General Chat

Hi all - just quickly, l have put a new thread up on topics re the DOG - he is gorgeous:o)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Be back tonite or morning:o)

Hi all, Yes, we do have a weekly lottery, which I also do, but this is another one - extra, get what I mean! "secret". I was also taught to knit at an early age and knitted all my own socks. I still knit socks for my husband. My mother knitted lots of socks for the merchant seamen in the war. That was a terrible job with oily wool - heavy going. Last year I taught my granddaughter to knit herself a simple long scarf, which was in fashion last year. She kept coming back to me with dropped stitches, but I made her carry on. Unbeknown to her I knitted one for her within a few days and packed it in for Xmas. What a lovely day it has been, so nice that we ventured out and went looking at various halls which we'd like to book for our party next year. I admit the sound of blood sausage does sound horrible, but I ensure you it really is nice. I think in the north of England they also have a spiced sausage like ours. I made an Autumn decoration for my coffee table today, which I've managed to make for nothing. Nothing pleases me more than being able to make something which has cost me little or nothing. I actually dug my cross stitch out, and as soon as I had it out my husband came and wanted help on the computer. Well, I couldn't resist looking at my e-mails and this thread too, so will do my cross stitching tonight. Paddington Bear - my third guest towel for the washbasin in our toilet. My husband is not bringing my sherry to me, so it looks as though I'll have to go to him. Will close for now, until tomorrow. Love, Sylvia

Anne, never mind, tonight you can think you have the sea bass to look forward to instead of looking back on it. lol Love June xx

Just a quick hello this morning. Yesterdays sunshine is just a memory, wet again today and as usual very windy. Fred have a good catch today. I am in trouble now, reading your message reminded me that I was supposed to cook sea bass for Johns tea today, but forgot to take it out of the freezer! Also had a nice piece of salmon in there, guess they will have to wait. Best wishes all - have a lovely day. Anne xxx

Hi everyone, Its a little dull here after the lovely day yesterday. I bet Jude is all excited now, today is the day she picks up Maddock, I do hope everything goes well this time. My Jude you are going to be busy transfering all those Pics over, that is the bit that I get bored with. Your Sunday lunch sounds very tempting, can any one come? Yes thanks my car is back on the road now, had to have a new tyre. Fred, enjoy your day fishing, I want to know the true size of the catch, not the usual fisherman's tales, The photo of HMS Newcastle sounds great are you going to share it with us? Anne, my mum was a great knitter, she also did crochet, tatting etc. She taught me to knit at 4 years old, I knitted a very simple coat for my teddy ( she sewed it up though) Of course in those days, they all knitted etc, there weren't TVs to watch. Sylvia, I am a little puzzled why you bought a lottery ticket for October 19th, dont you have weekly lotteries where you are? Secrets are more fun anyway, its not as though you are doing any harm in keeping it secret. I have never heard of blood sausage ( not sure I would fancy it, the name is a bit offputting) but sausage with apple and mash sounds very tempting. I am still on the lookout for sticky toffee pudding. Does anyone know when Brenda is back? It seems ages since we heard from her. She will be pleased the thread has been kept going so well. Yesterday Nick and Gary moved my desk around, I've now got the dining area as my "office" I didn't want to go upstairs when Nick goes to Denmark, I like the idea of being able to see out to the front of the house and also look to my back back garden at the same time. Its also better for Beckham, he can run in and out. I'm off now to tidy up some more of the folders etc. that got rehoused in the move. Hi to everyone out there. Love June xx

Hi Jude I got a few very nice pictures of Hms Newcastle yesterday ,and a few of waves going right over tynemouth pier in plumes about twenty feet high ,but not up the side of the lighthouse like i saw in the storms last year,so the destroyer is my screen saver for the time being. Some of these nurses take the mick ,i had my three monthly blood test on Tuesday and she coudn,t find the spot ,so i had a piddling little plaster on top of a ruddy great bruise the following morning ,it looks a bit like someones eye after a good night out [i should be so lucky] I,m off with two of the grandsons fishing for the day ,so if you behave i may bring you a bit of fresh bass ,or cod for your tea.Have a good day all.Fred.ptfg.

Hi Everyone :-) Sorry I haven't been around today - I have been absolutely spaced out, I have just slept all day - the tablets really seem to be kicking in now - let's just hope they do some good! Just wanted to say "Thanks Mum" you've been great ferrying me around (cos I can't drive at the moment being dizzy all the time) I don't know what I would do without you. I love you so much Mum. Jude you made me laugh with the dog wots its thing.... It's usually me picking it up in our garden and John getting it on his shoes! I will have to take a look at the "Gas Man" thread Elisabeth - sounds intrigueing. Sylvia, your Autumn wreath sounds lovely - Mum was talking about it the other day - they sound beuatiful, I will have to keep an eye open for one over here - it would look really pretty on my front door. Ann thanks for asking about the blood test - and yes I do have a lovely bruise - the nurse was fairly gentle but I'm afraid I don't part with my blood willingly and she had to root for it a little first lol! Anyway - I am going to go now and get MORE sleep! Probably won't see you all now until after the weekend because we are going to a family wedding tomorrow - That will be fun, I don't think I will take my tablets tomorrow! Night Night - Take Care Love Gaynor Ann xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Evening all:o) It has been a beautiful day today,but definately a nip in the air this evening! l left home this morning at 9am for a 20 min journey forgetting about a road closeure in the Forest grrrr - it took me an hour and l was 30 mins late for work - ooops - took an hr to get home as well:o(( The students worked brilliantly today all helping one another and enjoying themselves as well. We weeded the organic garden and a patio garden at the centre - the lads strimmed the grass and tall weeds - watching them was something else!!! daft are'nt l?? but knowing that strimming can be dangerous and seeing how sensible they were and so aware of the dangers and such care,it was was lovely. l took 66 photo's - what would l have done without my digital camera.We have a deaf & dumb lady in this group who just loves gardening and l took some nice ones of her smelling the mint!!!:o)))))) Before we actually started work we went through the re-cycling thing - what can u re-cycle etc and which bin do's it go in:o) As we were making our way to the gardens l smelt something pretty awful!!! lol - yeh you guessed it -dogs whatsits - and who got to clean it - yeh you guessed again,ME!!! it was on someones shoe - grrrrr Spoke to godson this evening - he's fine and still full of cheek. He says his foot still go's out but does'nt hurt.He still has a lump by the stitches as well,which doctors were'nt worried about, it could be fluid!! Did the weekly shop earlier on, bought a lovely piece of Brisket for Sunday roast - l'll put in oven nice and early,cook it for about 6 hrs on very low gas and it'll fall apart on the plate-yummyyyyyyyyyyy, with roast spuds,veg and yorkshire puds - double yummyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy:o) Sylvia - how do you do it - you never seem to be still and so many interesting things:o) Elisabeth - so nice to hear from you - hey congratulations to Peter and fiance:o) Your always busy as well. l must do some gardening,my sister has given me 3 plants which l must get sorted by the weekend. Fred - did you get your piccie???? Anne - do hope everyone is well now?? June - YES we do!!!! hubby phoned this morning and they said yes we can collect him anytme Saturday.Hubby did his back in yesterday cleaning out the bloomin drains,so might not be at work in morning,in which case we can get him by 12 noon,if not it will be about 3.30pm.His bed is ready and all his bowls and toys,blankets all been washed - towels on the heater for when he's been in the river - once he's here l will be snapping away with camera and will try and put piccie on Darren's GC site. Poor you having to charge around without your car,bet your k-nackered?? Hope all is well with your Gaynor. Ok thats it for now. Hi to all l missed out:~) Jude sarf wales xx

Hello everyone, on a chilly autumn evening, all tucked up here cosy and warm. You can really feel a nip in the air. Think it is time to get those winter woolies out Sylvia, and top up the oil tank. You must have great patience to crochet curtains, have never attempted anything like that. I did however do several christening shawls for presents and for my own children. Cross stitch is something I would love to be able to do, but I seem to have great difficulty in following those charts! I have several small kits which I keep meaning to complete. My young niece had asked me to teach her to knit when she last visited. What a trial, but we got there in the end! I had left some needles and wool for her at my Dads house, for when she next visited. Poor child phoned me up, I had forgotten she couldnt cast on. Neither her step-mum or her Mum could do it for her. I remember having to learn to knit at school, and we were only about 7 yrs old. By the age of 10, we had knit the dolly a complete outfit, ourselves a pair of cable stitch mittens, and made several skirts and embroidered aprons. Can't imagine many children of that age managing to do the same!! My 14 year old is horrified when I tell her, she thinks it must have been akin to child abuse!! She is about to be a victim very soon if she doesnt manage to knit a few rows hereself with me having to fix the holes. June you have had a trying day, hope you can get a chance to put you feet up, and chill out. Gaynor I hope your test results are good news. Also hope you had someone with a gentle touch if you were having blood taken. I am sporting a lovely bruise where the last sample was taken. Look like a druggie or something! Well think I have chittered on long enough. Night all, sleep well. Anne xxx

Hallo everyone, Well weather continues to be stormy and wet, but managed to get to the market without getting too wet. I have one of those plastic ponchos which I put over myself. They only cost a few cents, and keep out the wind and rain. They are as useful as those little plastic rain caps. I have several in different colours. If they tear I just throw them away. I'll tell you our "secret", my neighbour and me, well we've bought ourselves a lottery ticket for 19th October. We're not telling our husbands! We call this our "secret", and if we win a big sum then we'll tell them, but not small sums. Annemie, my neighbour has been doing this longer, so I decided to join her today. Gosh, why do I feel guilty? My husband is really easy and won't mind a bit, so why do I have to have a "secret"? The answer is I don't know. I now have my winter duvet on the bed, and long nightgown with long sleeves, and socks. Yes, winter is here. Today I bought blood sausage on the market - only to be found in winter months. I'll fry this tomorrow with apple and have mashed potatoes with it. I bought myself an Autumn wreath for on my wall on the balcony. I just couldn't resist one. I've began gathering bits and pieces to make a table decoration. This is the time when I miss my garden and have to rely on what the council grows around us. My hairdresser came round as usual to do my hair. She always comes round on the bike. I did some more ironing and washing, but where did the rest of the afternoon go - I don't know. I did watch Neighbours. I usually tape this and watch it late in the evening, but thought I'd watch it during the day today. Anne, I crotcheted all my curtains for this flat. I have only half curtains and they look lovely. I can't think where I found the time to do them, but I did. Must be my age! My granddaughter wants me to cross stitch a picture for her mother (my daughter). Maybe I could finish it by Xmas. I found a lovely one in the Spanish magazine, with a cat chasing a mouse, very amusing! I would have booked a trip into Gent, Belgium, but I'll wait until the weather gets better I think. I called the information up on the screen and it sounds nice. Anybody made sticky toffee pudding yet? Until we meet again, love Sylvia xxx

Hi everyone, Its a lovely sunny day here, with just a slight nip in the air, its what I call a September morning, lovely. This morning, I had to take Gaynor Ann to the doctors, her appointment was for 8.50 so it meant I was in the rush hour traffic, I had a blow out, fortuneatley it was the nearside front so I veered into the kerb instead of the traffic. Then I got my mobile out to ring her and the battery was flat so I had to set off walking (uphill) which is not my strong point. I had a swift spray to help me but when I reached the garage I was pooped so went and used their phone. John picked Gaynor up and then came for me, we took Gaynor to the doctors and then went back to sort out the tyre, after which he went on his way and I went to the doctors, to wait for her to have her tests. Afterwards we came for a coffee here, I certainly needed it. After taking Gaynor back home I have taken the wheel round to the garage and I will pick it up this afternoon, isn't life fun sometimes! Elisabeth, Its lovely to hear from you again. Its that time of year again when the garden needs tidying up. I am doing mine in stages. Congratulations to Peter and fiance, her visit seems to have flown, I bet it has to them too. Fred, you are very lucky if you can dash for the computer, I would loose every time, mind no one wants my computer, its made up of rejects from Nick and Gary's. You must not miss taking a photo of HMS Newcastle, perhaps you can show it to us. Anne, I hope your son and daughter are better now there's always one virus or another going around, I used to blame Saddam, but I cant do that anymore lol I remember Poncho's too, I loved them, so comfortable to wear, I was looking at one in a shop, but thought I may be too old now. Sylvia, I hope you manage another few days away, you are always so busy dashing around. You have done very well to have nearly finished your Christmas cards. I hope you find the recipe for sticky toffee pudding, you have all set me off now. Jude, Is it tomorrow you pick Maddock up, I bet you are awake early. Hi Kathleen, Lou, Christine and everyone, I hope you are all well. Now I must start some housework. See you tomorrow. Love June xx

I,m glad someone else has trouble getting on their computer Ann, i was thinking i was on my own.What with the missus playing games on it for hours on end ,and my grandson home on leave from the raf ,i have to jump up from my chair and make a dash for it as soon as the keyboard is vacant. I need to go out shortly to get my photo of hms Newcastle on spillars wharf,before she leaves,she is being retired next month ,so this is my last chance..No doubt when i get back i will have to join the waiting list again.lol.Fred.ptfg.

Hi all - can't stop, need my hot chocolate:o)) will chat tomorrow - great to see new faces:o)) Nite nite:o) Jude sarf wales xx

Hello everyone, I have just managed to get control of the pc, its all mine for the next hour. Hubby has exam in few weeks, and the kids use it for projects etc. so my time on it is limited. Especially this week as I have had my son and daughter at home with blooming throat infection!I think this rotten weather we are having is making everyone feel poorly, all those old viruses seem to be doing the rounds again. I see several of you mention recipe for sticky toffee pudding, must look through my cookery book collection (not that I use them all that often - but the pictures look good!). By the way if anyone has a tasty soup recipe please pass it on. We need a change from our usual, vegetable, watercress and leek and potatoe. I prefer to try recipes that have been tried and tested by others!! Gaynor you mentioned breast reduction, did you see the programme several weeks ago on tele, showed a girl having it done - it was really graphic!! Definately think I will keep what I have after seeing that! Sylvia you sound very busy. I am just gathering my supplies together and hope to start making my cards next week. My niece has asked me to crochet her a poncho - I remember crocheting umpteen of them the first time round when they were in fashion, must be nearly 35 years ago. Well they say if you keep something long enough it will come back into fashion. It is starting to get quite dark now, we are having another stormy day, hung some washing out this morning, but had to bring it in, as half ended up tangled on the line, and the rest was blown across the garden. Think it will be time to get the hot water bottles out soon, the nights are definately getting chilly. Hope you all had a lovely day, keep well. Love Anne xx

Hi again Kathleen, Jude, June, Christine, Fred, Lou, and welcome Ann and Gaynor, Yes Gaynor, this is a nice friendly site and we hope to keep it that way. So 2 male contributors today. Well done guys. Fred, I make the best bread pudding (poor man's wedding cake). When I've finished this note I'll look up sticky toffee pudding as my daughter is going crazy for it. The Spanish magazine I have a subscription on is called Puntos & Ideas and includes cross stitch, knitting, crotcheting, jewellery making and a couple of cooking recipes. This morning we had a lot of rain so I waited until this afternoon before venturing out. Changed the beds and sauntered around the house doing odds and ends. Tomorrow is market day when my neighbour and I have fun at the market. I've almost finished making my Xmas cards and then I can get down to some cross stitching again. It sounds as though winter is coming when you hear of swarms of birds emigrating. Birds are intelligent creatures aren't they? They don't lose their way to Africa either and get there under their own steam!! I'm getting itchy feet about a few days away again. I want to get away before the winter sets in. Keep the thread going, Love Sylvia xxx

I think the birds are starlings too,they make a hell of a noise when they flock,it could also be sparrows ,but whatever noisy birds are a lot better than no birds. I actually tried the sticky toffee pudding recipe on the puter and it worked a treat,not only the pud,but lots of other stuff too,banoffee ,trifles and all sorts.I even came across one for bread pudding ,but it,s not as good as the one my grandad gave me years ago ,iv,e never had bread pudding anywhere in the country that can match it.Fred.ptfg.

Good Morning All!.... Good morning Mummy :-) .... I was only 6 minutes out ! Kathleen, I'm not sure what birds they were or what they would be doing, John, my husband knows more about birds and wildlife in general than I do. They may be making themselves ready for migration, however if the numbers were large it sounds as if it could be starlings, often if it has been raining and then the sun shines - the worms will rise to the surface and the birds have a ready meal waiting for them, with starlings, its usually birds from other climes coming to Britain for the winter so it would be unusual that they would be getting ready to migrate. So really what I'm trying to say is.... I don't know lol It's windy here too, but lovely and sunny so it's a nice day. I too have been looking for sticky toffee pudding recipes, I have an Old English Farm House cookery book, it wasn't even in that one, I couldn't find it in any others either, I think Fred's idea is going to be your best bet. Well, I am looking forward to the weekend (don't the weeks just fly by?) We are going to John's cousin's wedding - I don't know them - his family is huge, they come from Fleetwood, a fishing town and they are vitrtually all related in some way or another! Mind you doing his tree is very interesting, I'm into it as much as my own. I just hope I feel better, I will probably do the usual in this sort of situation and have a couple of strong ones to deaden the effect! lol I'm going for a blood test and also to see the doctor tomorrow morning (Friday) so we will see what he has to say. I must ring my friend, Sue, she has just had a breast reduction a couple of weeks ago! I can't imagine it myself, we both are/were quite booby, I quite like mine but she hated hers with a passion! Anyway you have to admire her courage because I wouldn't be so brave. She says it wasn't too painful so I'm glad she wasn't too uncomfortable. Anyway I must go.... See you soon Love Gaynor Ann xxxxxx

Hi everyone The wind is back but thankgoodness not as strong and its dry at the moment. I have had an email from a lady that contacted me about 12 months ago, she gave me a lot of information for my tree, we shared the same gt gt grandfather, now she is absolutely devastated, she has found out that we are not related, she has been passed some wrong information. Fortuneately for me most of the information she gave me is correct, she has worked so hard going round records offices, graveyards etc. It just shows how careful we have to be. Fred, Welcome, we dont mind you sticking your oar in as long as you come back again. lol Last time we spoke, you mentioned we may have connections, have you found any yet? Kath, Its easy for them to say that the house should be rewired every 15 years (which it should) but they dont say how to pay for it. I hope those little birdies have the wind behind them when they go on their travels. Gaynor Ann (Gee Baby) and John are very fond of birds and certainly know a lot more about them than I do. Anne, Welcome you have found our hiding place, we definitely do not have aggro on here. Gee Baby, I think its time for bed, you have the time wrong in your message, lol Mummy has spoken !! Lou, thats good news, Congratulate Bex for me. Christina, It sounds as though Erika is thoroughly enjoying school, digital cameras are good because if they take bad photos, you are not paying for developing, you can just set up a folder on your PC, to show how they progress with photography. Jude, Luckily my blood test was done at the doctors surgery, they have a nurse there that has surgeries 3 times a week, then a courier takes them to the hospital and the results are back 5/6 days later. I bet you cant wait for Saturday to get Maddock. Sylvia,After an exray, they should be able to see what is causing the pain, I guess it is just a case of waiting. What sort of handicrafts are in this Spanish Handicrafts book? I suppose I had better get dressed now and sort my family tree out Hi to all the missing ones See you tomorrow Love June xx

Kathleen ,i hope you won,t mind me sticking my oar in here but i think ,if you type in ,sticky toffee pudding recepie into your search engine you will get what you are looking for.The upgrade on your electrics sounds about right too,but you may get it cheaper if you get it done on the side.Fred.ptfg.

Hello everyone and lovely to see two new names, so a special hello to Gaynor Ann and Anne in Belfast. Not too much happened in the past two days, just the usual shopping, cooking etc. It looks as if the birds are gathering for their flights to warmer climes for the winter. Looked out today and saw hundreds of birds all over the rooves of the houses opposite. It is a small close with 12 houses and a largish area of grass, suddenly loads of them flew down and covered the grass busily pecking away, no doubt feeding themselves well for the long flight ahead. No expert on birds so not sure what they were - just that there was a very large congregation of them. When the first lot had finished then another lot flew down to peck away again, must have cleared that area of insects. I did hang the washing out this morning but had to bring it in again because the wind was so blustery it all blew round the lines and got tangled up. It did rain a little but not enough to worry about but was very dull and overcast all day. We wanted an estimate for rewiring the house and was amazed to find that many electricians won't do this if the house is furnished!! They say it's too much hassle and will only deal with unfurnished places. So much for the advice to have rewiring done every 15 years - you have to move out first. )-: Did eventually find one and now await the estimate, have been told by someone else that it will be in excess of £1,500. Think that might be one thing that will end up in the "pending" file!! Syvia, have looked through several of my cookery books but no luck with a Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe so far. If I come across one I will let you know, I thought I had one somewhere because I'm pretty sure I have made it for my g.daughter. Off to bed now with a crossword puzzle and a book. Will look in again tomorrow. Hope you all have a good day. Love Kathleen