General Chat

Hello everyone, This will not be a very long message as I am being plagued by silly pop-ups. Don't know what the problem is, Chris installed a Router recently and it might be teething troubles. Both sons have been on the computer all day and evening so maybe it's just fed up!! Well for a drought (?) it seems to be pretty wet, it has rained so hard and consistently that our main road has been flooded for much of the past 10 days. A boat would be more appropriate than a car. We have a hosepipe ban but I doubt anyone would need to use one all the gardens are very wet and soggy. It's quite windy as well, not very pleasant at all. It seems to be affecting the TV as well, that keeps going off and usually in the middle of something I want to watch. I did watch a bit of the Eurovision and agree with you Sylvia that Finnish lot were dreadful but then it seems to be more political these days, the voting is not about the songs anymore. Love to hear Terry Wogan's comments though, he makes me laugh. Thank you for the photo's Fred, Lewis certainly seemed to be making the most of his chocolate cake but was obviously enjoying it. Lovely grandchildren you have. Well I've had enough of the blips and things, I am going to switch this infernal machine off and give us both a rest!!!! Have a nice day/evening/morning everyone God bless Love Kathleen

just a few lines,no change in the weather,work was bit slow today ,think weather kept everyone out. Nice to see you June,your garden sounds like its getting how you want it,just give yourself time to enjoy it as well, fred ,could do with some to do our bedrooms what your hourly rate,mind you looking at my sons room make that weekly rate lol. Mavis hope the foster grandson is ok and really trust they get him some nice adopted parents. Your daughter must have such a generous nature.taking in all the foster children. Off to bed now,couldn't sleep earlier so have been searching for cheaper cae insurance agin Brenda

Hi everyone. Just catching up after being away for a long weekend with friends. Had a great time - as usual lots of yummy food and the wine was pretty scrummy too!! The weather has broken today - very wet but not too cold. More rain is on the way. Our daughters little foster boy has spent the weekend in hospital - has developed Asthma. It looks as though he will soon be with adoptive parents - 10 couples are being interviewed. They are all Maori couples which is good as Sleyd is Maori. There culture is so very different so it will be better for him. We will all miss him when he goes but of course there are so many more children just waiting for foster parents. Not much to tell just now - trying to catch up on emails etc. Goodnight from downunder Mavis NZ

Morning peeps,from a wet cold and windy Newcastle,i have a few minutes before i go up to do the bedrooms so here we go lol. Liz and i had a great afternoon and evening with the son and family and had a good laugh at Lewi's first encounter with a cadbury's chocolate cake,and had to take a few pictures of him,not that you could see much of him mind it was more a photo of a human shaped cake lol. I am looking forward to next weekend already when we take Sophie to our house over the weekend.hopefully the weather will be kind to her and we can take her for a train ride to sunderland and have a picnic too . Everyone seems so busy lately so pehaps this coming weekend will be a chance for most of us to unwind a little. Take care all ,see you later.fred.

Hi everyone, I hung my washing out before 7 this morning, it was lovely, sunny and warm,I sat out there and drank my coffee. Then just before 11, the clouds came over and it is raining now. I guess that was summer! We have been busy in the garden, the people that had the house before us just had a few bushes and trees but we have added more plants and 3 apple trees. Most of the ivy has now gone off the back of the house, we decided to get rid because the wasps were nesting in there. The birdtable that I put in the front garden is in regular use, Beckham doesn't mind the bluetits and sparrows but he doesn't like the starlings and doves coming but he soon warns them if there is a cat about. I am wanting to put up some more hanging baskets at the front of the house, because we live on a corner, we very rarely use the front door, the driveway is on the side.so if this rain will hold off, I will be doing hanging baskets. Have to go now, visitors have arrived June xx

Morning All,from a rather grey,wet and windy Manchester ,fred i love to sit outside with a coffe ,don't mind the odd biccie or two either,but we have not had much chance lately.Hope it picks up soon.Enjoy your visit to your sons,whatever you have foodwise will be great. Sylvia that's what mother and grandmothers are for,to call on and phone for advise and help,it is nice to be needed isn't it . Off to visit dadsoon,then back for a late lunch /earlytea and then ironing.Working late tomorrow,so not sure what time i will be here,Brenda

Morning all what a lovely morning we have here,nice and sunny at the mo but just a little damp with the rain we had overnight.I will be going through to the sons later this morning for the rest of the day so we may indeed land up with a small BBQ sylvia,the son loves doing one although i don't know where he gets this love of cooking from,does it six days a week and still enjoys doing it at home too ,but i ain't complaining [he says hurridly] seeing as he always comes up with something new and tasty. we have a couple of new birds in the garden,two doves which looking closer to find they have a thin black ring round the neck,i think are what Harry said on his thread[ ringed doves.] Anyway [,unlike the perishing pidgeons ] they feed quite happily with my other birds and can come back any time. We are having a lively time here with two blackbirds in the garden,our resident bird which is nesting in the front hedge and a new one who is trying to take over,but our resident is having none of it and there have been a lot of squabbles these past few days on the ground and in the air. If i sit still in one of the garden chairs now ,all of the birds will come pretty close while i just sit there with my coffee and biccies lol,but they can't beat the maggie that used to come and join me on the table for breakfast at my last house,but who knows ,in the future i may be lucky enough to see that happen again. Hope yuo are all having a good weekend ,i am off now ,coffee in the garden time for me before the fun starts again see you later folks ,be good ,and be kind to each other as always .Fred.

Hi everybody, Well, didn't write anything yesterday so thought I had better make an attempt today. Well the weather is much the same as the last few days, wet, windy and miserable. They have forecast more sun than yesterday, but I think somebody must go and wake up the sun first as it is still asleep! I watched the Eurovision Contest yesterday and was disgusted to see how many voters voted for Finland. I thought they were really awful. Just shows what they think of my opinions! I should be pleased for Finland, the land of my forefathers, my grandfather was a Finn, but I am not. I rather liked the Irish lad who reminded me very much of Johnny Logan. I always have a laugh at Terry Wogan's comments during the competition. Yesterday I baked some chocolate cakes and had just got them out of the oven when the telephone rang. It was my granddaughter Linda telling me she had just made some cakes and that the mixture looked too thin and what could she do. It used to be my daughters asking me and now my granddaughter. I like this. Well it is a day to stay in so will probably get down to some letter writing. Have a nice Sunday everybody. Are you having your barbecue Fred? I can picture you under a huge umbrella turning the hot dogs over. How far are you from the hospital Di? Sylvia xxx

Hi fred,enjoy your weekend what ever you do.I am working today and will enjoy a nice night in as I have been out for the past two can't seem to handle them anymore. Weather wet here and likely to stay like that til Tuesday!! Got some plants for the baskets yesterday,but not doing much with the tubs etc as we will be having some work done soon in the kitchen and they are using the patio to saw/cut things etc. Hope you all have a good weekend enjoying your favoufite past times.Hope to find time to get back tomorrow,Brenda

Heeeeeelo everyone,Not a very nice afternoon,drizzling again ,but i managed to finish the veggie garden yesterday with the help of the boss ,and i finished off by putting the rainwater butt into position ,and making a downpipe out of a piece of plastic conduit i had left over from the electic connection to the greenhouse. I had to bend the downpipe to get it to go into the butt and got round the problem by filling it with sand first and blanking the ends off,which prevents the pipe collapsing as it is bent[gently] a trick i learned at the foundry years ago The two buts out front have been connected together by a bit more of the same stuff ,so it didnt cost really ,plenty of water now for the garden no matter what the weather. the front is now finished as regards shrubs by the addition of five new roses,and the only new ones after this will be cuttings off them all which i will take off in august. The boss will finish out front using her kneeling tool to put all the seedlings out and that will leave the greenhouse clear for the toms to grow ,the cucumbers to do ditto and the scots bonnet to put in. Even the asparigus is doing well ,but we won't be able to harvest that till next year as it's onnly the second year of growth. So ,really ,apart from keeping the weeds down that's it ,we can now be lazy and sit in the garden all day,untiiiiiiil---------- the missus decides to start the decorating, Oh i feel a sickie coming on lol. Every one looking forward to four oclock and the weekend starting ,which is why the weather has turned wet again ,Liz and i are partying tonight but if she decides she want's a B B Q this weekend i think i will have to sit under the parasole to do it hee hee.,everyone welcome ,bring your own wet gear and wellies. Well i'm off to make myself a coffee,you see it's like this ,my missus has started the party before we even go and is on the plonk ,and Fred is driving her up there ,so ,no beer until i come home ,it ain't fair fellas is it?cummon lads ,i need some support here lol,we fellas get put on in these situations don't we? At this point Fred scoots off before i get any rude replies off the ladies ,or worse ,the boss sees what i have written before i can sign off ,ooooooer. Fred,hunting cover.

Hi all, It's May, but it's like August outside. Had to drive John into downtown Vancouver this morning during the rush hour, as he's feeling pretty weak after 5 days with very little food. It was murder; took about 1/2 hour to do a 'normal' 5 minute trip through Richmond. That's what happens when they build hundreds of condos, and apartments in a city whose main access in or out is 5 bridges and a tunnel! And of course the traffic was thick and fast through town. heaved a great sigh of relief when the car was headed homeward. To think, about 15 years ago the car could practically drive the route to the big city all by itself, it was so used to the route, but now I'm a small town/country girl! (Make that old woman!) John had an appointment with his C. specialist, and luckily was well enough to keep it! (The poison didn't work this time Sylvia! lol) Seriously, he started on the antibiotics yesterday and by this morning his tum had settled down, but he still can't eat much. However he is up and about again. Brenda thanks so much for your kind offer. At the minute I've put genealogy mostly on the back burner as the garden takes up so much of my time, but maybe in the winter I'll take another look at gg grandpa Charles! Sounds as though you all have a very busy social life. I'm afraid we are pretty much stay at homes now that John has so many problems, and most of our friends have scattered into retirement. However I did have a phone call a couple of days ago from somebody I was just contemplating phoning an hour or so before, who I haven't seen for about 10 years; quite a coincidence,huh? She's coming over to dinner in about 2 weeks time, which will be great. We used to be very close, used to have lunch and then stay having a few drinks in restaurants all afternoon, visit back and forth in each other's homes and party frequently., so it will be lovely to renew our friendship. Unfortunately she now lives a drive of about 1 1/2 hours along the Fraser valley, so we can't get together too often. I've finished altering the jacket with the big shoulder pads; was it on here I mentioned it? Anyway, it's turned out great, so I don't have to screw it into a ball and toss it!! lol Now onto my next project, when I decide what it's to be. Must go, John fancies a steak for tea so I'm off to the store. Take care all. Love, Di.xxx

Hi everybody, This morning I scooted round to my hairdresser for an appointment at 11.00 for a permanent, but nobody was in. I did some shopping and came home again and phoned her. She said I had an appointment at 1.00 pm. Well we won't argue as I scooted back again. It might have been different if it was raining, but it was very windy but dry. Di and Fred you are gluttons for punishment working so hard in the garden. Fancy Di trying to poison her poor husband. Shame on you Di. I don't think I will go to the market tomorrow as they forecast rain, and I can manage without going out. Anyway I can use some hours behind the sewing machine as I have lots of ends to do in that line. Well I am not really in the mood for writing so I had better clear off now, but it does help to keep the thread going. Have a nice evening everybody. Sylvia xxx

Hello evryone,weather has been windy today with showers .Had lunch with Bren from Oldham and some of my friends today ,Bren and I have been trying to get to have lunch since January but something kept coming up.We had chinese,in a new restaurant and one of Brens neighbours came in and sat on the next table.!!!! Went to do a bit of shopping after but couldn't get what I wanted. Mavis ,good news about Blair,hope it keeps improving.Have just had to throw two very ripe bananas out as they would not be eaten,you will have to let me have your recipe. My son is waiting to get on here as it is usually his time but i jumped in tonight.Take care see you tomorrow,Brenda

Hi from downunder, We are still having great weather - cold at night but warm and sunny during the day. Still no heating on. Our friend Blair is feeling a lot better - he is far more cheerful. Sunday we went to Rotorua for the day. Lots of steam from the thermal activity. Driving along the road we could see it coming up from the stormwater drains. Had lunch and tea out - I always enjoy eating out!! Our daughters little foster boy took his first steps this week. What excitement!! Our grandsons thought it was wonderful. Been busy in the garden today - we have a very small greenhouse - decided to move it to another corner of the garden. It was in full summer sun and got far too hot. The window cleaner came today - we can now see out again!! Being close to the sea the windows get very dirty. Today, the Bay of Plenty, the area we live in, had a practice Tsunami/Earthquake warning. The sirens were set off at noon - we didn't hear them at all in Papamoa. They will have another go in a couple of months time to see what they can do. Good job we are not worriers! Must do some baking tomorrow - Banana Cake is the first on the list - have two very ripe bananas. Will also bake chocolate muffins. Always popular. Glad your back is coming right Fred. Have enjoyed all the reading from everyone. Must go now - late again. Mavis NZ

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Good evening all.what is the weather trying to do to us,this morning was grey ,thennice and sunny at lunch then grey and when I was coming home from work at 5 pm it was chucking it down!! have to put the washing in the drier again. Glad Di and Sylvia had nice mothers days, I am hoping to get to the chiropodist soon myself but want to see a new one my sister uses,she also does reflexology which I want to have a try off. Di I live in North Manchester not far from the city,Hulme is on the other side of the city,if you need any help looking things up just ask and i will do what I can. See you all tomorrow,brenda

Good morning all ,another morning of sunshine but soon to become cloudy if the forcast is to be believed. Hi to Di,sorry ,but at the minute the garden is very untidy to to the late start to the season ,but i at least promise some photo's as soon as things pick up ,but after seeing a load of yours there is no competition this year as i can't compete with your lawns after my mad half hour with the chariot and the overfeeding of the lawns as a result [sulks in the corner] I am very sorry to hear about John,so easily done with meat,specially pork and bacon. It's not worth us buying bacon to cook anymore being only the two of us at home,so what we do is go to eeeeerm.Aldi and buy a piece of ready cooked ham ,slice it into rashers and then freeze it ,taking out just enough to do that one meal,any left is then used in a stir fry the next day ,or binned,it isn't worth the risk ,as John has found out . I know how he feels as a few years ago i was careless enough to do the same and landed up in a simular situation ,lets hope he makes a quick recovery Di ,i wouldn't wish that sort of tummy bug on my worst enemy. I had a look in the shed for my hole cutter and couldn't find it so ,i will go to the sons later this morning and borrow his,to fix up my two water barrels for the expected rain at the back end of the week. Martin is coming tomorrow to put the potatoes in ,the rest ,seeing as it is only a matter of using a bulb planter to make the holes ,i can manage myself ,so i expect to be finished the veggie planting within twelve days weather permitting. The next thing is to see if my decrepid back will let me fold it far enough to get into the car ,but i will sharp find out when i have finished here lool,any groaning sounds heard ,take no notice ,it's only me ,the time for any concern is if you hear me shout damn and blast[or a few stronger words ]which means ,fred didn't manage and it's back to the drawing board lol I am lots more cheerful this morning owing to the first good nights sleep in over a week ,plus laughing myself silly looking at our Emm's thread this morning ,that lady is a real star hee hee.,as somreone has said,they could do with her having a show on the telle' it would rival the likes of open all hours.,anyone who hasn't seen this thread dosn't know what they are missing. I must be away now ,things to do and all,but i will be back to see how you peeps are getting on later.Fred..

Hi all, What a quick changeover from a cool spring day yesterday to an extremely hot summer day today. Daughter Sue brought me a clematis Armandii for Mother's day, and I had no room for it, (also already have one.) Anyway I chopped up a very prickly bush, that had a nasty habit of grabbing at me every time I passed by, that I'd espaliered on the trellis, and a Queen E. climbing rose that has been taking up space on the same trellis and only ever produced one rose, ans Steve dug out the roots for me last night. So today I went to the nursery and bought myself a new Rosa Pascali as the old one was killed by frost in March, (don't tell John!!), and then I went outside in the stinking heat and planted Sue's clematis and the rose, with water pouring down my face and into my eyes, so I could hardly see what I was doing. Lovely to have the hot weather back though, isn't it? The garden is now growing like crazy! We had a lovely Mother's day-set up a table outside for 8 and I cooked a roast with all the trimmings, followed by a delicious Tiramisu Torte as it was Sues 49th birthday. She brought with her her new man friend, a delightful fellow who brought his guitar with him, and serenaded us by the pool as the sun went down, with such lovely tunes as 'Stawberry Fair'. He's of Scottish descent and has what Sue calls a very dry Scottish wit. He also has a a very charming way with words: certainly won me over! Clay was with us and also, of course Steve and Bernie and Bernie's 14 year old son Mitchell, who will soon be living with us 4 days a week, a very nice addition to our household. John is now in bed with food poisoning; silly fellow hates to throw anything away, and ate a piece of iffy ham! He's now been ill for 3 days and has to start on antibiotics tomorrow if his tummy is no better. A friend phoned this morning and he spoke to her first as I was in the garden, and she said was I sick too and when he said no, suggested I was poisoning him, cheeky so and so! He also has gout again too, so no ballroom dancing for us or marathons for a while. lol Sylvia, we have a great tulip growing area close by in the States, near a town called Laconner, (think that's how it's spelt), and what a wonderful sight in the springtime! Holland must be beautiful in the spring. Brenda, what a pity your trip was spoiled by bad service at the restaurant, but I'm sure it must have been a nice break for you. Do you live in a very busy part of Manchester or near the outer rim. Do you know Hulme? That apparently is where my gx2 grandfather Charles Weir was born. It's 6 so I'd better see if John's up to eating- he doesn't have much appetite at the minute. Take care all, Love, Di.xxx

Hi everybody, Well yesterday had a lovely day out to the bulb fields in the north. Friends of ours came and picked us up in their Mercedes, went to their house for coffee and cake, then had lunch. After that we went for a drive along a specially set out route to see various models made from flower heads. The winner was a model church set up in somebody's front garden. There were all sorts of models and so nice to see. They have to work so hard and quick when making these models as the flower heads wilt if you don't work quickly, and there are hundreds of flowers which go into making the models. We then had dinner with our friends and they brought us back home. They said they will repeat this day out next year for us but a week earlier as most of the bulb fields had finished blooming. On Mothers Day Johan and I went for a drive round here, taking a flask of coffee and sandwiches with us. The children had been to us on the Saturday so I knew I would have nobody on Sunday to come and visit. Today I had a pedicure. I have a new pedicurist as my other one was not allowed to do diabetes patients feet and if I used this one I would get my money back from the health insurance. I have always paid my own pedicurist but now am able to claim it back.She was very good and didn't look at the clock to see if her time was up. She spent a lot of time with me. There seems to be more sparrows than I have seen for many years. I have four fat balls hanging in front of my windows and at one time there were four sparrows hanging on to them. I have lots of finches and blue tits also. I feed them well, but they do leave a hell of a mess for me to clear up - ungrateful creatures! Now my help comes tomorrow, so will have more time for myself. See you all tomorrow. Sylvia xxx

Hello Fred,glad you haven't been injured too badly ,but they should have given you an apology at least. It could well have been heavier boxes or some one more infirm or a child as you have said.So I would report it as well . I remember some toilet rolls falling off a 'mountain' display in a shop once,one caught my leg ,I wasn't hurt at all but the shop got a chair and couldn;t do enougth ,,next day the mountain was gone. With two cats anda dog we don't get to see much featherry activity, We did have had a water butt ,which we had to move ,and it got damaged so we are thinking of getting another one. Have some ironing to do ,so see you all tomorrow.brenda