General Chat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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 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

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

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

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

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,had a really good Sunday,got up late ,had a bacon barmcake for breakfast,and two cups of tea. Dusted and polished the living room,read Sunday papers.then went out for a pub lunch. This is something we have not done before,on a Sunday, so it was a new experience,we went with some friends who we go on holiday with,it was to a pub up near Oldham which has a carvery,it was really great.Had to much to eat (eyes bigger than my belly)so when we got home it was all I could do not to fall asleep. John has almost finished the cleaning of the flags ,he hopes to finsh tomorrow.so fingers crossed the weather is dry. Like Kathleen says ,we do take a lot of things for granted,like tap water,gas and electric on line .We have a lot of road works in my area due to the council repairing the Victorian sewers,we moan a bit about the short delays or being re directed but we would have more to moan about if we did not have the sewers at all. Have a nice day where ever you are and what ever you do,Take care,Brenda

What a lovely quote. Yes us with dogs definately make fools of our selves. Walking around at 6 in the morning calling out Caillagh as loud as we dare, because she had decided to run off with the guys out on a bike ride. I just cant run that fast anymore. But she did finally come back though. Now she is sound asleep on the bed along with David. He is suppose to be watching the football. Another beautiful sunny day here. Getting all my washing dry. It is suppose to be raining as we also really do need some. Had that a couple of weeks ago. Hopefully thats not all of it for the winter. Nights are getting colder now. Definately wearing slippers around the house at night. Not much to report. Blair is going on an excursion tomorrow so I wont get much done. Hopefully trying to get to the Gene Society sometime, trying to get some information to finish off a present for Nannas 90th Birthday. Just need a couple of marriage and death dates. Well better go and get back to the washing. Bye for Now TRUDY

Hi Everyone All this talk of water shortages make me feel very fortunate, although we are on the outskirts of town we are on the water supply simply because the town reservoir is on a hill which is our back fence line and so far even in the driest summers we haven't had water restrictions. June,lovely to hear news of Beckham & Tortie & Bonnie more to join Fred's godchildren ! Sue from Tassie,I can understand the frustration of barking dogs,you can only turn the stereo up so far.I had a friend with a similar problem which they solved by taping the neighbours little offender and replaying it full blast over their fence seemed to work. Sylvia,we find a cat flap ideal,Ripley used to stay indoors at night for the first 4 years but then decided she needed a little exploration at nights.I was cautious to start with,afraid other unwanted critters would also come in,however I have come to realise that it has the benefit of giving her an escape route if needed. Will close with a little quote 'The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you,but he will make a fool of himself too. -Samuel Butler ' Kind regards to All Judy

Hello everyone, Now where did my last message disappear to? Posted one at around 1.45am (just before I went to bed). That's the second time that has happened. Trudy, when I was about 11 years old (a very long time ago!) I had a budgie called Basil. His favourite place to perch was on either my head or sometimes my Mum, she would go out into the garden to hang the washing still with Basil sitting on her head. Unfortunately, when being looked after by a neighbour whilst we were away for 2 days he perched on their cat's head - several times apparently but finally the cat got fed up with it and you can guess what happened!!!! I cried for days and have never been fond of ginger cats. Reading all your messages I realise how much we take for granted having water on tap and how we complain at our, very rare, power cuts. It has been much cooler today and very windy but dried loads of washing. Turned a bit chilly now and the forecast for tomorrow is overcast and possibly some showers. It was very hot on Friday, the weather is a bit unpredictable at the moment. Cut back my forsythia today, well as much as I could reach. About 8 years ago I planted a little 2'' piece from another bush and it is now 8ft and this year it was a mass of yellow flowers. The Mock Orange Blossom is just coming out and is also producing masses of flowers, everything seems to be blooming profusely this year. That includes all the nettles that I thought I had got rid of. My hands are still stinging because I couldn't see the nettles growing through the forsythia. In fact all the weeds are growing really well, I would really love to be able to get someone in to clear the whole garden and start again from scratch. Raised beds would be ideal - have to keep on buying the lottery tickets!! Sorry have to cut this short now - young friend needs help, she has some problems so must phone her back. Have a lovely day/night God bless Love Kathleen

Hello, everyone. It started cloudy, quite chilly, this morning but by the afternoon nice and warm and sunny here down south in England. Ann - my sister has just bought a car from a garage in Droitwich - small world! :-) Joy