General Chat

Hi again Kathleen, Jude, June, Christine, Fred, Lou, and welcome Ann and Gaynor, Yes Gaynor, this is a nice friendly site and we hope to keep it that way. So 2 male contributors today. Well done guys. Fred, I make the best bread pudding (poor man's wedding cake). When I've finished this note I'll look up sticky toffee pudding as my daughter is going crazy for it. The Spanish magazine I have a subscription on is called Puntos & Ideas and includes cross stitch, knitting, crotcheting, jewellery making and a couple of cooking recipes. This morning we had a lot of rain so I waited until this afternoon before venturing out. Changed the beds and sauntered around the house doing odds and ends. Tomorrow is market day when my neighbour and I have fun at the market. I've almost finished making my Xmas cards and then I can get down to some cross stitching again. It sounds as though winter is coming when you hear of swarms of birds emigrating. Birds are intelligent creatures aren't they? They don't lose their way to Africa either and get there under their own steam!! I'm getting itchy feet about a few days away again. I want to get away before the winter sets in. Keep the thread going, Love Sylvia xxx

Hello everyone, I have just managed to get control of the pc, its all mine for the next hour. Hubby has exam in few weeks, and the kids use it for projects etc. so my time on it is limited. Especially this week as I have had my son and daughter at home with blooming throat infection!I think this rotten weather we are having is making everyone feel poorly, all those old viruses seem to be doing the rounds again. I see several of you mention recipe for sticky toffee pudding, must look through my cookery book collection (not that I use them all that often - but the pictures look good!). By the way if anyone has a tasty soup recipe please pass it on. We need a change from our usual, vegetable, watercress and leek and potatoe. I prefer to try recipes that have been tried and tested by others!! Gaynor you mentioned breast reduction, did you see the programme several weeks ago on tele, showed a girl having it done - it was really graphic!! Definately think I will keep what I have after seeing that! Sylvia you sound very busy. I am just gathering my supplies together and hope to start making my cards next week. My niece has asked me to crochet her a poncho - I remember crocheting umpteen of them the first time round when they were in fashion, must be nearly 35 years ago. Well they say if you keep something long enough it will come back into fashion. It is starting to get quite dark now, we are having another stormy day, hung some washing out this morning, but had to bring it in, as half ended up tangled on the line, and the rest was blown across the garden. Think it will be time to get the hot water bottles out soon, the nights are definately getting chilly. Hope you all had a lovely day, keep well. Love Anne xx

Hi all - can't stop, need my hot chocolate:o)) will chat tomorrow - great to see new faces:o)) Nite nite:o) Jude sarf wales xx

I,m glad someone else has trouble getting on their computer Ann, i was thinking i was on my own.What with the missus playing games on it for hours on end ,and my grandson home on leave from the raf ,i have to jump up from my chair and make a dash for it as soon as the keyboard is vacant. I need to go out shortly to get my photo of hms Newcastle on spillars wharf,before she leaves,she is being retired next month ,so this is my last chance..No doubt when i get back i will have to join the waiting list again.lol.Fred.ptfg.

Hi everyone, Its a lovely sunny day here, with just a slight nip in the air, its what I call a September morning, lovely. This morning, I had to take Gaynor Ann to the doctors, her appointment was for 8.50 so it meant I was in the rush hour traffic, I had a blow out, fortuneatley it was the nearside front so I veered into the kerb instead of the traffic. Then I got my mobile out to ring her and the battery was flat so I had to set off walking (uphill) which is not my strong point. I had a swift spray to help me but when I reached the garage I was pooped so went and used their phone. John picked Gaynor up and then came for me, we took Gaynor to the doctors and then went back to sort out the tyre, after which he went on his way and I went to the doctors, to wait for her to have her tests. Afterwards we came for a coffee here, I certainly needed it. After taking Gaynor back home I have taken the wheel round to the garage and I will pick it up this afternoon, isn't life fun sometimes! Elisabeth, Its lovely to hear from you again. Its that time of year again when the garden needs tidying up. I am doing mine in stages. Congratulations to Peter and fiance, her visit seems to have flown, I bet it has to them too. Fred, you are very lucky if you can dash for the computer, I would loose every time, mind no one wants my computer, its made up of rejects from Nick and Gary's. You must not miss taking a photo of HMS Newcastle, perhaps you can show it to us. Anne, I hope your son and daughter are better now there's always one virus or another going around, I used to blame Saddam, but I cant do that anymore lol I remember Poncho's too, I loved them, so comfortable to wear, I was looking at one in a shop, but thought I may be too old now. Sylvia, I hope you manage another few days away, you are always so busy dashing around. You have done very well to have nearly finished your Christmas cards. I hope you find the recipe for sticky toffee pudding, you have all set me off now. Jude, Is it tomorrow you pick Maddock up, I bet you are awake early. Hi Kathleen, Lou, Christine and everyone, I hope you are all well. Now I must start some housework. See you tomorrow. Love June xx

Hallo everyone, Well weather continues to be stormy and wet, but managed to get to the market without getting too wet. I have one of those plastic ponchos which I put over myself. They only cost a few cents, and keep out the wind and rain. They are as useful as those little plastic rain caps. I have several in different colours. If they tear I just throw them away. I'll tell you our "secret", my neighbour and me, well we've bought ourselves a lottery ticket for 19th October. We're not telling our husbands! We call this our "secret", and if we win a big sum then we'll tell them, but not small sums. Annemie, my neighbour has been doing this longer, so I decided to join her today. Gosh, why do I feel guilty? My husband is really easy and won't mind a bit, so why do I have to have a "secret"? The answer is I don't know. I now have my winter duvet on the bed, and long nightgown with long sleeves, and socks. Yes, winter is here. Today I bought blood sausage on the market - only to be found in winter months. I'll fry this tomorrow with apple and have mashed potatoes with it. I bought myself an Autumn wreath for on my wall on the balcony. I just couldn't resist one. I've began gathering bits and pieces to make a table decoration. This is the time when I miss my garden and have to rely on what the council grows around us. My hairdresser came round as usual to do my hair. She always comes round on the bike. I did some more ironing and washing, but where did the rest of the afternoon go - I don't know. I did watch Neighbours. I usually tape this and watch it late in the evening, but thought I'd watch it during the day today. Anne, I crotcheted all my curtains for this flat. I have only half curtains and they look lovely. I can't think where I found the time to do them, but I did. Must be my age! My granddaughter wants me to cross stitch a picture for her mother (my daughter). Maybe I could finish it by Xmas. I found a lovely one in the Spanish magazine, with a cat chasing a mouse, very amusing! I would have booked a trip into Gent, Belgium, but I'll wait until the weather gets better I think. I called the information up on the screen and it sounds nice. Anybody made sticky toffee pudding yet? Until we meet again, love Sylvia xxx

Hello everyone, on a chilly autumn evening, all tucked up here cosy and warm. You can really feel a nip in the air. Think it is time to get those winter woolies out Sylvia, and top up the oil tank. You must have great patience to crochet curtains, have never attempted anything like that. I did however do several christening shawls for presents and for my own children. Cross stitch is something I would love to be able to do, but I seem to have great difficulty in following those charts! I have several small kits which I keep meaning to complete. My young niece had asked me to teach her to knit when she last visited. What a trial, but we got there in the end! I had left some needles and wool for her at my Dads house, for when she next visited. Poor child phoned me up, I had forgotten she couldnt cast on. Neither her step-mum or her Mum could do it for her. I remember having to learn to knit at school, and we were only about 7 yrs old. By the age of 10, we had knit the dolly a complete outfit, ourselves a pair of cable stitch mittens, and made several skirts and embroidered aprons. Can't imagine many children of that age managing to do the same!! My 14 year old is horrified when I tell her, she thinks it must have been akin to child abuse!! She is about to be a victim very soon if she doesnt manage to knit a few rows hereself with me having to fix the holes. June you have had a trying day, hope you can get a chance to put you feet up, and chill out. Gaynor I hope your test results are good news. Also hope you had someone with a gentle touch if you were having blood taken. I am sporting a lovely bruise where the last sample was taken. Look like a druggie or something! Well think I have chittered on long enough. Night all, sleep well. Anne xxx

Evening all:o) It has been a beautiful day today,but definately a nip in the air this evening! l left home this morning at 9am for a 20 min journey forgetting about a road closeure in the Forest grrrr - it took me an hour and l was 30 mins late for work - ooops - took an hr to get home as well:o(( The students worked brilliantly today all helping one another and enjoying themselves as well. We weeded the organic garden and a patio garden at the centre - the lads strimmed the grass and tall weeds - watching them was something else!!! daft are'nt l?? but knowing that strimming can be dangerous and seeing how sensible they were and so aware of the dangers and such care,it was was lovely. l took 66 photo's - what would l have done without my digital camera.We have a deaf & dumb lady in this group who just loves gardening and l took some nice ones of her smelling the mint!!!:o)))))) Before we actually started work we went through the re-cycling thing - what can u re-cycle etc and which bin do's it go in:o) As we were making our way to the gardens l smelt something pretty awful!!! lol - yeh you guessed it -dogs whatsits - and who got to clean it - yeh you guessed again,ME!!! it was on someones shoe - grrrrr Spoke to godson this evening - he's fine and still full of cheek. He says his foot still go's out but does'nt hurt.He still has a lump by the stitches as well,which doctors were'nt worried about, it could be fluid!! Did the weekly shop earlier on, bought a lovely piece of Brisket for Sunday roast - l'll put in oven nice and early,cook it for about 6 hrs on very low gas and it'll fall apart on the plate-yummyyyyyyyyyyy, with roast spuds,veg and yorkshire puds - double yummyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy:o) Sylvia - how do you do it - you never seem to be still and so many interesting things:o) Elisabeth - so nice to hear from you - hey congratulations to Peter and fiance:o) Your always busy as well. l must do some gardening,my sister has given me 3 plants which l must get sorted by the weekend. Fred - did you get your piccie???? Anne - do hope everyone is well now?? June - YES we do!!!! hubby phoned this morning and they said yes we can collect him anytme Saturday.Hubby did his back in yesterday cleaning out the bloomin drains,so might not be at work in morning,in which case we can get him by 12 noon,if not it will be about 3.30pm.His bed is ready and all his bowls and toys,blankets all been washed - towels on the heater for when he's been in the river - once he's here l will be snapping away with camera and will try and put piccie on Darren's GC site. Poor you having to charge around without your car,bet your k-nackered?? Hope all is well with your Gaynor. Ok thats it for now. Hi to all l missed out:~) Jude sarf wales xx

Hi Everyone :-) Sorry I haven't been around today - I have been absolutely spaced out, I have just slept all day - the tablets really seem to be kicking in now - let's just hope they do some good! Just wanted to say "Thanks Mum" you've been great ferrying me around (cos I can't drive at the moment being dizzy all the time) I don't know what I would do without you. I love you so much Mum. Jude you made me laugh with the dog wots its thing.... It's usually me picking it up in our garden and John getting it on his shoes! I will have to take a look at the "Gas Man" thread Elisabeth - sounds intrigueing. Sylvia, your Autumn wreath sounds lovely - Mum was talking about it the other day - they sound beuatiful, I will have to keep an eye open for one over here - it would look really pretty on my front door. Ann thanks for asking about the blood test - and yes I do have a lovely bruise - the nurse was fairly gentle but I'm afraid I don't part with my blood willingly and she had to root for it a little first lol! Anyway - I am going to go now and get MORE sleep! Probably won't see you all now until after the weekend because we are going to a family wedding tomorrow - That will be fun, I don't think I will take my tablets tomorrow! Night Night - Take Care Love Gaynor Ann xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi Jude I got a few very nice pictures of Hms Newcastle yesterday ,and a few of waves going right over tynemouth pier in plumes about twenty feet high ,but not up the side of the lighthouse like i saw in the storms last year,so the destroyer is my screen saver for the time being. Some of these nurses take the mick ,i had my three monthly blood test on Tuesday and she coudn,t find the spot ,so i had a piddling little plaster on top of a ruddy great bruise the following morning ,it looks a bit like someones eye after a good night out [i should be so lucky] I,m off with two of the grandsons fishing for the day ,so if you behave i may bring you a bit of fresh bass ,or cod for your tea.Have a good day all.Fred.ptfg.

Hi everyone, Its a little dull here after the lovely day yesterday. I bet Jude is all excited now, today is the day she picks up Maddock, I do hope everything goes well this time. My Jude you are going to be busy transfering all those Pics over, that is the bit that I get bored with. Your Sunday lunch sounds very tempting, can any one come? Yes thanks my car is back on the road now, had to have a new tyre. Fred, enjoy your day fishing, I want to know the true size of the catch, not the usual fisherman's tales, The photo of HMS Newcastle sounds great are you going to share it with us? Anne, my mum was a great knitter, she also did crochet, tatting etc. She taught me to knit at 4 years old, I knitted a very simple coat for my teddy ( she sewed it up though) Of course in those days, they all knitted etc, there weren't TVs to watch. Sylvia, I am a little puzzled why you bought a lottery ticket for October 19th, dont you have weekly lotteries where you are? Secrets are more fun anyway, its not as though you are doing any harm in keeping it secret. I have never heard of blood sausage ( not sure I would fancy it, the name is a bit offputting) but sausage with apple and mash sounds very tempting. I am still on the lookout for sticky toffee pudding. Does anyone know when Brenda is back? It seems ages since we heard from her. She will be pleased the thread has been kept going so well. Yesterday Nick and Gary moved my desk around, I've now got the dining area as my "office" I didn't want to go upstairs when Nick goes to Denmark, I like the idea of being able to see out to the front of the house and also look to my back back garden at the same time. Its also better for Beckham, he can run in and out. I'm off now to tidy up some more of the folders etc. that got rehoused in the move. Hi to everyone out there. Love June xx

Just a quick hello this morning. Yesterdays sunshine is just a memory, wet again today and as usual very windy. Fred have a good catch today. I am in trouble now, reading your message reminded me that I was supposed to cook sea bass for Johns tea today, but forgot to take it out of the freezer! Also had a nice piece of salmon in there, guess they will have to wait. Best wishes all - have a lovely day. Anne xxx

Anne, never mind, tonight you can think you have the sea bass to look forward to instead of looking back on it. lol Love June xx

Hi all, Yes, we do have a weekly lottery, which I also do, but this is another one - extra, get what I mean! "secret". I was also taught to knit at an early age and knitted all my own socks. I still knit socks for my husband. My mother knitted lots of socks for the merchant seamen in the war. That was a terrible job with oily wool - heavy going. Last year I taught my granddaughter to knit herself a simple long scarf, which was in fashion last year. She kept coming back to me with dropped stitches, but I made her carry on. Unbeknown to her I knitted one for her within a few days and packed it in for Xmas. What a lovely day it has been, so nice that we ventured out and went looking at various halls which we'd like to book for our party next year. I admit the sound of blood sausage does sound horrible, but I ensure you it really is nice. I think in the north of England they also have a spiced sausage like ours. I made an Autumn decoration for my coffee table today, which I've managed to make for nothing. Nothing pleases me more than being able to make something which has cost me little or nothing. I actually dug my cross stitch out, and as soon as I had it out my husband came and wanted help on the computer. Well, I couldn't resist looking at my e-mails and this thread too, so will do my cross stitching tonight. Paddington Bear - my third guest towel for the washbasin in our toilet. My husband is not bringing my sherry to me, so it looks as though I'll have to go to him. Will close for now, until tomorrow. Love, Sylvia

Hi all - just quickly, l have put a new thread up on topics re the DOG - he is gorgeous:o)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Be back tonite or morning:o)

Hello everyone - its all quiet here,Madoc is fast asleep downstairs and Fat Cat up here on the table. Madoc is just perfect, l cried buckets earlier - just looking at him, he had his head in my lap soaking up the cuddles and strokes, he smiles from one ear to the other and his eyes light up - his tail, well,it must ache!!!!!! Unfortunately he's limping - think l might have told you all he was in a road accident about 2 yrs ago and has a large scar on back leg - l think he has done tooo much running around and up and down the stairs, infact earlier he was so excited he nearly fell down the first flight - sooo we will have to keep him quieter tomorrow - Vets Monday if necessary. We picked him up at 11.30, the kennel maid handed him over to me whilst hubby was paying the bill(he's off work today,back still playing up), as kennel maid got to the door she turned and had one last look at him - she knew l have one gorgeous dog and she'll miss him,l will have to send some photo's in a few days or so. For a while we left his lead on to make it easier to catch him if a prob with the cat - bless him he kept picking it up and carrying it. He and Fat Cat are better now, first meeting Fat Cat dashed out the cat flap,2nd over back fence, 3rd he grew double but did'nt run and so on and everytime Madoc go's near cat we call and do the treat fingy. Sylvia - oh my word, you were young when you learnt to knit. l was probably about 9 or 10yrs, l don't knit much now, have something on the go now but gawd knows if l will finish it.My sister is the knitter and my mum was and the m.i.l. l was looking the other day at those thistle plants, or weeds along the road side, they look nice in autumn wreaths. l need some more gold and silver spray.When out with Madoc earlier l was playing with branches to see which ones bend and not break,cause they can be used to make a circle to make wreath on - must take cutters tomorrow:o) Fred - how many did you catch then, l'll have some what ever it is, except eel!!!!!! June - Piccies transferred ok,but l can't sort them out proper to burn them onto CD, sounds stupid l know,but they are now in with all the other photo's (700 of them!!!!) and kodak won't let me click on more than one at a time,its so annoying!!!:o(( l had to update the site the other day and its changed some of the fingies that l could do - if u see what l mean??? lol What a lovely mum you are and your Gee Baby sounds a lovely daughter - l would do exactly the same for mine.Hope you did'nt think l was being rude when l said about you charging around without your car:o(( Do you still want sticky toffee pudding, l will ask my sister, was it you or someone else?? Gee Baby - how are you this evening, oh yeh how did the wedding go,just remembered. l make notes from all the messages and try to remember everyone, then l forget things, l'm not that old so can't be old age, or can it??? lol l had to use the hose on that shoe. Hubby is usually the best one for that sort of thing - he can't smell or taste!!!!! Going to bed now - do hope everyone is well and happy l know l am:o)))))) Nite nite:o) Jude sarf wales xx

Hi Jude I managed ten tiddlers ,all whiting ,to be honest eight of them were very small but the last two were of table size ,but i put them back too ,cause i have loads in the freezer.The g/bairns had me in kinks ,and i can see this is going to be a regular thing .I,m going again tomorrow to use the last of the bait up.They deserve to get caught after me feeding them on best prawns and squid [Bill will go mad if he catches me feeding fish on prime tucker]. Your new friend won,t let you out of sight for a couple of weeks until the bonding takes place,and by the sounds of things you will get a lot of loyalty.I really must think of doing this once i have got moved,where we are then will be lots of fields and parks nearby ,and i will be getting plenty of exercise.Fred.ptfg.

Hiya - can't sleep and my sonar systom or some thing has dragged me into the puter room - he he he lol Fred - 10 tiddlers bless:o) l remember when l was about 15 l was fishing near Ashington in W Sussex, in a competetion - first l had major probs trying to get the wiggly bait on, then even bigger probs when l caught a very wiggly EEL, never again!!!! Thanks for your kind words about the dog - he is a gem, can't wait to go down in the morning and be the first to greet him - l'll tie hubby down cause he'll want to be first as well, mind you he can't move that fast he's still got gippy back(or is it jippy?? either way it hurts!!) and he thinks he's going to work - "yeh l'll be in tomorrow,should'nt be a prob" l heard him telling his boss yesterday (Sat) and there he was standing with phone and his body bent abit like an S shape, plonker!!!! Well my feet are really cold now so think its time l went back to bed. l could'nt even have a cuppa,did'nt want to disturb the dog - so far no noise, bless im:o)))))) Your all going to get so fed up with me and me dog!!! sleepy jude in sarf wales

Sorry its me again - Hubby beat me to it and was awake at 7.15, the dog went bolistic, he was so pleased to find us still here, came charging upstairs onto bed and IN,ball and all!!!!!! he was chatting away so excitedly but could'nt understand a word cause his mouth was full!!! lol - he's eaten up,been out the back and now waiting for us to get ready for his walk.His leg seems abit better this morning, as l thought - he did too much yesterday!!! Hope everyone is ok - l'm going to put my brisket in oven then have a shower, see you all later:o) Jude sarf wales

Morning all, and a wet and windy one it is! The kids keep asking me to light a coal fire. LOL Don't think so!! Remember the days of getting up at five in the morning when they were little. Raking out the ashes, trying to put them in the bin on windy days, - remember that? Then lugging in the coal shuttle and starting it up again. Looked lovely and cosy, but what a mess. No wonder I ended up with a hernia!! Love my oil heating- even if the price has gone up considerably. Maybe light a fire on Christmas Eve!! Fred you certainly seem to have enjoyed your day. I have put the salmon and bass in the fridge to defrost for tomorrow's tea. New potatoes and some veg ummmm. Hope you enjoyed the wedding Gaynor! Take it easy today and recuperate today!!! Jude you sound like you have a gem there with your new dog. We didnt have a dog for over 20 years, and in January I bowed to pressure, and headed to animal shelter. We brought home Lady, it was love at first sight, she looked so pathetic, we had a home visit the day after seeing her, and followed the home visitor back to the shelter and brought her straight home. When I look at her now compared to then, she is such a different sight. Her coat is now silky and shiny, and she is a picture of health. I often say if she was smaller I could carry her round in my pocket. She loves all the family, but they call her my dog, as it is me follows around. I just love her to bits and wouldn't be without her. She was about two to two and a half years old when we got her, and clearly had been abused at some stage. We think she gets flashbacks at times and starts to shake, just wants cuddled, then she settles down. It is amazing the effect a dog can have in the house, my lot seem to be quieter(slightly!), anyone raises thier voice is told they are scaring the dog.LOL Well tomorrow my two fully recovered are back to school. So peace will reign in my house for a few hours anyway! Only thing is they have now passed some of thier germs on to me,and I have the drippy nose, runny eyes and sore throat. Think they have taken this sharing lark a bit too far!! Enjoy your day everyone, Anne x