General Chat

Hi everyone, Not much to report. We have now got running water, Neville mended the pump yesterday, so I now have all my washing on the line. It is slightly overcast today but very warm. I still wear short during the day but in my trackies morning and evening. This morning I slipped on some chicken poo when I went to let them out of their coop. I managed to stop myself from falling, but I must have pulled my back and I am now, once again dosed up on pain killers. I am not fit to let out. I will be glad when I am back to fit again. It seems like ages since I went for a really long walk, and my clothes are starting to get a bit tight. I won't be able to get on tomorrow, it's the day for my mammagram. I hate that but it is very important. Well, I am going for a lie down Susan

Hi everyone, We have another lovely sunny day here, I have got the washing out early before the sunbathers get out or they will moan. Ann, I hope your back is not too bad at the moment, you have my sympathy, that breakfast was certainly good value. Kathleen, Your forsythia and orange blossom sound lovely. I had these at my house in Cleveleys but haven't got them here, maybe when I move...I hope Susan is still improving. Susan, I hope your back is improving and the pain is under control, Its lovely to hear the different lives we lead, (though to me mine is rather boring these days,) Bill, I hope your back is ok too., we sound a lot of old crocks, dont we lol? Have you set a date for moving to NZ yet? or is it something that you intend doing one day? Its still lovely and peaceful here, everyone is still in bed, even the budgies are quiet and Bonnie and Beckham have settled down for another nap. Fortuneately our two dogs only bark when someone comes to the house, but the two gorgeous Golden Retrievers that live next door, can be a bit noisy. One of them doesn't like metal ladders, she barks everytime the ladder is moved. When its sunny like it is at the moment and everyone is doing outside work, it can be rather annoying. I am now going to have a cup of coffee while it is quiet, Take care everyone and keep your messages coming. June xx

HELLOOOOOOO Oh my word so many of you, where you all come from - l looked the other day and there were a few new names,but blimey!!! lol Well this is just a quick catch up on the wee rascal of our dog Madoc. Fred l read your message about Busby, bless him. Yesterday we went to Abargervenney Steam Rally and low and behold there was an Owl Sanctuary tent, the young lad (aged about 18yrs??) is going to be on telly in Nov in a wild life programme, don't know the name, but the sanctuary is called: Owl Sanctuary, Ebbw Vale,S Wales - so keep alook out.The owner was telling me that the lad has a natural way with the birds and can do anything with them. Anyways the two of them were letting children hold the birds on a long glove, well l could'nt resist,but everytime l asked they walked straight past me - its then l got talking to the owner, whilst we're talking the lad came towards me with a larger owl, so l'm going 'coooee coooee' - he just kept going,the owner then said hang on a mo l've got a bird for you!!!!!! and came back with the biggest brute l've ever seen, one of the eagle owls - HE WAS MAGNIFICENT, l have 3 photo's of him. So tame all the children can stroke them. l had to turn my back away from the owls perch cause he would try and fly straight back to it - so when l was finished the man said 'ok turn now and hold your arm out' whoosh he was gone!!!! a day to remember:o) Mad dog Madoc is on my bed lording it as usual - he had a good telling off earlier though - HE KEEPS jumping over the fence into next doors garden. The lady there is 82yrs and loves him, so as soon as he hears or smells her he gets really excited and now whoosh he's gone as well!!! he knew l was cross cause he kept moving away with his tail between his legs, l told him off but by the time l'd caught him he'd probably forgotten why!!! soooo we will have to get some trellis or simular,not all along the fence but where he can jump from. Fat cat (Jimmy) was lording it on the bird table this morning,quite a squeeze as well, again took a few photo's.l will try and get some on GC Photos page, but the last 2 - 3 times l have tried l can never find the bloomin things. Fat cat also presented us with a baby colared dove and baby black bird last week - grrrr, but to him its normal:o( My garden is really coming along now - we have all the posts up, started to level the path and lay stepping stones and bark. The other end has the beginnings of a nature pond(no fish) and steps. l should really be out there but l don't know what l am doing ,(its all guess work) and my neighbour (the other side) is in his garden, he always asks what l'm doing next etc and l never know,so l'm on here for now!!!! lol lol will do more tomorrow, he'll be at work:o)))))) Beautiful weather here and has been for a few days, need some rain now!!! lol Ok l'm off now to do some mosaics,really enjoying doing that. Hope all the poorly backs are soon working well again;O) Kath & June - take it easy will you.Love to Susan & Gaynor. Ann - you take it easy as well. We might have a BBQ next Friday as son and his wife will be here, yeh that'll be nice. Oh yeh one more thing - couple of weeks ago we stayed at daughters in London and paid a visit to Portobello Rd antique market, l bought a gorgeous old tile, like you would see around the old fire places - well l bartered with him and got it down to £5. from £12 and guess what - THIS MORNING I DROPPED IT!!! l was so upset,love anything like that. It can be stuck together again though. What would the best GLUE be???? Take care alll of you. Jude sarf wales xx

Afternoon All,am supposed to be ironing ,which is not my favourite past time,but have been looking for power washers on the 'net,John has decided we could do with one. Had a walk round the local B&Q DIY store earlier,it is a Bank holiday here todayso it was full,car park was like brands hatch,people totally ignoring the direction signs etc. Waiting for my dad to pick me up and we are going to visit my aunt who is 83 ,in hospital,she had a stroke two weeks ago. The weather is great ,even if a bit windy. Bill a barmcake is a like a flat bread roll,sometimes called muffins ,breadcakes depending where you are in the country. They can be very filling so we don't have them every day.But with bacon or sausage on them they are lovelly. Jude,you still seem to be having a full time job with Madoc,my sister loves her new pup,Rascal but says it is harder to train him than her last dog Misha,she said it was all the dogs fault,but I said it is her as well as she is older. Susan,really glad you got your water sorted,cannot imagine no water on tap,remember having to go outside to the toilet when I was a girl and having a tin bath in front of the fire,or going to the communial wash baths,but we did had a cold water tap in the scullery and a copper water boiler to heat the water . Have to catch up on a few emails now,hope to see you all tomorrownot sure what time,take care Brenda

Hi Everybody At last another fine day so have got the washing out to dry at last.Trouble is the next step is ironing ! I make that job a little more bearable by catching up with TV tapes. Brenda,thanks for describing barmcakes,my husband said they used to call them that in Cumbria and usually they were filled with jam and sugar on top,but I think the bacon sounds better,now I'll just have to go and get a bacon butty after rousing the old taste buds. Bill,how exciting can a trip be down the Manchester sewers ? Don't think I'd like to go there even for free. Susan glad to see you having a mammagram,I had one last week (ouch)They are free here for ages 45 - 69yrs but I think it should be available for all women of all ages,they are so expensive most put it off for another day.I think prostate checks for the boys should also be more readily available, apart from the obvious health benefit the saving on medical costs would be great. I do hope all you folk with back problems are feeling better, trouble is once a problem always a problem and you have my sympathy. Another quote: 'A well trained dog will make no attempt to share your lunch.He will just make you feel so guilty that you cannot enjoy it. - Helen Thompson ' Kind regards to All Judy

Hi Brenda and all Another of the orphans set adrift and yes another kiwi. Just found out that Bill is writing somewhere around this thread. The colder weather has arrived - heaters are on as are extra clothing. Our cat refuses to go outside because of the rain and the wind preferring sit by the heater - in fact any heater that may be on, there's the cat. Now that the Lions have arrived the general chatter will be the rugby and for those with no interest in the sport it will probably be a case of noting the score and thats all. The real sports fan here is my wife and loves watching rugby and netball. Recently the local netbal squads having been battling it out for the top spot and now its final stages. I have watched a couple of games and jeepers don't they move fast and it is wonder they aren't hurt with the heavy falls. John

Hi everyone, Its another lovely sunny morning here, could get used to to this weather, if only we had the chance! I have had a very lazy Bank Holiday just updating my family tree and wandering in the garden occasionally. Jude, How exciting at the Owl tent, you are braver than me though, holding it, I'm a wimp, I get nervous when they flap their wings. I'm sorry you have dropped the tile, I always use Uhu glue on ceramics but its not easy to get hold of around here, just read the label and see if its suitable for ceramic tiles. Give Madoc and Fatcat a hug from me. Brenda, Ihope you got your power washer, they are brilliant but dont use them on Conservatory windows, a friend blew a window out on hers. Judy, Your quote about a dog and your lunch is so true, I always fell I have to give Beckham some, even if it is only my last bite. John, The reason I am on here so early is because it was pouring with rain last night and Beckham (my dog) wouldn't go out and then this morning he couldn't wait to get out there, Bill, All this talk of barm cakes, bannock cakes etc is making me hungry. My back is a lot better now thanks but as a precaution, I'm not casting many clothes (thats a relief for everyone,lol) I'm keeping my back warm and avoiding draughts. Donna, I haven't played rounders for years, I used to enjoy it though. I have moaned about the cold weather in the past but I enjoy the memories, lol Hi Sue in South Wales, I hope the day is brightening up for you, its lovely here. Take care everyone, hope to see you all soon. June xx

Good morning Judy,and every one else,you should go down the sewer in Manchester Judy ,rumour has it that Fergie is sat there crying his eyes out ,and wondering what to do next season he he. It's nice to hear from Madoc again ,and fat cat,oh ,and their owner [hi jude],lot's of new pet's and people turning up ,plus a couple of more orphans, as brenda says all are welcome ,so let's be having you. Fred ,is trying to cheer himself up this morning before going out into the garden and hitting the hedge ,it's a bit daunting,the size of it ,but i reckon if i do the inside edge today ,the top tomorrow ,and the outside the day after it will only take around three hours lol. The morning dos'nt look too bad here ,sods law i suppose ,after all ,most of you are back at work this morning.Some one mentioned air conditioning ,well i have to say ,i know the feeling,the R.A.F. used to do the same in the gulf to keep the telicomm gear cool,and after a eight hour shift down the hole ,we used to open the blast doors ,and the heat used to hit you like a wall,by the time we got back to headquarters, breakfast ,or tea was a no no ,all you wanted was a cold shower and a pint of something cool. Well ,i'm off to do this hedge ,after which i have promised to take my grandson to the railway museum while his dad goes fishing so i hope he only catches crabs [little ones] that's cause he wouldn't take his lad ,and i am taking him instead,and i am brassed off with him[,the son]. The bairn idolizes him ,and follows him around like a puppy,i ask you ,i would have given a hell of a lot to have any of my kids treat me that way,but there you go ,modern youth i suppose ,and i don't care ,cause i love my grandkids,all thirteen of them ,and a new one pending.lolFred.PtfSA&G&G&S.

Morning Everyone,its sunny but cool here today ,hopefully I will get the washing dry before I go out to work at 12.30pm. Had a good weekend ,and looking forward to my days off tomorrow and Thursday,meeting an old work friend and havig lunch on Wednesday,Thursday is my day for taking dad to have his radio therepy. Never had sugar on my barmcakes its usually savoury things on them,but its an idea.!!! Must see about the trips inthe sewers ,I pay enougth rates for them. Loved playing rounders and netball but only made the school team a couple of times.was reserve a lot. John is still looking at the power washers and we have Karchers here as well Bill,June wish i had a conservatory to wash down !!! See you all some time tomorrow. Take care.Brenda

Hello everyone from me at work again. I don't always say a lot but it's nice to see you all. Seems nice and safe here like Bill's was. Lots of orphans now accounted for - hello, John in NZ. I've heard that Dave and Jude Bennett are still very busy over there. :-) Joy

Good morning All Felt a bit stiff yesterday……I fell over walking down my sister’s steps Saturday evening (and not even tipsy!!) landed on my hands and knees. Feeling a better today….knees not my strong points at the best of times!!!! Ankle a bit swollen but not quite so painful today! Well that’s my whinge over…. Kathleen I loved my Forsythia in England, wonder if it would grow here. Reading all your comments takes me way back in time, Brenda I answered a thread the other day about old times and mentioned the Tin Bath we kept on the coal shed roof….I was the youngest so always got luke warm water!!!! And we had an outside Loo…eventually we had a light put in but it only worked if the kitchen light was on….my Dad used to turn it off to scare us so if there was a spider lurking in the corner you had to keep your eye on it just in case and hope it was still there when the light came on!!!!! I feel for you Judy (Wales) getting such a bargain with your tile and then dropping it. I lost so many precious things last September….only things but they all had memories. Well guys that’s it from me for now, nothing happening much. Love Jacquie

Hi all, Well, like a bad penny I've turned up again. We flew in from Alicante this afternoon. We have had two weeks of total sunshine and not a drop of rain, until this morning when we had a few drops, but then we were leaving anyway so didn't matter. For the first two days of my holiday I slept and slept and slept. I guess I must have needed the sleep! Johan and I did a lot of walking around and also hired a car for a few days. We shared a table with another English couple and enjoyed their company so asked them to come out with us in the hired car. One of the days we went on a safari and the other day just visiting old haunts of ours, including a large shop where they have lots of lots of equipment for making cards etc. I didn't like the food in the hotel, but the hotel staff and the cleanliness there was excellent. I think next time we will take an apartment and then can choose ourselves where we have our meals. It's nice to see so many of you contributing to this thread since I've been away. I have just read a few, but will have more time tomorrow. Tomorrow have to go to vote on the referendum on the Common Market and then go to my hairdresser for a permanent, then shopping, so am back in the swing of things again. I have already had the washing machine running today. My dear neighbour Annemie has changed my beds and washed and ironed the duvet covers and pillow cases. She has washed just everything that I left dirty - Johan's trousers and mine, plus jumpers etc.etc. and there was a lovely bunch of flowers waiting for me. Isn't it nice to have a good neighbour? See you all again tomorrow. Sylvia xxx

Hello everyone 1st June already down here in NZ Bill, the Lions allowed the public to see them practice at North Harbour Stadium and that is the one and only time the rest will behind closed gates. As you know I not a true rugby fan and having a passing interest. June, Tiny, our cat, hides when we try to put her outside first thing in the morning, she runs and hides but not for long for she soon scampering out the door. There have been heavy rain this morning coming in all directions and Tiny wanted go to outside but would only to the door where there was no rain coming in. Cats and dogs are bit like humans they want to stay dry. Noted your dogs name is Beckham does he score goals like his two-legged counterpart? Hi Fred, we have TV programme 'Off the Rails' telling the history of railway in New Zealand, showing where rail once ran, where rail tragedies have happened that most trains these days carry freight are far cry from when people travelled around the country. My great-grandfather was killed in a 1923 train smash along with 16 other people and was at the time the worst rail accident in NZ some 30 years before the Christmas tragedy that killed 151 people when lahar destroyed a bridge at Tangiwai. Hello to the Kentish maid, Joy - you so right about David and Judith still busy and still riding their motor bikes about the place. John

Sylvia & Johan - hey welcome back, so pleased you had a good rest, you obviously deserved it. jude sarf wales x

hello all,just been trying to get into ancestry,renewed my membership on Sunday and it will not let me in,have sent emails three times now and not had a reply,anyone else had peoblems.Brenda

Hi Everyone, just popping in.... Bill, I don't quite remember the Gas Masks but I did have an ID Card...born '49 so missed the big fuss!!!!! I am the youngest of 4 so the 2 eldest where there. Knees are feeling a bit better now but ankle still a little swollen. Sylvia nice to meet you. Thanks for the email Bill!!! Jacquie x

Hi All Well we had a cool morning with a zero temperature, but it is sunny for the first day of winter so it should warm up ok. I went out early this morning as one of our shops had a stocktake sale so I went and picked up a couple more woollen doonas for the children, I expected a crowd to be there but it must have been too cold for a lot of people, which I didn’t mind as I was able to get in and out quickly and back home to the warm. Fred Your story reminds me of my childhood, except I used to idolise my Pop or Grandfather as some call them. Every Christmas holidays we would go to the farm which my Grandparents owned and we would be there for Christmas eve, my parents would stay for a couple of days and when it came time to go home I wouldn’t want to leave and so I ended up staying for about 6 weeks and go home just in time to get ready for school. I loved it bailing hay, milking cows, feeding chooks and pigs and my favourite was picking cherries from Nan’s orchard and also raspberries. Welcome home Sylvia and Johan, hope you had a good holiday and I bet it was a surprise to see all these new names pop up on this thread. Sylvia and Norm I hope things are going ok. Jacquie I hope you are recovering from your fall, sometimes falls happen so easy. Bill sounds like your temps are the same as ours, I don’t mind a frost at least you usually end up with a nice day. Susan in Biddaddaba, I hope your back is starting to get a bit better, I haven’t suffered from a bad back since I stopped delivering newspapers in the early hours of the morning, not sure if the cold or lifting bundles the wrong way was the main cause of my back problems. To everyone else I haven’t mentioned as there are too many I hope this find you well.

Hi Brenda & Everyone Another nice day here and got my washing dry yesterday so now I'll face the ironing,you're right Bill drip dry is best but still prefer to iron some things.Still not as bad as I was when young,used to iron the tea towels etc. Hope you have recovered from your fall Jacquie,it's not just the bruises it's that horrible feeling of shock isn't it. I remember the Tangiwai disaster John.It also made world news as it coincided with the young Queen & Dukes visit to NZ also my cousin was booked to travel on the train and at the last moment changed her mind,lucky girl. Fred, you have made me curious,who is Fergie ? Please let him/her come back up from the sewer. June,my Anna agrees with Beckham,dogs do not do rain.I've known her to cross her little legs for 24hrs or more and finally I have to reach for the lead and stern voice. Sylvia,you mentioned voting re European Union,at the moment I am reading a novel,The Ambassador by Edwina Currie and it revolves around the European Union set in the year 2099. Quite an interesting read. Time for another quick quote then back to the ironing. 'Never judge a dog's pedigree by the kind of books he does not chew. - Anonymous' Regards to All Judy

Just popping in for a moment to say Hi to everyone. Yesterday was very busy then my sister phoned to say she was on her way - so that was a good excuse to stop working and take the opportunity to sit and chat for a couple of hours. Cooked dinner for my two sons coming in from work and dozed off for an hour in the chair. Decided to go to bed early(ish) - and could not get to sleep so about 4.30 got up, made tea and went back to bed to do some crosswords. It rained for much of the night but had stopped by 6.30, I eventually slept for about an hour and then gave up. Got up and kept the washing machine going for a few hours so I now have a big pile of ironing to do!! Feeling sleepy now so hopefully will get some sleep tonight. I hope all the bad backs, sore legs and ankles are better really soon. We all seem to be a bit accident prone lately. Susan is feeling better at the moment, she starts her radiotherapy next week and the next course of chemo about the same time so she making the most of feeling able to do a bit in the garden whilst she can. Must get myself off to bed now. Hope you all have a good day or sleep well wherever you are. God bless Love Kathleen

Hi all, Feeling abit sore at the moment, sat in the garden too long today, got abit sunburnt, not bad considering it was supposed to rain eh.lol luv Pipsyxxxx