General Chat

Another quickie. June I didn't realise that they closed the site down for two hours, must have been while I was away. Our next holiday is in may, after a week looking after the eldest 3 Grandsons (they will be at school 4 out of five days so only the wekend and bank holiday Monday at home. I am hoping to visit the cemetery where my Grandparents are buried, amd maybe the R Marine Museum too. also catch up with an old school friend and visit my sister. Anyway as i said after a week in Hampshire we are going to a cottage in west bay in Dorset for a week. Brenda, as June says you certainly wont want your arden furniture yet, Friday is supposed to be a return to winter with a night time temp of -3. Sylvia, hope your kitchen was straight in time for your visitors. has Jude not renewed her membership, haven't seen anything from her or heard from her by e mail lately. I trust she is OK. Ann glos

Morning, I thought I would do a flying visit before my day gets gobbled up by all the trivia of life. I will be doing the early trip to the shops before the school run gets underway. I have the usual long list of things for the oldies. It is a very wild and windy morning, though the rain hasn't reached us yet. I know its cold, but I have only put my head out of the door so far, to see the 'breadwinner' off to earn a crust or two. I had hoped to get a little gardening done today, or at least mow the lawn, but that is out now. I have been fascinated watching the birds dashing around with dry twigs and grass this morning. One starling kept tripping over a long piece of twig it was trying to haul across the patio, but it gave up after a while. I must give them some food before I go out, and fill up the birdbath, which they splash around so much, it empties in minutes. I have forgotten everyone's news - sorry. I'll catch up with it later. Elisabeth

Good morming everyone, Well not really that good, when I first woke around 6 ish it was dull but dry. However 45 minutes later it was raining hard and has remained so ever since. It is also very cold, yesterday was sunny and bright but again very cold. Seems to be so changeable lately. Sorry I have not been able to get here for a few days, Chris was sorting out a few things on the computer. He tends to get sidetracked because someone will invite him to play chess and that's it for a few hours!! He used to belong to a club and play in tournaments but his shift work has meant he had to leave, he was so often working and unable to play in the matches which meant he let the team down. It is really great because he can play against people from all over the world. He also bought a new computer desk and that meant disconnecting everything whilst it was put together. It is very nice, with space for everything including some shelves for the CD's etc. At the same time he took his car for an MOT which it failed, has had to have a bit of work done but it has now passed although today it had to go back for something to do with the airbag. Susan has not been very well following her second chemo session but she is coping with it. My sister is taking Indira out for the day on Thursday, it will be good for her to get away for a while as she does get upset about her Mummy not being well. She comes to Nana for her cuddles most days, goes out with her friends but they run out of things to do as most things seem to cost - even bus fares can work out expensive. On Monday I went to our local post office to get my paper and to withdraw some money for Susan, they have a display unit down the centre of the shop and walking round this to get to the queue for the post office I fell over a box they had put right at the end of the unit. Landed heavily on my right side scraping the front of my right leg on the box. Took two chunks out of my shin and grazed my knee, bruised my hip and sundry bruises on my hand. My knee and shin are still very painful, walking upstairs is ok but coming down hurts!! It made me feel a bit sick at the time but luckily I seem to have strong bones - nothing broke!! My neck aches a bit because of the old whiplash injury so it has been back to the painkillers for a day or two. Will have to go now as sitting here is getting uncomfortable, my neck and shoulder ache if I sit still for too long. Hope you all have a good day and I hope to get back, if not later today certainly tomorrow morning. God bless Love Kathleen

Hi all, How are you now Kathleen? A bit shaken up I suppose, you must have had your mind on other things when you fell. I have just finished translating a text from somebody on the Board from Dutch into English. This is no problem, but sometimes a handwritten text can be difficult to read. Actually it was written by a Belgian (Flemish) and they sometimes use different words from the Dutch. It was written in 1913 and had to do with Ypres. The weather here is blustery, but dry, I popped out on my scootmobile today to the shops and in our supermarket caught all the school youngsters buying cakes and drinks, so there were queues at all the cash desks. There was one desk with nobody and also a handicapped sign, so I just parked myself there, and lo and behold they opened up this till. Rewarded again for my patience. Johan has been taking it easy today after his 2 days crawling over the floor laying the laminate. He will finish the plinths when he is not so stiff. Tonight Linda and the family are coming, but don't worry I have my dinner in the oven, then will have an hour's rest. My neighbour from the third floor came down today to say they are off to their 2nd house in Hungary tomorrow. I always post a card to them beforehand so that they get post when they arrive, but it will be late now as I have not posted it yet. They stay one night over in Austria. Han is also interested in genealogy and I let him read my English book Family History. Oh well, this is about all for now. See you tomorrow. Sylvia xxx

Hi everyone, This morning we wakened up to rain and wind, so I put the heating on because it was very cold. Then I did my usual taxiing, Sam to work and Gaynor to the doctors and the bank. We came back here, and had to turn the heating off and open the sunlounge door, the sun had come out, but it was still a cold wind. Gaynor had a go at opening the CD for me that I hadn't managed to open, anyway it wouldn't open although the others in the same census did. No, problem though I have rung S&N and they have told me to return it and they will send me another as well as refunding my postage. I was so glad it wasn't me being thick, after all. Ann, I hope you find some more rellies while you are at the cemetery. Enjoy your time with your grandchildren. Elisabeth, We had rain then sun for about 3 hours and now the rain has returned again. Its fascinatinating watching the birds going about their chores. My blackbirds have a bath everyday and ignore Beckham, they just splash him, I have just checked, tortoise has gone back inside now that it is raining. Kathleen, Sorry to hear about your fall, I hope you went along to the doctor, just to be on the safe side. Its so embarassing though when you fall, everyone comes to your help and you feel like hiding away. I hope Susan is soon feeling better and that Indira has enjoyed her holiday, its only natural that she worries about her mummy. I'm pleased Chris still manages to play chess, that is one of the beauties of the internet. Sylvia, It is very good of you to translate that letter, I bet she was thrilled to bits. Yes, I think Johan deserved a rest too, its hard work on the floor especially a hard one. Enjoy your meal with Linda and family. I hope Jude ,Di and everyone is alright. Take care everyone, especially you Kathleen. Love June xx

I have been on and off the computer three times today to send emails and see if I have had any response to others ,but got so frustreated that I could not do what I wanted that I went back down stairs again. Kathleen ,I hope you are feeling better ,and that the shop have an accident book ,they should have,and they should have taken your deatils .You never know if there are long term affects. I am not writing to much tonight as i am tired,I am always tired on the days I have been at the hospital with Dad. Hope your family gathering went well sylvia and hope you don't wait too long for yoyreplacement CD June. Brenda

Hi everyone, The weather cant make up its mind what to do today, one minute its raining and the next it is sunny, but still very chilly. Thank goodness the wind seems to have dropped, last night the security light kept coming on and off and yet there was no sign of anyone, then the penny dropped, one of my potted plants (leaves similar to palms) the leaves were blowing in the wind and setting of the light, I dragged the pot a yard nearer the light so that the sensor couldn't pick it up, problem solved. Brenda, I too used to be very tired when I went with my mother to the hospital, its not that you are doing anything strenuous, its the stress and tension you are under although you dont always realise it. I think the rest of you have more sense than me, you must be having a lie in, lol Anyway I am off rellie hunting now, I have had an email from someone and there's a strong possibility that we have a contact. He's given me the place and two surnames that I am researching, so fingers crossed. Love June xx

Hi all, Managed to wave my neighbours from the third floor off today. They will be away about 4 weeks in their 2nd house in Hungary. They always park their car in the space directly under our bedroom window so I can keep an eye on them! I went out on my scootmobile to the shops this morning as we, or at least the boys, finished off the beer last night and don't like to be without. I went over the bridge and was nearly blown away. I was a bit scared so came home the other way. I never do this normally as it's not nearly so nice going between the houses. But that wind was so strong and cold. When is Spring coming? Linda has just arrived to help in the house and said she couldn't cycle with this hard wind. I've just made some bread and changed the beds, so when I've finished the ironing I think that will be my lot today. Oh, I must cook the dinner too. Sylvia xxx

Just a few lines as I have not really got much to add. June you might be right with your theory about the hospital,it will be that plus I am up and out a lot earlier than when I,m working. Sylvia,you be careful on your scooter in the high winds,don't want to hear you have had anasty accident. Johns mother and stepfather are back from Benidrom now,but it was not a nice home coming. The freezer had packed in ,defrosting all the food,the tv packed in then the toaster,so she has had her three bad luck things ,we hope. See you tomorrow,take care Brenda

Hi all, And what time do you think this is. Yes, you're right, no time for a girl to be up and behind the computer, but what else is a girl to do when she cannot sleep any more? When you live in a flat with all rooms leading on to the hall, you cannot do much if you want to let your other half sleep. So, here I am. Fortunately I don't have this problem very often. It's probably because I went to bed a bit early - 12.30 pm and I've had enough sleep. I looked out of the window this morning and it's pouring with rain - ugh, really ought to get back to bed, but then I might oversleep and my hairdresser is coming at 9.00 am, and then I have visitors for lunch. No, I'll play patience or something like that to idle the time away. Have a nice day everybody. Sylvia xxx

Hi everyone, Its nice and sunny here again, last night it was lashing down with rain, sounded very wintry. I haven't ventured out yet, but when I opened the door for Beckham to go out, it felt very cold. Yesterday I was trying to link up with some names that a Genes member had sent me, I thought I had cracked it, then discovered the names were 100 years apart, his were 1848 and mine were 1748. Looking through one of the census though, a rellie of mine lived next door to his rellie. Sylvia, I think you would be wise like Brenda says and not go on your scooter when its windy, otherwise one day I will open my door, and discover you on my doorstep, having been blown across the channel, lol. (Mind I would welcome you in for breakfast.) It's funny how we all vary with our sleeping patterns, these days I find I'm usually asleep before or just after 12, then awake just after 6 in the morning.Before the clocks were altered I was waking at 5 and that used to annoy me, that was too early. Brenda, what a nasty homecoming for John's Mum and stepfather, together with the cold weather too. I hope they were insured. I cant remember what I am doing today, apart from collecting prescriptions for both Gaynor and myself. I'm sure something will crop up. I hope everyone has a good day. Love June xx

Good afternoon all, Sorry I haven’t been onto the computer for a couple of days – or rather, I haven’t got around to checking the site! I spent quite a lot of time yesterday working on scanning the pages of a family bible onto the computer. The bible is from my Mother’s family and was in our possession until about 15 years ago, when my brother passed it on to the only male line carrying on the name. I have always had the list of entries, but thought it would be nice to have scans of the pages, in my great grandfather and grandfather’s own hand. I suppose all those years ago, we didn’t have all the technology to copy it. Anyway, I have scanned the pages, and photocopied for added security. It is no easy task manoeuvring a very heavy bible on the scanner but I am pleased with the results. It doesn’t give me any extra information, but the images are nice to go with certificates and census records. I have done the usual early shopping trip and came home to the answer phone flashing at me. Mum-in-law was in trouble with a funny wart thing on her leg which would not stop bleeding and would I go and take her to casualty. Before I had listened to it all, she was on the phone again saying she had got it to stop, so I didn’t need to go. I will be so pleased when her appointment to see the plastic surgeon comes around. (We have been waiting since November for the appointment which was due within 17 weeks. When I rang after about 15 weeks to see what the position was, I was told she was a ‘no show’ as she had been called for an appointment in December. That letter never arrived so we are now waiting for the end of the month.) Kathleen – I was so sorry to read about your accident. I do hope you are feeling a little better now. You do not need anything else to upset you. The weather is very cold and windy here but it has stayed dry. It wasn’t too bad yesterday though my husband did come through a very heavy hailstorm on his way home from work. He was concerned it would damage the car, it was so heavy. Have a happy weekend everyone. Elisabeth

Hi everyone on a chilly gloucester day. Kathleen, sorry to hear about your accident. i hope you had words with the shopkeeper about health and safety regulations?! Sorry too that Susan is not too well after the latest chemo, hope she feels better soon. Elizabeth, June, Brenda and Sylvia. I read your news but didn't make a note, hope you are all Ok and not too cold. I assume that Jude has not renewed. Does anyone know how she is, I assume she is alright. i have e mailed her but had no reply which is strange as she is usually quick to respod. Tomorrow is the day of the Bristol meet so I am looking forward to that, should be fun, have some raffle prizes to take with me. Speak again soon love Ann Glos

Hi all, Oh June, wouldn't it be just funny if I did get blown across the channel. Sounds like something out of children's storybooks. However, its nice to know that I have friends where I am welcome for breakfast. It's nice to see Di so lively. She is now on arewerelated site and seems quite happy. Good for her. Well I had a bad night's sleep and was up around 5.00 am. I'm happy to say this is unusual for me. My hairdresser came around 9.00 am, but before this the friends who were coming for lunch 'phoned to say they weren't coming. I hastily put some food in the freezer. This friend of ours has an open nerve in her face and one day she is ok and the next not, so was to be expected. She has had an operation but will have to have another one. Very sad, She couldn't come to our party either. He did come. It is very cold, windy and rainy. I have just been doing odds and ends today, such as cleaning out the refrigerator, making a card for my son in law's 50th birthday coming up 20th April. I am absolutely sick of this cold. I want to go to Spain or somewhere warm, but we don't seem to be able to get away, with one appointment or the other. What a pity Jude has left. If anybody has contact send her my greetings. Have a nice evening. Sylvia xxx

Juude has not left. I had an e mail from her, she is still a member and looks in sometimes but is very busy doing other things and taking a bit of time out from her PC for a while. So we will have to wait to hear about mad madoc's exploits - shame!! Ann Glos

Good evening everyone,just read and replied to a few emails,but was hoping for some replies to names I had seen and thought might be connected,but no replies from any and there were four different names as well,bit disheartening really.Hope you find some connection JUne,at least you got a reply. Want to see a tv programme at ten so will have to go now,glad Jue and Di are doing well I do think about them and everyone else,fred seems busy as well these days. Hope you are on the mend Kathkeen Brenda

Hi everyone, Well we have a damp start but the sun is shining through already, I thought the forecast was for frost, so I put Tortie in her hut in the garage, she will wonder what is going on. Yesterday about lunchtime, we had a snow shower and I rushed out and out her in her hut, by the time I got back inside, the snow had finished, so she came back out again. Elisabeth, what a good idea to scan the names in the Bible, I have an old Bible too but there is only my grandmother's name in it. Still I could scan it, at least I would have her signature then, because I haven't got any photographs of her yet I have of my grandfather. I think I would take M I L along to the doctor to look at her leg, he may drop a line to the plastic surgeon to hurry the appointment along. Ann, Glos, Enjoy the Bristol meet, its nice meeting up with faces you know and also meeting new ones. Thanks for the info that Jude is still with us and looks in sometimes, I look forward to tales of Madoc and Fatcat. Sylvia, I'm tired of the cold weather too, the wind here has been very icy. It would be nice to trip off somwhere warm, the last time I did that, I got such a bad chest when I got back, I have never gone to warm places again during our winter. Brenda, Actually, it was someone that contacted me, and I always reply to everyone, sometimes just to say sorry there isn't a connection, hopefully he will come back to me again with more information. Off to let Tortie out of the garage now. Love June xx

Good morning all, The sun is shining, it is very windy, cold but blue skies and no clouds. What a change from the last couple of days when it has been cold, wet, windy and very dull. My leg is still very sore and doesn't look very pretty but it is healing. Susan is now feeling a bit better and went out to visit with friends yesterday. Indira enjoyed her day out with my sister. They met up with my neice and her partner who has offered Indira a place for her work experience which will be roughly this time next year. He thinks she is great and I think the feeling is mutual. He has told her he will give her a job anytime as she has all the qualities he looks for in an employee. At the moment we have no water in the bathroom, no central heating and only cold water in the kitchen. Chris decided to try to replace two stuck gate valves which turn off the water to the hot tank and the radiators. He managed to free one so that didn't need to be replace but had big problems with the other one. Had to drain the tanks and then ran into more problems with leaks and a compression valve which wouldn't turn. Too complicated for me but I now have a bath full of wet towels (used to soak up the leaking water) not able to use the washing machine and no heating except the gas fire in the living room. Having to keep buckets of water in the bathroom for the toilet, which is a bit inhibiting when you know you can't use the flush!!! I'm pleased, for once, that you are all at a distance because I can't have a shower. Today it has to be a cat's lick and a promise in a freezing cold bathroom - and I don't like the cold!! Elisabeth, I do hope your m-i-l gets her hospital appointment soon. It seems to be a favourite excuse after a long wait that 'we sent you an appointment which you didn't keep'. I don't believe that anymore, I think they use that as an excuse when you have been by-passed for some reason. Usually because they have missed your name on the list. I trust it will all get dealt with soon and all is well. Sylvia, if you got blown across the channel we would all welcome you. In a high wind you could well land near me at Heathrow!!! Seriously scary though and I don't like very windy weather. As usual you seem to be keeping very busy, some of the cards you have described sound really original and I'm sure are well received. Nothing quite like that personal touch. Brenda, I hope your Dad is making progress and doesn't suffer too badly from his treatment. Those clinics are usually such cheery places though, it amazes me how all the patients are so positive and keep a wonderful sense of humour. It is so helpful to the new patients. Ann, hope you enjoy your meeting. I have been to one or two and enjoyed them very much. It is so nice to put faces to names and actually speak with people. Must go now, have some things to do before I take Susan shopping this afternoon. Hope you all have a lovely day, sorry if I have missed anyone. God bless Love Kathleen

Morning all - I've got my best hat on to watch the wedding in a few minutes. (I am making notes for our wedding of the year in the autumn!!) Kathleen you have my sympathy with the water situation. These small jobs seem to turn into mammoth operations - been there, done that and got the t-shirt. (Remember my saga of the blowing up boiler just before Christmas, with no heating for days. At least we had cold on tap.) A short update on Mum in law and her leg. She phoned a little while ago to let me know she has had two letters from the hospital today. One puts her regular eye appointment with the specialist back a month, the other puts the leg problem back a month too!!!! I think I will be on to the appointments clerk on Monday - unless it all erupts again over the weekend, in which case we are off to casualty. Off to wave my Union Flag - haven't put the bunting out though. (I still have the bunting from his previous wedding, so I don't think it would be appropriate.) Have a happy weekend. Elisabeth

Hi everybody, I have just finished watching the royal wedding. I wasn't going to but thought I'd have a peep and got interested in all the pomp and circumstance. I was a bit disappointed in the Russian singer, but maybe I can still hear Kiri te Kanawa at Charles and Diana's wedding! I thought Camilla looked magnificent, very well chosen clothes and colours for her at her age. The only thing I found is that she could have used a new pair of national health dentures! William and Harry seemed to be enjoying themselves. I wonder whether it was William's girl friend he was blowing kisses to in Windsor castle. I don't think he appreciated having to sit next to Fergie's daughters. Poor Kathleen, I do hope you get everything sorted out soon. Fancy having a lot of wet washing and not being able to use the washing machine. Oh, how we rely on our washing machines these days don't we. And........ to think I only had my first washing machine when my third child was born! Glad to hear that Jude hasn't left us. So we'll be hearing stories again of Madoc when she has time. Have a nice day further. Our weather is still extremely windy, wet and freezing cold. Sylvia xxx