someone has already said, please put a photo on the site, you must show off that outfit. You are all busy bees, painting, making cards, etc. Ann pleased you enjoyed your weekend, what a lovely descriptive message you wrote. Hope you felt completely relaxed and refreshed after the experience. Elisabeth, I was remembering the other day when you went chasing after a delivery driver - only to find the poor man you accosted was not the right one. Seem to remember Peter pulling your leg about that. Brenda, how is your leg? Did you try that stuff on it and if so did it do any good? June, how is Gaynor? I believe she has to wait a while for her operation. I hope everything goes well with it and that she feels better afterwards. I came on here earlier to add a message, found that someone had sent me an e-mail with a possible contact and got completely side-tracked sorting out information. Funny all the contacts I have had are for my paternal grandmother's family and I had expected my mothers side to be easier. Susan is making slow progress, still in pain and very tired don't know when she starts the radiotherapy but I expect it will be a while yet. I don't know when she has to go back to the hospital for the dressings to be removed, no doubt she will tell me when the time comes. Take care, have a good day God bless Love Kathleen

Hi Everyone, Just a quickie, is Di alright, does anyone know what has happened to her Canadian Friends thread, I cant find it, neither can Bill, Be back later. Love June xx

nudge until later

Hi, June, Sylvia and everyone, I can't find anything of Di's, except the James Jones thread. The email on it comes back with only an error message. My guess is that she didn't renew, which was a suggestion she made a few weeks back. I'd be interested to hear if anyone knows for sure what has gone on! My little part of Canada is icy, soggy, grey and gloomy, just 1 or 2C. Never mind - the days are getting lighter, always a boost. I have been copying some old photographs from my parent's honeymoon, a ride through East Anglia on a tandem in 1938. Not good quality, unfortunately, but a joy none-the-less. Also scanning some 'journals' really a diary from my wife's grandmother, which she started as a way of keeping her recently dead first child, her daughter Bertha in memory. Living was hard back then in England in the 1870's and 80's. People dying from trivial diseases, and not only children. One entry records the overnight temperature as being 28F in the bedroom! Heavens! Best wishes. Michael

Michael, thanks for your reply but the James Jones message is on her old membership number so I think she rejoined but has now resigned and deleted her threads, one of our friends that comes on this thread has emailed her so will let you know when we know more. June xx

Hello Everyone, Glad to see you are all busy. I had an email from di last week but it was a sort of pass this on to so many people thing about the two boys who took that little Jamie in Liverpool.I could not do as it asked as you had to copy and add names etc,which I can not do. I should have her email and will send one to her to see how she is. Kathleen I did try the gel but it wasn't much good.I am giving it another go ,but John thinks it stinks too much. June,I keep blaming my age about falling asleeep,but think this dismal waether doesn't help. Ann glad you enjoyed the spa,have a good time in Lanzarote. Jue ,Madoc played a blinder didn't he,talk about giving it to him on a plate.!!!!! Apologies to everone I have not mentioned.Have to fine the email address and write to Di ,then bed,have to be up early tomorrow.Brenda

Hi everyone, One of our friends has had contact with Di and she has decided to leave Genes although she didn't remove her thread, so I'mafraid there is only Genes that can answer that one. I'm off to bed now will see you all tomorrow. Night Love June xx

Morning All, I had a quick visit to a churchyard yesterday and took some photos of a memorial. It includes the names and dates of many who are already in my tree, but it is nice to have the photos and confirmation of dates. There was one who I knew had been cremated in 1970s and I was surprised to find a little stone on the grave to him too. Its amazing to come across things you don't expect. Someone on the site, distantly connected to the tree, has given me so much help with census images etc for this line. People are so kind. I am sorry that Di has decided to leave us, but we will respect her decision. I have her mail address so will drop her a line or two sometimes, to keep in touch. I don't look too much like a white haired witch now - finally got around to getting my hair cut this morning. It is marvellous how half an hour at the hairdressers can make you feel so much brighter. I realise I didn't read any postings before I started, so I hope everyone is well, especially Kathleen and Susan. Catch you all soon. Elisabeth xx

Hi all, Glad to hear that Elisabeth has had her hair cut. We can't have witches on this site, can we? So Jude, you couldn't find everything on the cards site, pity, there are some beautiful cards there. Last night my granddaughter sent me an e-mail to say she couldn't come today but would come on Thursday and could she eat here. Of course, welcome. I saw a good offer for some salmon in our supermarket - deepfreeze - but when I got there they'd sold out so went to another supermarket of the same name and they'd sold out too. I sent my neighbour to the fishmongers and paid the earth for some fresh salmon. I must get my freezer stocked again with some fish. Linda loves salmon. So tomorrow will cook salmon with pesto on, garlic potatoes, new carrots, lettuce, cucumber, followed by chocolate ice. I've not being doing anything to my own genealogy, as I've been helping others, but that will come soon. I made some more bread today and a ratatouille (don't know if that is the right word). I used steak mince. First fried an onion, then the mince, two red paprikas, 1 courgette and a box of mushrooms. I did this in a wok then added a stroganoff sauce. I had so much over that I'll have to freeze some in now. Yes, I too had an e-mail from Di. It's a pity all the good writers are leaving. Maybe she'll come back again one day. Who knows! Football tonight England v the Netherlands. I daren't go in the room and watch football or the fur will fly. No, not really, just joking. My husband isn't too interested in football, although if I'm watching a match and the Netherlands are losing notice he is on edge. Have a nice evening Sylvia xxx

Hi everyone, I went to the doctors for the results of my tests came back with 3 more lots of pills, you really will hear me rattling along soon. Then I took my granddaughter for an interview, I really am glad I am not having to find a job these days, there are so many people after so few jobs. I let the 2 retrievers out and gave them both a cuddle, Ben is walking much better on his leg now. Then I sat down and promptly fell asleep for 2 hours at least. Elizabeth, I really envy you being able to go the churchyard and take photos,although I'm not sure whether they would be there or not, they seemed to roam around all the time, at least they were keen to work. I too am sorry that Di has left us but we must respect her wishes. when this site is no longer fun then that is the only thing to do, Elisabeth, how about a photo of the new hairdo? Sylvia, I have watched the match and think that was the right score, these friendly matches give younger oplayers a taste of international football. I was pleased to see the managers having a chat and so friendly after the game. Everyone must have been very busy today, I keep getting a message coming on the screen from messenger about an update, when it appears, it stops me typing to the screen and being as I watch the keys when I type I find I have been typing and getting nowhere, its most annoying. I am off now and will see you all tomorrow. Love June xx

Have had along day today and am falling asleep at the keyboard,so i am not going to fight it and go to bed.Sorry this is short and sweet,but I can not write properly i feel that tired. Take care ,Brenda

It looks as if everyone has had a busy day, with no postings on the thread. I had a couple of nice letters in the post today. I had won the Premium Bonds not once, but twice. Ok, not a fortune but £50 and £100 will come in very handy, thank you! Such a pity that the renewal of the car tax came in the same post delivery - that will use all my winnings up. It started as a very wet day but this afternoon has been bright and breezy, though a little chilly. Hope everyone else is ok. Elisabeth xx