General Chat

Hi everyone, Just thought I'd say I've been to England and Denmark and came home last Sunday. I've just had lunch with Mary from Sydney who comes on this thread occassionally. What a wonderful lady and her husband was lovely too. I did meet up with a few from Genes while I was away. I went to see Gaynor and Lou who pops on here sometimes, Donna (Strump) and Susie Manterfield were there. It was great to meet them and hear them. I also went to Kew and met up with members from GR there. I didn't have much luck but it was good to just see the place. I went to my grandparents birth places. A wee place called Elmstead in Essex, Faversham in Kent, Islington in London and Skælskør in Denmark. Looks like you have all been keeping each other company and keeping in regular contact. Christine

Hello everybody. Not stopping to write a message now, tried to have an early night and slept for an hour then woke up and couldn't go back to sleep. Just had to say Happy Anniversary to Sylvia & Johan, I hope your party goes well and you have a lovely time. Wishing you many more happy years together. God bless all Love Kathleen

Hi all, Fred, don't you dare leave us. You are the only masculine contributor here. Not that I don't appreciate the 'girls', but having a man around keeps us in order! Because the sun was shining I thought I'd get out again on my scooter. By the way I can now hear in my left ear, but nothing yet in my right one. Now Sylvia don't be too hasty it's only 5 weeks that you've had a cold! Have patience girl! I had underestimated the bitter cold wind though. I couldn't resist buying a bunch of white tulips and a bunch of white hyacinths. The latter smell so nice in my vase, and a joy to smell when I enter the sitting room. Johan must have thought our bank balance was good when I didn't get out shopping! It's far cheaper keeping me at home as I cannot resist plants and flowers. I hear there has been more trouble on the boards, but I don't know what. It always flares up every now and again. Glad I'm not involved. I've been tidying up my hobby room today - before I went to the shops and did some more ironing. Everything gets pushed into my room. I like to keep the sitting room tidy for visitors, and that is when things get pushed into my hobby room. Gosh, oh golly tomorrow is our day. We won't do anything though as Saturday is our day. Thanks June for putting those kind words on the board. It's so nice to see people wishing me luck. Off to cook some dinner now. Sylvia xxx

Hi all,Fred is reporting in againAt last i have some good news to read from you lot,Susan seems to be improving,Madoc and his overweight feline oppo seem to be behaving [within reason]and you all seem to be getting on together ,unlike some of the threads lately ,which is one of the reasons why i hav'nt been around much lately. It's so sad to see this bickering and i must admit ,i am in two minds as to wether to renew ,or not,but i still have two days to think about it further. Another reason is ,it's about time i delved into the family history again ,having hit snags everywhere back beyond g grandads on all sides of the family,i am getting a bit depressed about it all. The garden is coming on fine ,but we have a heck of a lot of potting on to do,both flowers and herbs,the onion is ready to prick out into their fibre pots ,and they can then gointo the ground without having todisturb them again,i like doing the veg that way because it gives them a better start,the only thing i don't do that way is parsnip .and carrot ,they need to go into the garden from the packet. poor old fred is back at the hospital tomorrow [torture time again ] but apart from the sore muscles afterward ,it should hopefully stop the back and legs getting worse,which is what it's all about.,i did sugest to Liz that she came as well ,but the answer i got was unprintable[ sniff]any vollenteers? Well i'm off now i have the dinner to see to,two nice tuna steaks to be chargrilled ,along with a garlic based rice salad,and a jacket tattie[ yum yum]cyal.Fred.ptfg,&a&g&s

Hi everyone, Its a rather dull morning here,it may brighten up later. Nick did turn up about 5.30 yesterday, I was beginning to wonder if I was going to see him, lol. He had spent Monday night at Gary's house then he saw his grandfather etc at Gaynor's house, then it was back to Gary's (as you can gather, he and Gary have been very good friends for about 10 years). Anyway they both turned up here and Gary slept here too. They have done one or two jobs for me (high or heavy ones) so I am very happy about that. I haven't planned anything today, I'll just wait and see what happens, he goes back tomorrow. Just remembered Nick has lifted down 2 hanging baskets I couldn't reach, so I will do those today, weather permitting. Kathleen, I'm glad Michael is feeling a lot better (apart with the thought of a £4000 bill) I think these dentists just pluck a figure out of thin air, I'm glad that Susan is getting out and about again, she has done very well. I like the name they have chosen for the new baby, such a nice ring to it. Sylvia, What a lovely idea, decorating the house for Easter. I like the idea of an Easter wreath too. I'm glad to decided to put up with us for another year, I would miss your messages. Beckham is still up to his tricks, Gaynor bought me the G4 CD for Mother's day and Beckham now joins in with the singing. He's very excited with Nick being back, I know when its Nick or one of my friends at the door because Beckham runs in circles. Jude, You have given me an idea, I think I will get some hyacinths and see if there are any chicks and eggs around, (I am pinching ideas from you and Sylvia here). Brenda, I'm pleased you are still being organised, I would have lapsed by now. I have done some hanging baskets and tubs even though I am moving, I didn't like to see the garden drab, I have done things I can take with me, I will leave some though to greet the newcomers. Elisabeth, glad you didn't forget mum again, lol She will be happier when she gets her specs. I like the idea of those birthday presents, it is very difficult to come up with new ideas. Well I had better go and get dressed now, and then call in and look at hyacinths on the way back. Fred I hope you are busy gardening.# Love June xx

Hello all, just thought I would let you know the new baby has been named. I have been sent some photo's and she is beautiful, her name is Jolie Alex. My son went to the dentist today, though his tooth is not so painful now the infection is still there and the dentist advises that the tooth must come out. He suggested an implant - at a cost of £4,000 - no I haven't put too many 0's. As it is a back tooth and will cause problems if it is not replaced Michael has to consider it but that is a serious amount of money - also will take 14 months to complete all stages. Will have to keep buying those lottery tickets!!! My sister came over today, so that put paid to all that I had planned to do but I enjoyed her visit. Don't see her as often as I would like though we do chat on the phone. She is on her own now but keeps very busy, the other two babies will be her grandchildren due in April and May. Hope you all had a nice day, sorry not to mention names this time. Though must mention one - Sylvia pleased you will be staying with us. I know we all miss reading Di's lovely stories of her walks and her family, we don't want to lose anyone else. Goodnight, sleep well God bless Love Kathleen

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Evening all, Thought I would add a few lines while I have the page up. I think it must be taking so long to load as it is so big now. ( I did delete a bunch of my early ones a while ago to reduce it a bit.) I have had the usual busy day - hairdressing run this morning. I was back to pick up Mum at the appointed time only to find she had been ready for 20 minutes, as they were quiet today! This afternoon she had an eye test appointment so she can now have new specs, though they will take 2 weeks to come. I had a lovely phonecall this morning from my old friend who wrote last week. I had replied over the weekend and she had only got the letter this morning, but she fancied a natter. How nice it is to have friends like that. I have been thinking of two birthdays of other friends today, and trying to decide what to buy them. I have now found the perfect presents. On Ebay you can buy a 'footprint' patch of Sherwood Forest and sponsor a holly tree. What a lovely idea for those people who have everything! I think my two friends, one coming up to 60 and the other 73, will be thrilled with something different. It is time to plug in the iron and tackle the mountain of shirts, trousers and bedding waiting for me. Have a good night. Elisabeth xx

Evening everyone,have managed to get on here before my son has ,as I am not sure when or if my friend is coming to find out the information she wanted. Like Jude it has taken ages to get on here so I thought I would leave a message anyway. The Organizing is still doing ok. I have taken the meat from the freezer for tomorrows tea. I have the washing ready to go inthe washer when I go downstairs. And if my friend doesn't call I will write out some birthday and Easter cards. I am not on work until 12.30 pm tomorrow ,so want to do some ironing and put away the rest of the holiday clothes I have washed etc. june your family are always so busy ,I don't know how you can keep up. Sylvia,glad you are staying with us,what would (and where would) we be without you to N us. Kathleen,good to hear your son and daughter are on the mend.I used to be better organised,but this job throws you out as you work such different days and hours. Jude,you have reminded me that I must go and get some plants for my tubs ,not sure I will get such bargains as everyone else eems to do. Have been told there is a cuppa waiting for me ,so I am off downstairs. take care brenda

Hi all Just a nudge really - its taken me ages to get on here, tried earlier as well and gave up, so not even read the latest messages!!!! l'm feeling ok, nothing came of my aches and funny throat. Madoc played rings round me again in the garden with his rugby ball, little monkey. We popped to the garden centre and bought some 12ft poles, they are to be cut into 3 then make the fenceing between the secret path!!! and the planted area. The poles are flat on one side - you know the sort of thing l mean???? As we were leaving the counter l spotted some Hyacynths for a £1 a pot, 3 b ulbs in each pot, so l bought 4 pots - nice one!!! Anyway must go and start dinns. Hope everyone is well :o) jude sarf wales x

Hi all, The day started off nice and sunny but turned dull, but still dry. I went out on my scooter as I don't like having to stay in. This morning I first decorated the house a bit for Easter, Easter bunnies and little yellow chicks in baskets. When I was out I managed to buy an Easter wreath, with small eggs in. Johan will have to hang it on my balcony, but first he'll have to take the two Xmas wreaths down. I did some dusting and made bread and ran a washing machine. I thought the rest could wait until tomorrow. I bought a book for Johan for his birthday. That's the only thing I can please him with. I had a lovely e-mail from my niece who has gone out to Egypt to live and work. She says I can go and join her, but I cannot see that happening. Anyway, nice to have been asked, am quite flattered in fact. I've now paid for another year on GC, so you'll have someone to keep nudging this thread up - who else! No stories of fat cat, madoc or Beckham. Are they on holiday? Sylvia xxx Hi Fred, are you in the garden?

Good morning all, Just a short message for now, must stop this thread sliding too far back. Looks like we might have some more rain, it is very dull and overcast. The forecast for next week looks more hopeful, let's hope the Weather man has got it right. Michael is feeling much better, the second lot of tablets worked and his face is no longer swollen and the pain is virtually gone. His sinuses are clearing so altogether much more comfortable. Not one to take to his bed nor to admit to feeling ill so he must have felt really rough. Susan has been out a couple of times on her own, she went to the Support Group at the hospital last night and today is going to another group - on her own!! However, she has a bit of a 'runny nose' - her daughter has a bad cold, so we will have to keep an eye on that. Her next chemo session has been put back to 1st April so that she can enjoy Easter. Radiotherapy starts in June sometime. June, hope Nick enjoys his stay, how long is he home for? Sylvia, hope your ears are getting better and that you have been able to sleep better. Brenda, I have periods of being very organised only for it all to dissolve into 'organised chaos' quite quickly. As I work in my own time I decided not to go out yesterday (because of taking Susan to a school meeting with the deputy Head - but he had forgotten about it!!). Of course today it is not looking good weatherwise - don't want to walk around in the rain so there you see is where my organisation falls down :-( Jude, hope your throat is better, gargle with some salt water and maybe you can keep the nasty bugs at bay. Elisabeth, I was thinking of you and your new car yesterday. We have those silly little road humps on our main road through the estate. The suspension on my car is dreadful and as I bumped my way along it I was really envying you (and everyone else with decent suspension!!). I did buy a lottery ticket at the weekend but, as usual, no luck. To make it worse every number I had was one before the one that was drawn - how annoying is that!! Must go, been longer than I planned. Hope to be back later. God bless Love Kathleen

Hi everyone. It started raining yesterday evening and it looks as though it rained all night, it still looks rather damp just when I was hoping to clear the garage out a bit. Nick ended up staying at his friends over night, Gary's mum ran Nick back here to borrow my laptop and to take the Chicken Korma back that I had bought him. Then his grandfather is meeting him at Gaynor's house, so hopefully he will come back here afterwards. I haven't got anything planned for today other than to take Samantha to college, I haven't planned to do anything until I know what Nick's plans are. Jude, I hope your throat is better and not developing into something else. I hope you are right about the weather getting warmer, I think a bit of sun is what we are all short of. Sylvia, Lets hope all the drops etc will do the trick. You must be getting a bit better if you are not so tired. Brenda, You are organised aren't you. It does help though if you fold your washing, even if you do have to iron things they are a lot easier to iron when they have been folded. Its not easy working and looking after a family. I take it Elisabeth is still doing all her running around, its a good thing she doesn't work too. Kathleen, I hope your som is better and that Susan continues to improve. Love June xx

Hello everyone,I have managed to sneek back on for a few mins before going to bed. I promised myself on holiday that I would get organised,and this is the start,I had two phone calls tonight and kept them really short .I also folded up the sheets and put them away ,when they came out of the dryer instead of leaving them in a heap in the basket. Have also hung loads of stuff on hangers in the dining room,so they should not need ironing,well thats the theory!! Ironed clothes for a couple of days in work and sorted out what we are having for tea tomorrow.All since 8.30pm.so I am a bit done in now,hope it helps me sleep. Not sure if I will be back tomorrow my friend might be here while I show her how to check some records/take care .Brenda

Hi all, Although I was up early, I don't feel too tired today. Johan and I went to our wholesalers today to stock up. We needed lots of things in bulk. I have a card for this wholesalers and not everybody is allowed in. It is for people like shopkeepers etc. I managed to get a card years ago when I did bed and breakfast and have never given it up - sh sh I asked Johan to phone the doctors for me as I cannot hear anybody on the telephone. I went to the doctors and she said my sinuses are still inflamed. I now have more ear drops, nose drops as well as a puffer for my lungs. What a state of affairs! Hopefully this is my last visit to the doctor for a while. The weather here today has been marvellous, and so to hear can only get better - more sun, higher temperatures, just what I need. With all this nice weather I'm dying to get my balcony decorated with flowers, but first my neighbour will come and clean it properly for me. In the winter we get a green algae over and he scrubs it for me. Yes, I'm so lucky to have such kind neighbours. See you all tomorrow,Sylvia xxx

Hi all Mad Dog Madoc and his dad have just gone out for walkies:o))) As soon as Vic drove up the drive Madoc's head shot out the cat flap,the other end waving and wiggling like mad!!!!! Vic was later than usual and Madoc knew it, he kept coming up to me either pushing me or jumping on my lap everytime l sat down - l was trying to do some knitting, but oh no the lump would'nt let me!!!! been out in the garden again playing silly devils with his rugby ball, l tell u he's soooooooo quick - he'll have fun at the weekend with Dan:o)) Its another lovely day here, they say its going to be much warmer by the end of the week:o)) Sylvia - l do hope you have been to the doctors, l saw you had nudged this thread. Hope you are ok?? and Johan?? June - bet you are all pleased to see Nick, l saw Gaynors thread about him coming home:o)) l have abit of a funny throat today and last night l started to ache - so if l'm not about for a couple of days you'll know why:o(( could well be nothing though. Take care everyone Jude sarf wales xx

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Hi everyone The sun was out earlier but has now vanished, Nick did arrive eventually but ended up about an hour and a half late. He had told me yesterday that he couldn't wait to have one of Asda's curries from their Curry Pot, so thats what he's getting for dinner. Its been a lazy day really,we came back here after picking up Nick and I cooked bacon and sausage etc. Beckham was over the moon to see him but at first he didn't know who to go to first. Then we decided to go to Asda while Nick went to see his long time friend from schooldays. Sylvia, I hope you had a better night last night and that your ears are improving. Jude, Now I know who has been keeping you busy. Blame that Madoc, bless him. You have two lovely weekends ahead of, enjoy yourselves. Brenda, It does take a little while to catch up on everything when you have been away, it would be awful to come back and there be no mail. Elisabeth, I often forget to switch the washing machine on, cant think why but its very annoying.. You must have needed the sleep if you slept that long. Kathleen, I hope your son and Susan are improving, I bet you make a good nurse. I think I will go and see if I can sneak 40 winks, I kept waking last night, it was like waiting for Father Christmas. Love June xx

Afternoon everyone, I made a late start today, I woke about 4 am but then must have been in a deep sleep and didn’t wake up again until 8.30!! Most unlike me. I have done my dash around the shops and with being later bumped into so many people I don’t normally see, I was a long time. (I had filled the washing machine before I went out and have just found I forgot to press the on button. So annoying!!!) Brenda, it is good to see your safely back and hope you feel rested. I hope you get on well with the new car. I am so enjoying mine now and it just went over 200 miles this morning. The problem with the seats is that they have sort of raised edges and that was the problem for Auntie, she is just so tiny. Jude, So that was why you had disappeared, these new fangled things can be so annoying. It was good to read more of Madoc’s antics. He sounds such good fun and what a good thing you found him. Sylvia, I do hope you are feeling a little better and that the antibiotics are improving things for you. It is so funny you saying that Johan is talking double dutch to you! June, How busy you have been with your hanging baskets. I have to admit I gave up with them years ago and stick to pots, of which I have far too many. I end up cursing them when they need watering. I hope by now your grandson has arrived. I did see something about Gaynor saying his flight had been delayed. Kathleen, I hope your poor son is now getting some relief and is able to eat a little. He will be feeling so weak from lack of food. I’m pleased you have had a picture from Di, she has such a wonderful garden as I remember. I must look out her mail address and drop her a line. I hope Susan is coping with her treatment and that her daughter isn’t finding it too traumatic. Perhaps she can have a good time with all these extra cousins! Elisabeth xx