General Chat

Hi Everyone,been woken up by the dog barking,at what we don't know but now I can not get back to sleep,John is back in th eland of nod. so nice to see everyone adding their messages . June I think you are right about the cake not wanting to be made.The butcher had some bbq chicken which I got for me and David,and some belly pork which John loves so I got him a small joint,it will do us for lunch tomorrow as well. Anne,thanks for the info on Lanzarote,I will print it off and show John in the morning,we have been to Gran Canaria but wasn't keen. Sylvia.you are lucky with your grandaughter helping you,does the sewing machine work now. Gee baby hope you got your dinner ready in time.Good news on the discovery of your rellies. june,I had a bit of a breakthrough with my tree I got the marrage cert for my gt gt grandparents and now have their fathers names.They weren't born in Manchester according to the cencuses (?) so I am having a bit of trouble deciding where to go now.Have looked on BMD and Latterday saints found him I think but not her ,they were born in 1822/6 so 1837 is no good. Ann ib Belfast if I can do anything for you in Manchester please ask I think I sent you pictures of Mount Carmel. Off to see if I can get some sleep now,see you all tomorrow.Brenda,ps take care.

Just popped in again for a quick nosey..... Fred! what is this gorgeous Bread and butter pudding? It sounds delicious I can almost smell and taste it from here..... Please, Please, Please put the recipe on here.... Gaynor Ann :-) xxx

Hello friends, I really enjoy reading this thread, but admit to not contributing very often. Feeling guilty when I noticed that it was slipping back, so I've decided to do my bit! Weather here getting colder by the day, I really notice it in the morning when I get up (6 a.m.). Our poor dog Lady doesn't even bother to get out of her basket when I come downstairs, she just sort of snuggles under her blanket and stays put. Smart dog!! When I open the door to let her out for a wee, she stands in the doorway sniffing and having a look outside, then more often than not just runs past me and hides under the table. It really is comical, I end up chasing her and carrying her outside, where she very reluctantly obliges, and keeps looking over her shoulder at me with a really pathetic look. She then bolts like the clappers of hell to the back door dashes inside and snuggles back down in bed. It truly is a dogs life eh! I shall have to put an order in for an oil refill, the level in the tank is quite low. I am dreading the price this time, it just seems to be climbing every week. But still as long as you are warm, fed and dressed, as my Mum used to say, you are well off! Sylvia I am going to try your bread and butter pudding at the week end. My lot are now looking for good filling food, all the old favourites, and proper dinners, now the weather has changed. I started to clear up and sort out all my research notes etc. (Felt guilty reading how organised you all are). I was well rewarded for completing the task, I found a little scrap of paper with a note on it regarding my husbands aunt. Her mothers name has been causing me great confusion, and I am convinced the christian name given me is incorrect (maybe its her middle name). Anyway I believed this aunt was born in USA, not so she was born in Manchester in her grandparents home, while her mother was over on holiday. I immediately looked on the 1837 and found her, and am now waiting for her birth certificate coming. Hopefully it will give me the proper name, plus the added bonus of her grandparents address. What a stroke of luck! Wish I could be so lucky with my other rellies, I just keep finding graves with all the wrong people in them, and Lord only knows who half of them are! I hope you are all keeping well and enjoying what is left of your day. Keep posting!! Anne

Just a quicky. Fred where are your promises to let me have your bread pudding recipe. How can I tell if yours is better than mine. Don't be a spoilsport, get typing. I thought you had gone into hibernation as I'd not heard from you for a few days. Do you actually live in Tottenham? Sylvia xxx

Fred, Ok I will resist, I have had enough trouble losing the weight i put on in Tenerife without bread pussing to add to my problem. My Mum used to make it years ago and I love it. Also like bread and butter pudding!! Ann Glos

Ann,if you are worried about weight ,stay off the bread pudding.It is really tasty ,beutiful is a better word ,but with all the fruit ,lard ,butter syrup and all it is very fattening i'm afraid .The only good bit about it from that angle is ,once the kids get a sniff you will only get one piece.the real torture is waiting for it to get cold because it tastes soooo much better. Sylvia, The only thing my grandad put in extra to yours ,is a level teaspoon of mixed spice ,so i think honors are even on this one ,poor old ann,dosn't know what she is missing does she?.Mind you ,whenever i make it i have to double up on all the ingredients because by the time i get it made and the kids ,and grandbairns,come round it dos'nt last five minutes,and it takes so long to make and cool.Fred.ptfg.

Hello all, I thought it was time I had another input, i have read the last couple of days but didn't have time to add anything. I have now made 15 Christmas cards, not many but it is a start. I was interested to see on my thread how many make their own cards. Strange that you should remark on what a lovely morning it was June, it chucked it down here, i had to got into town so Tony ran me to the bus stop on the way to get two new tyres for the car (£45 each plus VAT!!). In town it stopped raining and the sun came out. got home about 12, had lunch. 2pm we had hair appointments and 3.15 Tony had a flu jab appointment (I didn't I am too young ha ha!!) by the time we came out of the hairdresers it was chucking it down again and we had walked so we got a bit wet. Called in for a coffee at the local garden centre. Brenda, we prefer Lanzarote to Tenerife, if you go to Costa Teguise and not Playa Del Carmen it is quieter and we don't think the food is so expensive. It is an interesting Island although not pretty, very volcanic. Early and late in the year Tenerife is warmer and the swimming pools in Lanzarote are much colder than Tenerife, they tend not to heat them so in March we don't go in. february Lanzarote does get some rain but generally it is a dry island. I must try and contact jude to see if she is OK. I was surprised that the charity shope didn't take the books, i buy a lot of books from charity shops, very strange. You wouldn't think they could afford to be picky would you? Sylvia, you have waited a really long time for the results of your X-ray, surely it should be back by now. I liked the soundof the bread pudding but mustn't make it, I need to lose weight and it didn't sound slimming to me!!! Not a lot going on here at the moment, tomorrow I shall probably makesome more cards while Tony is at golf, then he is playing in a competition on saturday so may make some more then. sunday and Monday i will be packing!! Hopefully i will 'call in' again in the next few days. Ann glos

Hi Everyone, I haven't been here for a few days and thought I'd drop in and take a look........... "Hello Mummy" <waves> Well, I had an email earlier this week from someone who is my Nanna's Brother's daughter, she was so delighted to find me and I likewise. She definately bares a family resemblance, but her sister looks the double of my Nan which was rather strange... in fact it took my breath away, I am printing the pictures off and taking them to show my Dad and Auntie at the weekend..... The only other event is the stupid Christmas party which you have probably all read about on the board already so I won't bore you all with it...... I went to see my friend, Sue last week (you know the one who had the breast reduction) she looks very well, she has had a couple of minor infections but everything seems to be going well other than that, I can tell her boobs are smaller but can't get a real idea of how she will look quite yet though because she is having to wear one of those sexy NHS Bra-like thingies you know with the hooks and eyes up the front - lovely! She is very pleased with them though so that is all that matters. Anyway, I will go now.... must get on with the dinner, I'll have a starving hubby coming home in about 50 minutes. Speak again soon Gaynor Ann :-) xxx

Hi Everyone ( I nearly put the rest of the trio) What a lovely sunny day we have, This morning I took Samantha to work, and on the way back in the lovely sunshine, the roads were quiet and everywhere looked lovely and autumny, I felt like driving up to the Lake District, instead I drove back to Gaynor's and took her to Asda. Afterwards I went home and it was lunchtime already. I spent another hour talking to an Australian friend, then I talked to a friend in New York, I've been around the world a bit today! lol Brenda, I think not being able to find your cake tin is an omen, you shouldn't make a cake, probably something would go wrong with it, like burning or something. Your butcher's shop sounds very good. Sylvia, you are still as industrious as ever. These strikes always seem to affect the wrong people, the politicians are never inconvenienced by them. Well I suppose I had better get on with this filing, I cant remember where I am up to with my Tree, I think I must have hit a brick wall again. See you tomorrow Love June xx

We are still waiting for estimates from two different places for our party. Must have everything on paper. We're in no hurry really as we've preliminary booked two places No news on the photos of my toe. I'll phone again tomorrow. I did ask the girl whether my doctor knew of the situation and she said she'd see what she could do. I went out to the shops this morning and took my son's raincoat to the cleaners - the one I repaired for him. I also threw away a few pairs of what my granddaughter calls "antique" shoes in the Salvation Army clothing bin. Also did a little shopping. This afternoon my granddaughter came to help in the house. She cleaned my windows on the outside on our balcony. She said she went over them 3 times. She couldn't go to school today because we have a bus and train strike going on. These strikes only affect the workers and not the politicians!! I cannot believe that the weather is still so beautiful, sunny and dry, although today more wind than yesterday. I sorted my gloves out as it's cold on the mobility scooter. Tomorrow is my market day. Always look forward to these outing!! Greetings to all, love Sylvia xxx

Hi everyone,had to go back to page four to find you,don't know wher you would have been if I had left it until tonight to write my message. Sylvia,you did have a busy day,any news on your toe? Haven't found my cake tin yet so the christmas cake might not be made,as i don't want to buy a new tin,it wouldn't get used like th eother one used to do. June I have been feeling like a trio most of this week,glad you are doing so well with the photos I am still having problams. Need to go to the B/S to pay some cheques in and go to the butcher who bbqs chickens , pork and sausgaes said we would be having that for tea.!! Hopefully we will increase at week end,see you tomorrow,Take care ,Brenda

Hi everyone Its been a bit damp here today, I thought it was cold too but everyone else thought it was mild. I have been putting some more photos in my PAF Family History file, its coming along nicely now. Brenda, you do have problems with these lunch dates dont you? never mind there will be more to talk about when you do get together. Its a bit too cold for me to sit outside. Sylvia, Is this the final decision then, I must admt it does sound unusual and different, just right for a special occasion. That bread pudding sounds very similar to the one my mother used to make, it was delicious! We are a duet no longer, now we are a trio! See you tomorrow Love June xx

Hi Everyone,had a busy day today ,the lunch I was supposed to go to with former workmates was not on,it was last week I had been given the wrong date!!!So I went to my sisters and we went shopping for some new bedding for her. She is also decorating her bathroom and wanted some things for there as well,I only bought birthday cards and some christmas cards too. We had a lovelly sandwich and coffe for lunch but had to sit outside under the glass canopy ,it was dry but could have been nicer had it been warmer. Have some letters to write tonight so must get finshed sending what emails I need to do and get them written.Hope to see you all tomorrow. Take care ,Brenda

Well it's been a lovely sunny day today and not nearly as cold as yesterday because the wind has turned direction. Johan and I went to see another room where we could have our party. It is in a nature reserve closeby. Rather nice, everything ecological. All food without any harmful additives. I was able to talk things over nicely, such as tablecloths, candles, peanuts on the tables. My eldest daughter has offered to make table decorations for the tables, so I had to ask permission to be able to use these, ok. I picked up my sewing machine from the shop in town. They couldn't, find anything wrong with it - must be me! Anyway, nice boy didn't charge me anything. We then went to the secondhand shop (3 floors) with lifts. We went there mainly because we wanted to go to the toilet. Anyway looked through the secondhand books. Bought a small book all about tea. Our last visit was to be the hospital for my husband to have his blood taken, but he had forgotten his papers, so he had to return home and pick them up. I stayed at home then and baked some bread. Fred here is my recipe for old-fashioned bread pudding 1/2 lb old bread - 2 oz suet or butter - 6 oz mixed dried fruit - 2 oz soft brown sugar - 1 level tsp. ground ginger - 1 level tsp. mixed spice - 1 level tablespoon syrup - 1 egg - 1/2 level tsp. bicarbonate of soda - 3 tablespoons milk Soak bread in water for 30 mins. Drain and squeeze well, then beat with a fork or wooden spoon to remove any lumps. Add suet (or butter) and the mixed fruits, sugar and spices, ginger, syrup and beaten egg. Beat all together until well blended. Lastly dissolve the bi-carb in the milk and beat into the mixture. Turn into a well-greased tin. Bake centre of oven 1-1-1/4 hours until golden brown and set. Sprinkle with sugar. Sylvia xxx

Hello everyone,nice to see you again Anne,wish I was coming with you to Lanzarote,never been there,we have thought about going for a week in March/April as it is getting so exspensive to go to Tenerife at that time of year. Mind you ny neice is of to Oz on the 22nd now I,d go there tomorrow but would have to go on my own,John will not go there and my friend has not got the money(I haven't really but what the heck). I went to the charity shop with my items, they took all the clothes and some of the bedding but not all, only the woollen blankets,and wouldn't have the books.I put the other blankets in the salvation army container on the supermarket carpark ,my friend is taking the books to the sheltered housing association where she does volunteer gardening.They will put them in a communial book shop and the residents can borrow them ,if they already have the book they will sell it on unless it is popular. I got absolutely drenched at the supermarket and was wet through I wenr to my dads from the market and had to peel my coat off me.!!! Hoping to meet some old work mates tomorrow but have to check first that it is still on,it was last week and got moved to this week as some could not make it ,me included. I have some searching to do now .Take care ,Brenda

Hi everyone This morning looked very promising but this afternoon it has clouded over and is quite chilly. I have been rushing around today, first I took Samantha to work which is only 9 miles away, but I called at the bank on the way home so it was an hour gone out of my morning. After liunch, I picked Gaynor up to go to the Doctors, ( it was lucky for me it was flu jab day so I got that done while I was there) then she had to call at the bank, we didn't hang around because I wasn't feeling too good. Then I came home to take Nick to work, fortuneately Sam rang to say she has a lift home. so I am going to take it easy for a whoile. Sylvia, Sometimes I am glad things are not for my age group, at least then I am not tempted to spend money. At least you had a nice day out. I'm glad to hear your husband is taking an interest in your invitations, most husbands just leave it to their wives. Ann (Glos), Lucky you off to Lanzarote, I have a friend that lives out there. Glad you enjoyed your school reunion, its surprising how some people turn out totally different to what you expect. You will have a lovely Christmas with your young grandchildren, Christmas is never quite the same without young ones. I was thinking I haven't seen Jude lately, I hope she is alright. Well I am going to put my feet up now for a while, see you tomorrow. Love June xx

Hi all, My neighbour and I have been out to a large Outlet Centre - Batavia Stad - not too far from here. It was very cold and windy, but the sun came out in the afternoon. It was so expensive there and more geared up for the younger folk so we didn't buy anything, but it was a few hours out which we enjoyed. My husband has been busy designing our invitation letter for our party next year, some good ideas, but I'll have to add mine!! Have to get on with the dinner now, have a nice evening. Sylvia xxx

hi everyone sorry I haven't been on here lately, been busy and also away for the weekend. Went to my old school reunion whichw as fune, not a lot there as it was only for a couple of years bbut still met some fellows that I had not seen for about 50 years. We all had a good natter. Lynda my daughter took me and she was fascinated to see my old school. it hasn't changed a lot, been extended and is now a comp rather than a High School. Also been busy starting to make Christmas cards and trying to get a few done before we go to lanzarote for 3 weeks next Tuesday. i shall be pleased to get back to some sunshine as it has been dull and damp here lately. Very cold today too. i wont reply to everyone personally except to say I wont be making a cake this year, but then that wont be anything new as I never do!! We are going to son in M Keynes for Christmas to share it with the littlest Grandchildren so that will be nice. George, good to see you on this thread. pleased to hear that you are enjoying college. Anyone heard from Jude? I haven't seen her on here lately. Although i have probably just missed her. take care everyone Ann Glos

Xmas cake has still been put on hold as I've not been to the shops yet. Because the weather is still dry. I cleared up the last plants - hanging geraniums etc. - from the balcony. Not much left to do there now. It was so cold and windy out on the balcony that I decided enough was enough. I just sat down to watch Neighbours when my neighbour came down for a chat and brought with her some smoked salmon she had over from yesterday - always welcome! I asked her if she'd like to come with me tomorrow to Batavia Stad outlet centre. This is not too far from us and I've ordered the taxi for 10.00 tomorrow morning. So with my scootmobile we're having a few hours browsing around shops. I tried to watch Neighbours inbetween as our video has been taken away for repair, otherwise I'd have to guess what is happening. There is one thing about moving, it does make you get rid of a lot of rubbish, doesn't it? Mind you, somebody like me seems to accumulate rubbish in the shortest of time!

Good afternoon ladies,I am supposed to be sorting out the last of the wardrobes for items going to the charity shop.When I phoned one charity last week, they where so particular about what they would or would not take , we ended up taking some of it to the tip,as we needed to get rid before weekend. If this place will not take what I have, I will go down to the local supermarket carpark and hopefully they will have those big bin/skips for certain items. Really cold here at the moment and I have felt awfulll all morning hope I am not coming down with something. So glad Bexx is liking the job Lou hope she is better as well.If your son gets on at Argos he could be kept on after christmas.however they do not have a lot of full time permanet jobs nowadays. June,hope you did not get too cold waiting for your grandson,it must have been awfull for the other family . Sylvia,hope it is good news when you finally get your xray results. George sorry I missed you yesterday,hope college is still ok for you Kathleen so pleased you are better,might join you and Sylvia in the christmas cake making ,not made one for 4 years.Better check if I still have cake tins in the cupboard on top of my oven!!!!(might have had a clear out and got rid.) Take care Brenda