General Chat

Hi all, Well today I met up with a member from this Board. I must say how nice it was to speak English again with her. How different people look than you had imagined them to be. Anyway, I hope we will meet up again in the not too distant future. Did a lot of washing at least the machine did it. For the rest I don't know where the day went to, honest. I did a little embroidery, but not for long. At 4.00 pm my neighbour came down for a drink; he knows the time when the bottles come out!! We've been trying to book a few days in Belgium - Gent, but at the moment the Belgian children have their Autumn holiday so prefer to wait until they have returned to school before we go. I think we are now going over 2 weeks. The trees are almost bare by us, so you can tell how much wind we've had. Not really any news, so until tomorrow. Sylvia xxx

Hi everyone Today is very pleasant, nice sunshine, the trees look lovely with their autumn leaves. This afternoon my friend is coming round, the one that does ceramic painting as well as family history. I think we will be painting this afternoon, because we are both in the middle of painting a Christmas tree. I am dying to get back to my Christmas cards, the ones with photos on, I just haven't the patience while I have had this cold, but I really do enjoy doing it. Kathleen, Thankyou for reminding me about the clocks being put back, that means we have an extra hour in bed doesn't it. What a thrill getting your dad's medals. Anne (Belfast), I'm glad the news is not as bad as it could have been and I hope you did get a good nights sleep. Sylvia, I'm sure your granddaughter will enjoy Barcelona, she deserves it after working so hard. I agree with you about age, you are as old as you feel, so some days I am 90 and some I'm 21 again. lol Di, Its good to have you back and I'm glad you enjoyed your meet up, I hope you are going to have more. I am going to one in November at Wakefield, there is a Family History Fair and then lunch afterwards. and one in December in Manchester, this will be the 4th one we have had there, I really do enjoy them. George, it sounds as though you have a good year ahead of you. I am now going to have another look for my elusive grandfather, yesterday I found my grandmother but he wasn't with her, dont think he will have gone far, they had only been married 4 weeks at the time of the census. He has hidden away from me for two years and I am determined to track him down.I have his marriage and death certificates but cant get his birth certificate, until I know where he was born. See you tomorrow Love June xx

Yeah ,we do have private medical insurance here Mary ,but it is'nt cheap ,most of us workers ,by the time they've paid their income tax ,weekly bills and the like hav'nt got a chance, so we suffer the nhs. Iv'e been in the system over a year and expect to get my op shortly now. That idea with the jacket tatties sounds good ,so i will try it later in the week.We had a couple here last week and decided to do them for dinner ,anyway ,this funny couple only ate the inside of the tatties leaving the semi crisp skin which i reckon is the best bit ,no sense of adventure some people but i suppose it could have been too much for their wallies.Fred.ptfg.

Pleased to hear all went well Anne, those tests are not pleasant but the anticipation is worse!! Di, it is so good to see you back. I am trying to remember how to send the photo but it will be on it's way to you soon. So pleased you, Lesley and Alva finally got to meet, it is nice to be able to chat in person and to be able to put a face to the name. I shall be going to two meetings next month one on the 21st in Swindon and another in London on 27th. Some of those attending I have already met and it will be great fun meeting all the others. I hope the weather improves, some parts of the country have been hit pretty hard with very high winds and heavy rain. We have had some fairly heavy rain here and it has been a tad windy but it is now quiet and the rain has stopped . It was quite amazing in the late afternoon, the clouds were really racing across the sky. I watched the planes taking off and didn't envy those people flying out today, I imagine it was quite bumpy up there. Not looking forward to the clocks going back at the weekend, short days and long nights for a while. It can get very depressing having to put the lights on in the middle of the afternoon. Still, by Christmas the days start drawing out again. I always remember that 21st December is the longest night - my first son was born on 22nd and that year the night of the 21st was certainly the longest I ever remember!! There was also a heavy fall of snow that night (1950), I remember looking out of the window just after he was born and seeing about a foot of snow covering the sloping grounds of the hospital - and wishing I could go out and roll down in it. Mary I shall be going to the PRO at Kew again this Friday and the following week to the FRO at Islington so I should, hopefully, be able to look for your 2nd grandfather (or is it g.grandfather - have it all written down). I have to look for my Dad's second enlistment in the army in WW1. They sent him home the first time because he was only 16 but it took them 4 months to find out and he went back on his 17th birthday 5 months later and rejoined. Have also discovered that he was awarded the Atlantic Medal in WW2, I didn't think he would get that as he was killed on his first trip. As it was never claimed I will not have to pay to get that. I will have to pay to get copies of his WW1 medals as they had been claimed but lost after my mother died. I am off to bed now so wish you all happy dreams if you are sleeping and a nice resful day for our "Down under" friends. God bless Love Kathleen

Just a quick few lines before bed,I have been doing a bit of research tonight but not found what I was looking for. Great news and what a relief for you Anne,I am so pleased for you. Take care Brenda

That's great news Anne,an op these days is'nt so bad ,and it will help get you sorted out.If it helps we can lay on odds on which of us is going to have the longest scar.lol .I omly hope you don't have to wait as long as me.Fred.ptfg.

Eveing friends, now I can enjoy reading your messages, 'cause I have had some food in me today! Toast never tasted so wonderful as it did this afternoon ummmmm! Thank you for your kind wishes for today. My tests were clear of cancer, (big sigh of relief), and as I already knew I have very severe diverticular disease. I had been told last year that the outcome would probably mean surgery at some stage, and this was confirmed today by the consultant. But, I will worry about it when the time comes. I am really tired now as I got little sleep last night, so am off for a bath, a hot toddy, and a good book. God Bless all. Until tomorrow love Anne x

Well here I am again like the proverbial "bad penny". I went out on my scooter today as it was lovely sunny weather. I had a fleece sweater on and no coat - fantastic! Popped upstairs to see my friend and neighbour as she is recovering from a nasty cold. She assures me that we'll be going to the market together again on Friday. Good. I made some cards today for my neighbour. Actually she wanted one for a gentleman friend of her sisters. Rather difficult to make one for somebody you don't know. I thought does he like books, boats, gambling,....... I ended up making a few for her to choose from. Will show them to her tomorrow. This afternoon my granddaughter - God bless her -came and did my vacuum cleaning for me etc. etc. She had to be away by 4.30 pm to catch a taxi to take her to Center Parcs where she will work until 11.00 pm. I asked her when she thought she was going to do her homework for school. She said she doesn't begin school so early. I think she is trying to do too much. She needs the money for a school trip to Barcelona in two weeks time. Being young, 21, she likes to buy the latest fashion clothes, bags etc. This weekend she is going to a dance party with her boyfriend. Mind you I have seen this all before - me. My daughter (Linda's mother) is also a workaholic too). I told her on the phone this morning to take things easy, but secretly know how she feels, although I don't tell her that. This after Johan and I had our anti-'flu prick. No problem, just the queue at the doctors. I am meeting another member from GC tomorrow as she is visiting her dentist who just happens to have his practise near me. Glad everything is going well Fred. June you are 1 year younger than I am. I don't think too much about age. They say you are as old as you feel. Must close for now. Love, Sylvia xxx

HI DI,so very nice to have you back with us,. I just saw Sylvias message on the general board and came right on here and found you,please tell Alva she is more than welcome.The more the merrier. The sunny weather did not last long ,but I got most of the washing dry,don't think we will be having many more days to dry outside.The clocks go back on Sat night /Sun morning. Have just put a chicken curry in the oven for tea,only a jar of curry sauce over chicken fillets,and will be doing boiled rice and a few chips .But could just go a nice white fluffy jacket potato,with butter or cheese,all this talk of food is putting pounds on me!!!! Got some of the jobs done that I wanted to,but ended up going shopping for an electrical fitment for the dinning room light ,and some new catches and fasteners for the wardrobes to stop the cats getting in,they have learnt how to pull the doors open from the bottom ,so we have to put fastners on them now.Some one on the phone now so have to go,speak to you all soon. Take care ,Brenda

Di, I haven't come on to stop really but saw your message on the General Topics board and just had to pop on to see if you had left a message for us and Yippee you had. Its great to have you back. Hi Fred and George and everyone Love June xx

I hope your tests went well Anne,let us know how you got on please ,we have our fingers crossed for you. Of course anyone can come ,but by the looks of the weather up here i will have to put a load of jacket tatties on to keep you all warm ,and even then you had all better bring your winter wollies.Fred.ptfg.

Hi everyone, Its a bit blustery today, but at least the washing is dry. I've still got my cold unfortunately, I was awake at 4.15 this morning coughing away. Sylvia, I have also been picking the odds and ends for Christmas surprises. Anne (Belfast), I hope all goes well with your tests. Fred, You sound as if you have everything under control. Mary, maybe Fred will invite us all to the barbie. Brenda, You are only a youngster, I am 71 and dont know how I found time to work I didn't really think visiting the pubs would be a problem. lol I think its time for another Paracetymol (is that spelt right?) Love June xx

Good Morning Everyone,well we have a nice sunny start to the day here in manchester,hope it lasts till I have the washing out and dried. It is my day off today I am also off on Friday but will be shopping then,today I have loads of jobs round the house to finish and some others that I want to try and fit in. Lesley ,please say hello to Di and tell her she is missed. Most of us are over 50, I am 55 myself and took early retirement from my full time job as it was getting too stressfull and I now work part time in the libraries,and love it.I am divorced and live with my partner of 22 years and my son who is 29 going on 18.!!! Anne hope the tests g ok and just let me know how I can help with the searching,email me via GR if you want. June no problem visiting the pubs at all.!!! The cats are going a bit silly on the landing so I need to go and see what s going on,sorry to anyone I haven't spoken to,take care ,Brenda

Well peeps ,we had a visit from the council relocation team today and she seems to think we will get a moving date for the middle of next month [yippee] but i'm afraid it's not your friends Sylvia .I hav'nt tried that recipe yet but i have noted it down,we decided to have a stirfry today ,all in one pan ,nice and quick ,and best of all ,tasty. The panic has started ,so far today i've done a deal with telewest and get swapped over for nothing ,and keep my number,the gas board have been notified ,as has the electricity ,and water boards.i will have to go ,as i have now this minute under pain of no washing done if i don't start stripping down the living room furniture and fireplace ,i can't argue with that can i? cyal.Fred.ptfg.

Hello friends, just having a quick look in, to read your news. Not staying long. Have hospital tests tomorrow morning, and have had to fast from last night, only fluids allowed - so....... reading about all your lovely food is making me hungry!!! Hope everyone is well tonight, and happy. Love Anne xx

Hi all, When is the house-warming party Fred? I wonder whether you are moving in to a friend of mine's house. Her name was Preedy. Did you buy from her? Ann, do you make the ceramic models yourself, or just paint them? You are so busy. June, yes I wish too that Di would come back. She might if we ask her nicely. I had sauerkraut yesterday for dinner, I just replace the curly kale with sauerkraut and have a one-pan meal - just right for a Monday. This was the recipe I gave Fred a few letters back. Went to the wholesalers yesterday and found a nice day-to-day calender for my daughter for Xmas with "hints from grandma". I always like to get some surprise gifts. I am busy the whole year looking out for ideas. I have gifts to send to England, Finland and Australia, and for these I try to find presents that don't weigh too much. I also found a nice pullover for my son for his birthday next month. It's no good giving him money or he will spend it on books, when he needs clothes! Today I've been doing a few odd jobs around the house and some ironing. I also made a chocolate cake. Well will close for now, love, Sylvia xxx

Hi everyone, It started off sunny here, so I hung some washing out,but now it is looking like rain. Nothing very exciting to report, I scanned some more photos yesterday after taking Gaynor to the doctors, still a lot more to scan though. Mary, At my age, food, well eating it is my favourite pastime. I' m pleased your brickwall is crumbling, there is a site for the Police Force, I'll have a peep to see if your rellie is on that. Lesley, You are lucky meeting up with Di, I would love to meet her, she has a lovely way with words, Maybe she will make a guest visit for Christmas, I would love to hear from her again. I used to go to school with a girl called Alva, I've never heard the name anywhere else. I wouldn't imagine this is the same person as the Alva I knew lived in Derbyshire. Fred, there is nothing worse than a car alarm that likes to go off during the night. There is one near to me. I hope this move is sooner rather than later, then you can be nicely settled by Christmas. Anne(Belfast), I have done the wreaths too, they are very popular, haven't got one myself, they have all been given away. The scrolls are lovely too, so many different ones. Brenda, Glad to hear your scan isn't on the 2nd. I'm sure the pub will be ok. Its very good of you hunting around like this, I'm sure you are busy enough with working etc. I'll get back to some more scanning now, it's getting on my nerves being untidy. Love June xx

Morning to everyone ,Mary,Anne Sylvia i'm sitting with my coffee as usual ,unwinding after spending a few hours tading upboxes and packing ,theonly thing is ,every time ipack a box ,within half an hour i need something i've packed and so out it comes again,he he. Not much else to report ,i got the car in to have a decent alarm fitted,much to my neighbours relief because the other one kept going off in the early hours of the morning ,you know how it is? ,no one says anything ,but you keep getting hacky looks and all. The grandson comes up again this weekend ,so i must get tidied up a little ,the last time he was here the place looked like a perishing warehouse with boxes everywhere and bits and pieces sticking out of the corners,a bit like oxfam on a bad day.cyl.Fred.ptfg.

Hello friends, Northern Ireland cold and wet tonight. Lots of fireworks going off, even though it isn't Hallowe'en until the week-end. Amazing thing is over here a licence is needed to buy them, it cost £30 and must be renewed annually. Don't reckon too many people have them though. The poor wee dog is scared stiff of all the bangs, wonder if I could get her a pair of ear muffs.LOL I love reading these messages and hearing about what everyone is doing, only trouble is I then forget the names when I come to type. Still, I am sure I will be forgiven if I don't mention everyone, your are I know a very forgiving lot. Salt Lake sounds just amazing, and what a thrill to be able to meet family across such a range of ages! June am doing my ceramic painting now for Christmas also. I love doing wreaths, in particular one called a Village Wreath, either in gold and green, or blue and silver. Each time I do one for myself I end up giving it as a present as everyone else loves them too. Have just finished a Christmas scroll with Bible verse on it and the Three Wise Men at the base. Think I will have that one in my hall. I have a large tree painted for my sister in London, as she admired my Dad's. I find it very relaxing painting. Brenda I think I may need your help with my Waughs in Blackley again. Have had confirmation that the birth certificate I got is correct. So can now get on a bit - I hope! Oops have to go now Hubby needs fed before going out on night shift, hope you are all keeping well, and warm in this cold weather. God Bless Anne xxx

Hi everybody, will write soon, but thought I'd nudge this one up. Sylvia xxx