General Chat

We had a lovely bright day yesterday but today is a bit overcast and quite cold. Have been frantically trying to catch up on getting ready for Christmas, so much more to do than I thought. I had started to have a really good clear-out of 45 years of accumulated "bits and pieces", but think that perhaps I had better leave the rest of this until the New Year. It is taking me far too long to do the job properly, with some things there are memories attached and that makes the decision to send it to the charity shop much harder. Susan is doing well, in some pain but in good spirits. Friends visited her on Sunday and cooked her a nice roast dinner and, best of all, were good company. I am going to do a small shop for her today. She and Indira always spend Christmas Day with us here - usually Boxing Day as well. They are only 5 minutes away from us so no travelling involved and they can sleep in their own beds. Her appointment with the Oncologist is on 31st December, then we will know the results of all the tests and whether or not she will need further surgery. Sylvia, you are always so busy but you sound very contented and happy - I love reading your messages. Indeed I really enjoy reading all the messages on this thread, we all lead such varied lives and yet still have so much in common. I hope June gets her PC problem sorted out soon, another lady who always seems to be so busy. Brenda, my hair can be much the same - like a birds nest but it has got a little thin at the moment. It has been falling out just lately and I wish I had not complained so much when I had very thick, strong hair. Hopefully it will recover a bit in time. Have just had a phone call from Susan, she is out of milk and bread and dying for a cup of tea!! So I will have to cut this short for now. To everyone I haven't had time to mention, thank you for all your support. I have read all the messages, everyone seems to be very ready for the festive season. Will try to get back later. God bless Love Kathleen

So I'll try again. My computer keeps cutting me off. I typed a nice long thread and lo and behold lost everything. I'll be glad when I get a new one! Well it's Sunday and I had a rest day - yes, really a rest day! I had my usual cup of tea in bed and slowly came to and made the breakfast. We always eat our Sunday breakfast in the sitting/dining room and have the Sunday crockery, etc. etc. The rest of the week we eat in the kitchen. Afterwards I did the puzzle in the local paper - who knows I may win a big prize, or not! It was a puzzle where you had to match up the captions in the local paper. I then went on to do a "normal" puzzle, and then dreamed what I would do with the "presents". Silly me! My youngest daughter 'phoned me today to thank me for her Xmas presents. I knew she wouldn't be home so my husband left them with her neighbour. I expect she will turn up during the week, as will my other daughter. I feel sad that I cannot have the whole family for dinner as I used to, but my husband won't let me. I must admit that I used to get quite tired at the end of Xmas Day! I can reminisce I suppose! The weather is very cold - 5 degrees of frost. All the cars outside are white! Johan and I have been playing Xmas CDs all day. We have a lovely one of Kings College Cambridge choir singing. Must play them now as the rest of the year we can't. Oh, now I've forgotten who everybody was on this thread before me. Just a senior day today. God Bless, Sylvia xxx

Hi Everyone,just to let you know (if you have not read the birthday messages)that June is having PC probs with GR and cannot get access to add messages etc.She is waiting for them to sort it out. Hope you are all having a good weekend ,hope the meal was good Jude, Sylvia,hope the small package is ok.Nice things come in small sizes ,so they say. Hope you had a nice weekend Ann. Kathleen thinkibg about you all. If you are looking in June hope to see you soon. take care ,Brenda

Coooee - just a quickie. l won't be able to answer all the messages, tooooo many:o) Sylvia you are great,you're always there and so full of energy,bless. Di - do hope you feel better soon, take care, l will email you hopefully next week:o) Just wanted to tell you about my christmas present from my bil - we had a lickle christmas day meal yesterday and opened pressies with my sister and hubby. He said in the summer he would make me an art box - OH MY WORD, he kept his promise, its beautiful!!!!! Made of pine and varnished, l keep hugging it to get the gorgeous wood smell. It has three lift out sections,making 4 compartments and a section to slide art pads into. This will become a treasured posession and an heirloom!!!!! It spent the night beside my bed!!! Its very chilly here today - we are off to meet son,wife and some of her family for a meal at the wedding reception hotel today, really looking forward to that. Will look in here when l get back. Not taking Mad dog,but a neighbour will sit with him - talk about pampered pooch!!:o)) See yeh Jude sarf wales xx

Yes, it's me, who else? I've marzipaned (is that the right spelling?) my cake today and made some bread and done a little ironing - 4 shirts of my husbands. It seems only yesterday I ironed 7 shirts! What terrible weather, rain, strong winds, thunder, lightning, and sleet. There have been a lot of accidents on the roads both here as well as in France and Germany. Motorists were surprised by slippery roads - probably going too fast! My husband went and picked up our Xmas parcel from his ex employers. It gets smaller every year! No, I shouldn't say that. We pay into a social fund and get a Xmas parcel, so really it is not actually a gift, or is it? I had an e-mail from my son telling me exactly when he is coming on Xmas Eve, so looking forward to seeing him. I had a lovely Xmas letter from an ex colleague of mine. He lives in the Netherlands and is 52, and up to now unmarried, although had several girlfriends. He now writes to say that he was married in the summer to a French teacher and she is now expecting their 1st child. How wonderful for them, but have been thinking of the child having an old father! He is so set in his ways too, having been a bachelor for so long. He is a writer and speaks many languages. What an upheaval in his life! Well will close now, see you tomorrow, love, Sylvia xxx

Hello, where are you ,busy with christmas preparations I expect,well don't get too tired with it all and most of all enjoy!! Take care Brenda

Good Morning Everyone,just have a half hour or so before i need to shower and get dressed for work.The cat managed somehow to get left out of the kitchen and was demanding to be let out at 6.45 this morning,so I was up to let him out then had a cuppa and did a few more presents.Think I' m better doing a few at a time,rather than a trying to do it all in one go,I don't get as frustrated when the sellotape snaps or twists or the paper creases etc. I am so pleased your daughter is doing ok Kathleen,like Sylvia says sleep is a good healer and knowing your on hand will help her as well.Just take care of yourself as well please. Mary,there is only the three of us for christmas dinner,the rest of the family want to be in their own homes at christmas. We go over to my dads usually late morning or early evening and have a duppa and exchange gifts etc,He will not come to any of his six children for his dinner,my sister who lives on the next block takes him his dinner over,he won't even go to her to eat it .He has always been like that ,he has offered to cook for all of us but there isn't enougth room ,and he will not split us into "groups" to go seperately. He has visitors all day long so he is not on his own. Had better get ready now,have to wash hair and as it needs cutting I have to be careful when blow drying as it has started to look very birds nest like very quickly. Speak to you all tomorrow ,sorry to anyone not mentioned.Take Care Brenda

Here we are again, like the proverbially "old penny". I went out this morning with my neighbour/friend to the market. There was a cold wind blowing and showers of rain. Early on we had a huge clap of thunder. The sun did come out for a second, then disappeared. I'm glad that people have decorated the trees etc. in their gardens and huge inflatable Father Xmases climbing on the roofs of houses. I would like one of those Father Xmases too but I live on the first floor of a block of flats and it would be putting temptation into vandals I fear, so I won't give them that pleasure! This afternoon I took it easy packing the last presents and doing a bit of ironing. My hairdresser came late in the afternoon, so feel good. Kathleen, I know just how your daughter feels about being let out of hospital so early. I had cancer of the womb and when everything was taken away - on a Wednesday afternoon - they said I could go home on the Friday. I refused, as my husband has two left hands when it comes to cooking, and I knew I would be in the midst of work as soon as I returned home. I stayed the weekend in hospital to recover. They also let me have a shower on my own on Thursday morning and there wasn't even a chair in the shower to be able to sit on. Radiation treatment isn't too bad at all - I had 22 external and one 1 internal treatment. I was extremely tired though. Sleep is a great healer! My daughter turned up yesterday evening, unexpected, and bought me a beautiful table decoration she had made herself. This used to be her work, so you can imagine it really looks good. We have to pick up our Xmas parcel tomorrow from where my husband used to work, but I've decided not to go with him as the weather forecast is none too good. I can better potter around the house. Maybe I'll marzipan my Xmas cake. What a lot of messages there were to read today. None from our Di, or Fred. Maybe tomorrow. Have a nice evening. Love, Sylvia

Hi everyone, Ann, My daughter married 10 years ago as well. Only one of her grandparents was still alive and she was one of the witnesses that signed the marriage register. A very special nana who is no longer with us. She also made her wedding cake. Kathleen, So glad to hear your daughter is home safe and well - it does worry you though when they only keep them in for such a short time. I think it is the rest they need - not having to think about meals etc. She is very fortunate to have all your love and support. Christine

Nobody has been on here since me this morning, we must all be busy. Spent most of the day wasting away the minutes on here. Also watching the video of son's wedding 10 years ago as Tony has been transferring it from video to DVD. quite sad really as there were my Mum and Dad looking all fit and happy, and my Mum died 3 months later and Dad went downhill from then and ended up in a nursing home, he lived on though for another 7 years. Our son had my Dad his grandfather for his Best man, unusual but nice to see. I wont be on here tomorrow and maybe not Sunday either as we are going to hampshire for the weekend. Ann Glos

hi All, Yes Brenda, June and Kathleen it is dull very wet, cold and miserable here in Gloucester. Doesn't seem worth doing any housework as it is so gloomy even the dust doesn't show up, and most of the surfaces are covered in christmas decorations. (And that is my excuse!!) The weather must be bad as Tony has not gone to golf. Kathleen, I am pleased that Susan is home now recovering from the op, i am sure it is better to recover at home and less chance of contracting the dreaded 'bug'. i hope she continues to improve and is able to enjoy her Christmas. I have now finished wrapping all my presents thank goodness, tomorrow we go down to hampshire to deliver to our daughter and family. it is sad not to see them at Christmas but we have to share ourselves around and it is son's turn this year. And Lynda will be here for New Year which will be lovely. I am still trying to imagine drinking a whole bottle of sherry without falling over Sylvia, no wonder you were tired and went to bed early!!!! Such stamina! Mary in Oz Our friend has just flown out to Oz for 4 months, her daughter is living in Melbourne (He is in the army) for two years so she will spend Christmas there, he son lives in Sydney, he has just moved there from England with his new wife who is Greek/Australian - a lovely girl. Son will join them for Christmas which is great for her. I think actually that the last 3 weeks she will be flying on to NZ to visit a friend. Well, best get on and make myself go out to get the papers and a breath of air, usually walk but i think i might be the car this morning!! Speak again soon Ann Glos

Oh what a wet and dismal morning it is, still have to have most of the lights on. Well I know the hospital said they don't keep surgical patients in for long because of the MRSA problem but it took me by surprise to get a phone call at 8.30 yesterday to go and pick up Susan - less than 24 hours after her surgery!! I eventually got there at 10.30, phone calls from people asking after her delayed me and then trying to find a place to park - we have a Tesco in the hospital grounds with a large car park which is free but it was absolutely choc-a-bloc. Had to try the hospital car park which has a minimum £2 charge (for up to 1 hour), that also was full so I ended up parking on the end of a line but outside the designated parking, one or two others had had to do the same. That meant a longer walk to the ward where a still slightly high on morphine Susan was waiting. There was already another patient in her bed!! Later, when I phoned to ask about after-care and why the early discharge, they said patients recover quicker in their own homes. Fortunately she has a Mcmillan nurse who will be looking after her and they gave me her number as they said she is there for the family as well as the patient. I am to ring her if I have any concerns. We won't know until after Christmas whether Susan needs further surgery. After settling her in at home I did a little shopping for her and she went to bed for the afternoon. Later I did a few more bits and pieces for her, charged her electricity key etc. She looked better (albeit a bit lopsided - it made me want to cry). She said although happy to be at home she would not have felt so good if she had had children to worry about. Luckily we all live close by, I am only a few minutes away and the rest of the family are also near. She has strict instructions to phone if she needs anything and of course I will be in and out during the day. All being well the Radiotherapy starts in the New Year. Now I have to try to catch up on my preparations for Christmas - no cards done yet, I just could not put my mind to doing them. Slept quite well for about 4 hours last night so I hope to make some progress today. I have read all your messages and they have kept me going, Di your encounter with Mr.Ratty made me laugh, it conjured up such a picture of you, John and Pan - and the towel - trying to outwit him. He certainly seems to have mastered the art of stealing the turnip without getting caught. Sorry not to "speak" with you all individually but I am sure you will understand. I do look forward to reading this thread and hearing what you have all been doing. Brings some normality into what has been a bit of a traumatic time recently. Hope the weather brightens up a bit, looks like it is set to rain for some time yet. I'll be back, maybe later today, when hopefully I will have caught up on things a bit. Meantime hope you all have a good day or a good nights sleep whichever applies. God bless Love Kathleen

My there are some earlybirds about,I am of out early ttoday to get some more wrapping paper,and post the last of my cards.I was being very cost consious this year ,using last years left overs,only some seems to have perished and tears at the slightest touch!!.It isn't helping at all when you just finsh a parcel and the corners come througth. Need to get back for lunch as I am work at 1pm til 5pm,then all day tomorrow,so will not have time to shop tomorrow.I need to deliver some parcels on Sunday so have to get those ones finshed today. Chris,my friend who lives in Mornington,victoria used to have a pool and all the family went to them,when the kids were small.She cooks her turkey etc in a Webber,but they sit in side to eat. Sometimes they go to her mil who lives up near Cairns,but Pat my friend says the heat there is overpowering ,she feels and looks like a limp lettuce. doesn't look like a white christmas here ,just hope it is not wet or grey and miserable. June i hope I have finshed the presant shopping,but will need to get fresh food stuff on Thursday.Not looking forward to that. It might be Sunday before I am back on here as I am at work like I said all day tomorrow and out with friends in the evening. take care,Brenda

Hi everyone, Hi Brenda, Xmas is usually very hot but looking at the weather we are having at the moment - overcast and the odd shower don't know what Xmas Day will be like. No, we don't have a pool and although I'd love to have a barbeque at the beach we usually have the traditional Xmas dinner at home - at the last count I think it was 13. It's always good Xmas morning as the grandkids live next door so we don't miss out of any of the excitement. The girls, 5 and 7 helped me make a fruit cake today. Both hate dried fruit and pulled faces at the thought of it - they would rather it was a chocolate cake but they still didn't mind licking the bowl - minus the fruit. Hope everyone enjoys Xmas and the stress levels are kept as low as possible. Christine

Hi everyone, Its still dark here and pouring with rain. These days, I wake up early and cant get back to sleep, then it means I'm tired at night and have difficulty keeping my eyes open. Kathleen, I hope you have managed to get some sleep, we dont want you being ill. I hope Susan is feeling better too, give her a big hug from me. Sylvia, I have just been smiling at your discription of your face, comparing it to traffic lights, there's Brenda and myself like Belisha beacons and Chris compared herself to a lantern, at least we will light the place up. Chris, Your dog is the type I like, interested in enjoying life not in fighting, I have had dogs all my life, very often 2 or 3 at a time, thank goodness I've never had a fighter. Hi Mary, and a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too. I hate shopping with all the crowds too, I hate fighting to get to look at things, then queuing to pay. When I get home, my back always aches. At least I have finished now, I refuse to buy anything else. Ann, I have just been reading some of your hidden talents, you are very good. Jude, I did take one or two photos last night, they are not easy to take as they are all lights and dont show up as well as I would like. A merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all, I know I keep saying it, but then I should catch everyone sooner or later. Love June xx

Hi ,what a lovelly sight to see all your messages ,with evryone beingso busy I half expected it to go quiete at this time of year. kathleen,many thanks for the update about your daughter.It must be so hard on you during this time, all the waiting.etc. June we could be belishes at our next meeting,we might not loose anyone then. Hello Chris and Mary,how are things in your neck of the woods,its cold ,windy and miserable here.How do you spend christmas day? BBQ on the beach,by the pool? Ann read some of your writings on She's thread ,thought they were good. Di ,can understand your husbands ideas to a point ,but there must be another way of getting ratty. Not sleeping well again,stress of christmas I expect. Speak to you tomorrow,Take care Brenda

Hi everyone, Hi June, It is difficult with dogs - some just love to attack other dogs. My dog on the other hand doesn't think he's a dog and isn't interested in them - even other Weimaraners - if he's going for a run then that's what he is doing. He does love to fetch and swim too. Sylvia, I was born in Auckland NZ and so were my parents. Three of my grandparents came from England - London, Essex and Kent and my other grandparent was from Denmark.

Yes, it's me again. Well somebody has to keep the thread going don't they? Yesterday I watched a neighbour putting up a Xmas decoration, and stood at the window trying to guess what he was going to make with that modern sort garden hose lighting. Well, absolutely nothing. There are bits and pieces trailing without any form at all. Strange people. My neighbour upstairs (my friend) tells me that from her flat it looks like a swastika! Linda, came today and when she'd finished cleaning came on this computer as she is still not connected. Keeps her a bit longer by me! What a cold biting wind there is today. This afternoon I had to go for physiotherapy and the wind and rain brought tears to my eyes. I was so glad to be back home again. Jude, how is Madoc? Have you bought him a Xmas present? Di, fancy, you almost caught Ratty. What would you have done if you could have touched him? Rats carry Rabies, so be careful. George, what are you studying for? That little girl in the store screaming for her balloon. It would have been easier to have given her another one. What tantrums! Kathleen, so glad about your daughter.Will she be home for Xmas? So your granddaughter is in Ypres. I found this an unforgettable place. Brenda, I'm used to the sherry, although sometimes my face lights up after the first one, then goes from red, to amber then green. Like the traffic lights. Nice to hear from you Chris. Were you born in NZ? Still didn't get my sewing machine out last evening. How funny it is, but sewing jobs always get put off in this house. Will say cheerio for now, till tomorrow, Love, Sylvia xxx

Hi everyone, I'm back for a few moments, I have just been putting a new bulb in a fibro optic light and I feel quite exhausted now, why do they make things so complicated? Well the weather improved and I got some washing dry but now its raining again and blowing a gale. Brenda if you are going to be a Belisha beacon, I will be the other one, thats the effect that sherry has on me too. Di, you have more patience than me with Mr.Ratty, I would want him dead because they are supposed to be able to find their way back if you turn them loose. Hello Chris, nice to have you back again, so I guess there are going to be 3 Belisha beacons then if we all hit the sherry. lol Ann (Glos), Enjoy your shopping, I hope you dont spend too much. Yesterday, I got quite upset, there's a lady that lives near with a tiny Yorkshire terrier, she had just been playing with her on the green at the back of my house when another dog pounced on it and was tossing it like a rag doll. I was just going to see if I could help when another lady appeared, I thought she was the owner of the naughty dog, but she wasn't although she called to the owner to come and get it away. Fortuneately, the Vet's surgery is at the end of the Avenue so I would think the Yorkies owner would have gone straight there. I have been looking out for her today but haven't seen her. My next door neighbour has 2 Golden Retrievers and they walk them a lot so they are going to look out for the Yorkies mum to see how things are. The poor lady lost her husband last week, has cancer herself and now this, her constant companion, being attacked. I wish I knew where she lives so that I could see how her and her little dog are. There's one thing for sure, I'm not walking Beckham down there again. Doesn't darkness fall quickly, it was light when I started this message and now it is dark. I'm off to start dinner now, so see you tomorrow. Love June xx

Just spent ages reading the posts, owow!! Don't they mount up when you miss a couple of days. Didn't get to post the last couple of days as I spent a lot of time wrapping presents etc. Managed to answe a few of the shorter threads but didn't feel i would do this one justice. And Mondayw e were out at the lovely carol evening at the golf club - about 80 or 90 there and a lot of singing and a lot of fun with each table representing one of the 12 days of Christmas and very competitive as to which table could make the loudest contribution when it was their turn. it was a lovely evening. I have to go shopping now but hope to get back to you later, this is to send the thread back up the board a bit!! Ann Glos