General Chat

Hello everyone This is going to be quick, it takes so long to post messages tonite its driving me mad. Not in the best frame of mind either - the dog, cat situation not too good today, Fat Cat has been chased out of the garden now and next doors cat, don't mind that too much cause he keeps catching the Blue Tits - grrrrrrrrr. Fat Cat has just been in for food but shot back out the back door - can only hope they settle down cause its getting me down now. l know its only been a few days, but its distressing to see. l wonder if she was a farm dog before, she's never settled always following us around and curls up on the concrete tiles in kitchen - at night she gets in her bed though,thats where she is now. Anyway we'll see. Nite nite Sorry if l have'nt actually chatted to you and gone on about me, need me bed now:o( work tomorrow, new class,new students!!!!! :o)) Jude sarf wales

Hi everybody, Woke up to a showery, windy day, but I don't mind at all. Visited my doctor. I thought my appointment was 3.40 but it was 2.40, but my kind doctor fitted me inbetween. I have to go to the hospital for an x-ray to see how the bone is. My doctor will cut a piece of the nail away herself she said. It is still very painful, but I've had worse things than this. I'm busy making my Xmas cards now. I have made 35 - but need somewhere in the region of 80. Every Xmas card I make is different! I love being creative. I worked until I was 63, so enjoy all the time I can spare making and doing things. My neighbour, the one who did all my ironing for me, came down with 2 rainbow trout. They were caught in Denmark and frozen. I now have to work out how to clean and cook them. I got round to making my bread again yesterday - so much nicer than shop bread! I'm not spending so much time now on the boards as there are so many more things to do. See you all again, keep this thread going. Love, Sylvia xxx

Hi Everyone,well I am now offically on holiday,yippee,and have some ironing and all my packing to do tonight and tomorrow. Jude I,m glad Fat cat and Lady are repecting each other,our old cat loved our old dog ,but would not go near our present dog.Yet when the cat died the dog was so lost. Christine,I am what is known as a libraries and information assistant.I do 18 hours per week over a six day week.I usually do one late ,starting at either 12.30 or 4 till 8pm,one early starting at 9am till 1or 5pm.and and Saturday 9am-5pm.But the other days can be any, last week I was off Monday , workedTuesday4-8pm off Wednesday ,off Thursday.Friday and Saturday worked 9am -5pm. I have found that when I do a late I shouldn't go out doing any shopping or having lunch before hand,as I get so tired I find the job interesting.I issue books to borrowers delete loans when books etc are returned.take the money for overdue items,Find books that people have requested,see if the libraries stock certain books etc. File the books back.keep the shelves straight.Help book computers .photocopiers etc. I am really enjoying it,it is a lot less stress than my other job.Mind you the public can be very funny at times. But allin all it's good. I have been told my tea is ready ,John has just dished up.so I will have to go,Sorry if I didn't get round to you all ,might be back later when ironing done HAHA. take care Brenda

Hi everyone Its lovely and sunny here, although we did have a short shower earlier. Christine, you do very well to do a 5k race, keep it up as long as you can, we all need something to enjoy and what better way? Jude, I'm glad Lady and Fat Cat have a truce, I dare say they will have the odd spat, like children they will have a quarrel then forget all about it. I like the sound of the work you do, lovely walking in forests looking at plants etc. Most students are good but you always get the odd one showing off. Brenda, you seem to be very busy with this job but as long as you enjoy it , that is the main thing. The reccy on the pubs will be fine after your holidays, its very good of you to look round for us. Sylvia, I hope your toe is soon sorted out, our feet are very precious to us. You have a lovely neighbour to come and do your ironing for you, thats one of my pet hates and whenever possible, I buy clothes thst do not need ironing. Later I have to go and get Gaynor's prescription, they hadn't got them in yesterday, then one of my friends is coming round. She has just come back from Detroit, she surprised her brother on his birthday, so she has lots to tell me. Hope everyone else is alright. See you tomorrow Love June xx

Hi everyone, Looks like there are a few new ones on board. I haven't been doing any genealogy, I've been trying to get fit again. Went into the city last night and ran a 5k race. It was fun seeing so many old faces from quite a while ago. I got into genealogy when my mother-in-law had a stroke and came to live with us so my running took a back seat as I was much more restricted in my movements. It's taken quite a long time to get my enthusiasm back again but I'm hoping I'm on the come-back trail. Crista, Can only imagine how fit people must get playing golf. I have no eye-ball co-ordination so that is a limiting factor for me for quite a few sports.

Yes, yes, yes, yes at last (l know its only 2 days) they have settled their differences and met face to face offfff the lead!!!!!!!!!!! l had got to the stage where Lady was not responding to food and banging the table or a tray to get attention did'nt even get a flinch (on a lead)when her and Fat Cat were in consoltation so to speak!!!!! l had just put the phone down after speaking to an animal behaviouralist and forgot the cat was on the mat!!!! (in the hall),opened the lounge door and left it open - oh my word a god almight hiss and scuffle and now everything is as good as OK. l rang her because of the way Lady was reacting - down on belly and stalking, very rigid and not interested in treats at all!!!!!! the Fat Cat has now put her in her place and everytime she goes towards Fat Cat l whistle and she comes back - blimey!!:o) not taking all this for granted though. As you can imagine l am now alot more relaxed, lwas really worried - l know everyone said they will settled their differences etc, but seeing them was'nt so easy to believe it! It has rained on and off here as well, very mixed! AND I HAVE been to work - Community Project today, 9.30am to 1pm, which means walking in the Forest,cutting shrub back,doing garden projects etc and most importantly getting the students to think,care and be responsible - they were absolute gems today. Not the group l had last term where one cheeky monkey liked grabbing manaquins bits!!!!!! which is a real shame, but hey!! Off tomorrow and working allday Thursday and Friday - yippeeeeeeeee Sylvia - sounds like you had a great time and to get someone to do all your ironing what a bonus!!!!?? take care of that toe. Brenda - take it easy,how many days do you work and what do you do at the library?? Crista,Kathleen l will answer ur messages in the morning - dog is ready for bed,hubby has gone to bed,so spose l ought to follow. Nite nite all:o) Take care everyone,hope l did'nt forget anyone:o( Jude sarf wales

Hello Everyone,I was tired out yesterday from shopping ,ironing and doing an extra shift at the library that I could not bring myself to even turn the computer on ,never mind read and write a message.I have not felt like that for ages.It was 8pm when I left the libraray (i started at 5pm)and it was dark ,it felt really late,maybe thats why i felt so tired? I had another 8pm finsh tonight ,I started at 12.30pm ,but did not do much at home before I went ,so wasn't too bad when i got home. It has taken me ages to read all your smashing messages,and I will try ro remember what you have all said. June I will do the reccy for the pub when I am back from my holidays. Jude hope Lady/Sadie continues to settle and fat cat sees she is not a threat to him. Slyvia,glad you had a nice time,hope the toe is ok. Crista,John has played golf for a few years now and thinks I should get out of the house more and take it up as well.!Kathleen,no I'm sorry to say the carpets are not dried ,everytime it rains they get wtter,they smell awful now,some of the borrowers have been making complaints now,and I do not blame them. I cover 5 libraries all within a few miles from home,one I can even walk to,It only takes 15mins at most to get to the farthest one,and it's all free parking so I am not out of pocket there. I do have afew nights when I don't sleep ,but it is not as bad as last year. Sorry if I have forgotten anyone,speak to you tomorrow,take care ,Brenda

Hi all, I still can't get myself moving at the moment, I feel like I'm still on holiday. The aches and pains are getting less though. My dear neighbour came down this afternoon and said that she had nothing to do, and ............wait for it..............."could she do my ironing for me". What do you think I said, .......... yes, you're right. She was born in Germany and irons so beautifully. Johan's trousers now have a nice crease in them, instead of a mass of creases - 3 pairs of trousers plus shirts all neatly ironed and also 3 pairs of trousers of mine and blouses. What a gift. She has no hobbies, so when her housework is finished she doesn't know what to do do. She goes to bed at 8.00 pm! I have so many hobbies, and cannot seem to get to bed before, at the earliest 1.00 am. The weather here is very windy, but I like this. We have thunder and lightning this evening. I don't like weather which is still, it's just not me! Tomorrow is my doctor's appointment, so will let you know tomorrow what she is going to do with my toe - maybe only 4 toes by tomorrow evening! Have a nice evening all, Sylvia xxx

Hi everyone, Its a very wet blustery day here, doesn't look like the washing will get hung out today, last night I actually put the heating on for a couple of hours. Dilys, Nice to hear from you, your wedding sounded fantastic. Kathleen, I remember my mother crocheting collars and cuffs and pillow case edgings etc., I have no idea where they all went, I didn't see them when I cleared the house. Yes the railway is still there, but there has been a lot of building work, as there as all over the country. I think the footpaths are still there, because they are signposted both in Penwortham and Bamber Bridge saying Preston. I just wish I was fit enough to explore, then again these days I wouldn't like to go on my own. Sylvia, I'm sorry your toe isn't better yet, thankgoodness it doesn't seem to have spoilt your holiday, you seem to have done a lot of exploring and reminiscing. Yes I agree fish and chips have certainly gone upmarket now, its no longer a cheap meal. Carol from Rochester,New York State was over a few weeks ago and she said she found it expensive over here too. I suppose it has just crept up on us, though I do keep moaning that the food bills are climbing all the time. Jude, I do hope Fat Cat and Lady settle their differences, I'm sure they will eventually. Lady will probably come back from her walks by the river and lie down, and Fat Cat will see she isn't really a threat. Hope everyone else is alright, see you tomorrow, Love June xx

Thought it was about time I added to this new thread........ Hi Elisabeth, Brenda, Ann, Jude, Kathleen, Dilys, June, Lou, Christine and Syliva. Apologies if I missed anyone but that covers the last page or so. I haven’t been up to much recently. I took up golfing in May and go a few times a week but have yet to attempt 18 holes. Playing 9 holes for 2-3 hours is quite enough! Unlike Peter who sees kangaroos and emus I just see deer, rabbits and big ol' bull frogs. I've donated quite a few balls to the bull frog's pond so far! My b-i-l's been going through a messy divorce this last year but has had some good news now. The child psychologist/custody evaluator recommended he gets custody of the children if his ex-wife leaves the state so it's a big relief that he will be able to see his children when he wants. At least he didn't have to dress up in a Batman costume and climb up on the White House! We’ve spent a lot of time helping him move and get settled in new rental apartments. Does anyone remember Tears for Fears? A local radio station and Starbucks were hosting a free concert downtown on Saturday and we were privileged to witness their first gig since they split in the early '90s. They were very good and haven't changed a bit. They are supposed to be touring the UK in a few months. That's all for now, Crista

Welcome back Sylvia, and hi to everyone, Sylvia you made the 100 on here, pleased you enjoyed your holiday. The weather has changed a bit now and is getting colder so you chose the right time. Sorry your toe is so painful, hope the doctor can do something to help. You are right fish and chips is more of a treat these days, it has become so expensive. I have been reading in the Practical Family History about the lacemakers. Brought back memories of visiting my Aunt who lived in my grandmothers house after Nana died. I used to go to stay occasionally and my cousin would take me to visit two old ladies who lived in the road behind my g.mothers house. This was in the 1940's and they were still making lace in the old way. I loved to watch how swiftly they moved the various threads to create the most beautiful lace, there would be about 20 or so threads and some of the patterns were so intricate. Better still they had a large wooden chest which I loved to be allowed to look through. It was full of tablecloths, chair backs, table runners, collars and cuffs (for dresses), and the most beautiful Christening shawl - so fine it was like a cobweb. Whenever I visited they always had their "pillows" at the side with some work in progress. It was fascinating and something I would love to be able to do. I often wonder what happened to all that lovely lace, these ladies were sisters and neither had children. I do hope it went somewhere where it would be appreciated. Jude, I have been following the story of Lady, perhaps she was meant for you seeing that she already had that name. Fat Cat will probably take a little time to accept the 'interloper' but I'm sure he will eventually. My cats were very quick to put Kyzer in his place when he joined us. Fortunately he was a quick learner, though a little puzzled over their reluctance to play with him. He was only a tiny puppy then and they had been with us for 7 years by then. Eventually they would curl up and sleep around him, but were still quick to give him a quick "clip round the ear" if he stepped out of line. We had the cats for 19 years and Kyzer for almost 15. No more though - I couldn't face the heartache again. June, when I lived in Frenchwood I used to walk over the bridge (the next one down from Bamber Bridge) where the railway ran - I suppose it still does. I would walk for miles either back towards Bamber on the other side of the river or through the little wood on the far side of the bridge. Used to be full of cowslips, primroses and bluebells - often got lost and would find myself having to walk through some farmers field to find the road and find my way back to Pemwortham to walk back along by the river on our side. Would be gone for hours - what a pity kids can't do that sort of thing today. No doubt it has all changed now anyway. We used to pick tons of blackberries from the side of the railway tracks, forbidden to cross the tracks of course, but the best blackberries were on the other side, so of course we did cross over. We would be very dirty, hot and covered in blackberry juice when we got home. All that of course was when I was very young!! Brenda, did they ever get that carpet dry? I think you have said you don't always work in the same library, how many do you cover? Hope you are still enjoying the job. Have noticed that you have not been sleeping too well some nights Elisabeth and everyone else, hope you are all keeping well, sorry I haven't mentioned all by name - my memory is suffering a bit. Had some trouble getting the computer to co-operate tonight, it was refusing to boot properly so it took me ages to get connected. Goodnight to you all, have a good day and hope the sun shines wherever you are. Kathleen

Hi everybody, Yes, it's me, I'm back from my holiday in England. What lovely weather we had. I arrived home yesterday, worn out, but happy! It was so nice to be with my daughter and her partner; we had many laughs. We giggle like teenagers at the most stupid things! Her partner, Henk, doesn't speak, or understand, very much English, and couldn't understand what we were amused at half the time. We enjoyed eating fish and chips again, but how that has gone up in price. For us over here Gt Britain is terribly expensive. We went to the Wedgwood factory and I bought one or two pieces of china. We went to Bourton on the Water, Burford, Oxford, Witney (where my daughter was born). We went to a motor museum. Janet and Henk went to London on Wednesday and we old ones had a day of rest. All the walking around and not being used to it makes us tired. Coming home we visited the large shopping centre in Calais, where we again spent some money. I bought all the things which I cannot buy here. For instance, Options. I've tried all sorts of chocolate drinks, but none can beat Options. At one time I could buy it here, but not anymore. I have finished most of my washing, but now the ironing - ugh! I went out to the shops again today, but this time on my scooter. My toe is still very painful. I phoned the doctor this morning at 10.15 and was told I could come at 11.00, but as I was not then dressed, I said no I'll never make that. I'm not usually so late in moving in the morning, but I couldn't get going today. This afternoon she had special cases to see and tomorrow was her day off, so I've made an appointment to see her on Wednesday. Well everybody, have a nice evening. Sylvia xxx

Morning all:o) Sorry l did'nt get to tell you all about me weekend before now, the site was down and its been abit busy here. l did leave a message on ancestryaid, got chucked off Colin's site,in fact pooter crashed!!:o( Anyway the dog is here - she is an absolute poppet, BUT the cat situation is not good. When we picked her up there was a cat in the office,when she saw it, she was very interested but nothng nasty - On first meeting with Fat cat he did what l expected him to do, hiss and grow double in size, dog was ok,still very interested - then they met on stairs and he clonked on the nose - so ever since then she is worrying where he is,rushing upstairs etc and goes down on all fours,then stalks towards him. l am waiting for the kennels to phone to guide us with next steps - we have introduced every so often, she goes very rigid and still - so we will see what happens from here. Last night she was as good as gold, no noise,no mess, perfect - she loves everyone and everything,so lets hope she really loves Fat Cat (Jimmy really) The weather at present is fine,but nasty clouds are on the way!! Spoke too soon,its now raining and Vic has got the washing in:o) June we like walking but not that much!!! Once we have the dog sorted we will start our river walks again, or atleast hubby will!!!! Quite likely going to stick with the name Lady, we have tried Sadie and we both automatically call her Lady - she actually responds to a whistle more than anything!! she's at my feet now:o)) The furniture is lovely - not megga expensive,the store bought in a load of Next diningroom tables/chairs and console tables,cause Next did'nt want to put them in their catalogue or something. Brenda - hope your feeling better now,nothing worse than a rumbly tumbly!!!:o(( Christine - yeh that doll does sound scary, especially the idea of it being almost real, what next!!!?? l can remember the dolls that cried and how we all thought how real they seemed!! Hope everyone is well and speak later, hopefully l will have heard from the kennels. Jude sarf wales

Hi everyone, We have another sunny morning but the last day or two has started sunny then turned to rain late afternoon. Its still rather windy too. Brenda, I hope your tum is better now, maybe John has a cast iron tum! The only pub I know of is the Wellington near the Cathedral and once when I went to Chinatown we had a drink in the Britannia? I will have to leave you to have a pub crawl on which is best.lol I haven't seen the photos on Colin's site I haven't managed to get on it yet. Christine, You are right about the walks, I still have the memories and some interesting moments, some good and some quite frightening. I was wondering why no one had posted, but of course the site has been down for more than 24 hours, so we couldn't. This time, I will be back tomorrow. Love June xx

Hi Everyone,as you will see from the time not sleeping well tonight ,have a very rumbly tum,don't know whwt has caused it ,John has eaten the same and is snoring away in our room.I have been up and taken a hot drink and also some indegestion mixture.I don't have any pain just a very noisy and rumbly tum.Good job i am not working tomorrow. June I did ask my son about the pubs and he gave me a couple og suggestions,One I know,Yates's is on Portland Street a bit nearer to Piccadilly, the other I think is off Aytoun Street whic I think is a bit far away.I wouls also like to go and see what they are like before I make a suggestion. Hope you are feeling better.Like they photos from the liverpool meeting on Colins site. How are things with Lady/Sadie Jude ? Hi Christine,have seen dolls like you have mention very life like. Hopefully I will be back tomorrow ,after I get some sleep.Hope evryone else is ok ,they must be having busy weekends. Take care ,Brenda

Hi everyone, Hi June, Your walks sound wonderful and I can understand how much you miss them. Never mind at least you have done them - lovely to think about. Some people's activity gets cut short with injury and some with illness. I'm very lucky to be able to still get out there and have some fun. My son bought Erika this doll that cries like a baby until you feed it. It's eyes then close and it gives about 10 snuffles then falls asleep but any movement to it - it wakes up again crying. It was is so lifelike it is a bit scary!

Hi everyone, Its sunny but blustery here today. Brenda, You are making me quite breathless with all this rushing around, I think you should sit down and take 5. Have you remembered to ask your son about pubs in Manchester yet? Jude and Christine, we had a walking club where I used to work, we had a walk once a month, a coach would drop us off at various points, depending on which type of walk you wanted to do, I used to always chose one that was going over the tops. The coach would then pick us up at the other end. We walked in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and sometimes Wales. A time or two I have spent a week in the Lake District walking, been over most of the mountains around Ambleside Grasmere, Keswick and Coniston.etc. I just wish I could do it now, those where the days. Jude, the name Sadie probably wouldn't confuse Lady so much besause it is similar sounding, you will just have to see how she is. I hope you still talk to us when you get your new furniture! Sounds very posh. I am going to have a quiet sit down now, not one of my best days. See you tomorrow Love June xx

Hello Girls,sorry I have not been on for a day or so,was that busy yeaterday ,did not know what day it was at one point.! Jude ,so glad your godson is doing well,and hope that all goes well with the new dog.the pictures look great. June,I bought Max a rubber newspaper rolled up that squeeked,have to keep hiding it has it drives me mad.My son used to have a pj case llike a rabbit and the dog we had at the time Sam,thought it was a pup and used to treat it like a baby. Lou pleased to hear you are feeling better,hope yuo are better still now. Chris ,hope your grandaughter is ok. Ann I know you are not around ,but have a great holiday. Maybe next time we can have a meet up. Sorry i can't stay much more the cat is all over the keyboard and I am doing more correcting than writing,plus i have to pick John up at 11pm he is at a works do. Speak to you all tomorrow,Sorry if I have missed anyone.Take care. Brenda

Me again - June, which mountains have you climbed???? Hubby has climbed Ben Nevis and Sugar Loaf, l was gunna put Mount Everest then and thought l had better ask first!! you should have the laughter from the front room!!!!!!:o)))) Still got a day and a half before we get the dog - hubby is quite happy to keep the name,but l'm thinking we should change it, we'll see though. l quite like Sassie or Sadie, but another name might spring to mind when we have had her a few days!!!! l'm sitting here thinking ' what am l doing here' l have a thousand and one things to do, like get bags packed again cause we're off at 8am tomorrow for the Adoption Talk re: the dog and then onto son's for BBQ (some hopes!!!) and photo session - he came here on Wednesday to try and print them, we did'nt get very far, won't go into that now but he's found he can do more at home than he thought, which includes viewing all the photo's on the TV screen, should be good!! It has been absolutely hissing it down here, so much so that the fat cat woud'nt go out the cat flap and sat waiting for the door to be open - oh yeh when l did l could here noises sounded like someone being ill (charming) , we looked across the road and saw 2 youths coming from neighbours back gate,very unusual so l got hubby to knock his door - they checked the gate which was open due to lock being broken for some time!!, nothing looked distrurbed so he came home, hope he does'nt find anything amiss in daylight - perhaps me opening the door for fat cat and making a noise disturbed them!!!!!! Our new dining table and chairs have arrived and console table - solid pine,very nice, even if l do say so myself. Next step is to get the pooter upstairs and that now has to wait till b i l gets back from hols - can't wait,then l will have an office/puter room and a 'whatever room' - its mine l can do what ever l like!!!!!! Fat cat has just come in very wet and rubbed himself all round my beigey trousers - bless im!!!!!:o(( Take care all, see you in a couple of days or sooner:o) Jude sarf wales

Hi All - what a lovely few days l have had!!!! So pleased l went to London to be with godson and his mum. The waiting for him, before he went to operating theatre was awful, then the waiting to hear when he's coming back was worse. Unfortunately he had to wait until 3.30 because the baby in next bed was in theatre for approx 6 hrs - bless,then into intensive care!!!! don't know what was wrong with the baby, but hope she 's is ok. My daughter was worried about me being in London on my on the buses and at Euston Station and wanted me to be leaving the hosp by 4pm the latest yesterday - as godson did'nt go down till late l was feeling rotten to have to leave his mum, so stayed till 7.15pm. As l was about to leave his dad,sister,auntie and sisters boyfriend arrived, l was abit pee'd cause l really had to go, so said a very quick "hello" and went:o(((( but that worked out really for them, cause godson was about to be brought back to the ward - l missed him though:o((((l have seen BIG BEN, the Eye,Houses of Parliament and all sorts all lit up and 4 times in 2 days. My daughter was so excited at being able to show me them all lit up.She was a gem - kept carrying my bag (which was heavy) and arranged all the bus times and connections etc and took me out last night for a lovely meal - when we got back to her flat we listened to cd's until 1am ,thats after l left the quick message on this brd,(up at 6.30am)and danced like idiots - we were'nt drunk but abit merry.We drank 2 bottles of wine between 3 of us and 2 shots each, ummm the shots were gorgeous - we even did the 1,2,3 and down in one!!:o)) NO HANGOVER!!!:O) Rang the hospital this morning and his mum rang back to say he had been quite tearful, could'nt feel his legs for a while, which we were warned about, but all was well about an hour later - bless.He could be in there up to 10 days,one of the concerns was meningytus, cause the op was on his back.They removed a bone that had grown through his 3rd disc and they were going to open the spinal cord,but decided to see how this op goes first. His condition begins with Dia.................,can't remember it now,but its a long word and fairly common - but the fact that it has not been detected before is not good!!! Just heard from work about my hours - l don't have Gloucester anymore :o(( but l have other hours and possibly more to come, will know more on Monday. Lou - do hope you are feeling better now and Bex is ok at new job:o)) Everyone else - l do hope you are all ok, sorry, have to go now and get some shopping in, need some exercise as well, still have a numb bum from sitting on the coach. Will read through the last few days messages again when l get home:o) We have an adoption talk tomorrow (Sat), re the dog and collect her on Sunday:o) Jude sarf wales