General Chat

Hello Everyone. I used to visit this thread, but haven't lately as I never seem to get the time and I drop in on the Canada thread sometimes. Anyway, do you mind if I join you again occasionally? I expect some of you will still remember me. The one with a problem husband? He is not too bad at the moment anyway. 'Bye for now. Love from Sylvia in Perth WA XX

Hi Sylvia, Mavis, Brenda, June, Jude, and John, John does have a little more energy than last year, Sylvia, but mostly he does a little and then rests, does a little more and rests, and so on. He has to or he couldn't do it. That's why the floor was rather a prolonged job; quicker than I thought it would be, though. I've been bitten by the 'tidy it' bug, and have been sorting through drawers and I'd also like to know how crumbs and dust get into drawers that are only opened briefly to take something out or put it away. Today I've been doing my sewing drawer. Dashed down to the dollar store to pick up some different sized little trays, and bottles so now everything is neat and tidy. We had Safeway Chinese for a light lunch today, as we've been invited to our nieces for dinner tonight, roast beef , and she's an excellent cook. She went to France 2 years ago on a special cooking holiday; a little learning French cuisine and a little sightseeing, living in a French chalet with a large group of friends, and she learned a lot of great cooking tricks. It's about an hours drive over there, but always a pleasure to see her. She's a realtor dealing mostly in ranches and acreage up the valley, and very busy, so we don't get to see her very often. It's been another beautiful day here today but so cold. I'd have liked to get outside and pick up after the overnight windstorm a couple of days ago, but you'd have to move around a lot in this weather to keep warm! Well, I'd better get ready for our rare outing away from Tsawwassen. Hope you're all well and keeping warm and happy, including our seagoing buddy, Fred. Take care all. Love, Di'xxx PS. Talking of favorite sayings of husbands, have you heard 'What's the use of keeping a dog, if you're going to bark yourself?', Sylvia? That's one of Johns, often used to get out of doing something!

Hi all, Just a short note tonight as I want to watch several things on television, including Dave Allen on BBC2. I haven't done too much today, made a delicious pizza for dinner, but that was all the cooking I did today. I have been making some more cards as I have several birthdays in March, including two wedding anniversaries. Di, where is John getting this extra energy from? Just as we thought Spring was just round the corner, down goes the temperatures again. Oh, how i hate the cold. Please sun shine for me. Have a nice evening everybody. Sylvia xxx

hi everyone. Tried to do a little gardening today but the sun was too hot. Went shopping for a birthday pressie for my son in law who will be 48 on Monday. Makes me feel old!!! He wanted a new holder for all his business cards - found a really nice one. He has many contacts being in the building trade. Also bought new speakers for my Computer. They are great. My music sounds much better now. Made cakes this p.m. Coconut cake - a great recipe - no butter or eggs. Very popular. Made cheese scones to take to a sick friend Decided to have a change and make some 'get well' cards for Probus Club members. Booked a motel in Wellington for next weekend - will be a long drive down - 9 hours. We are visiting our Grandson at the Army Camp at Trentham - taking my 'old' computer for him. He is an apprentice Armourer and is getting lots of home work so the processor will be a help to him. Plus the games of course!! We haven't been to Wellington before so will enjoy having a look around. It is called windy Wellington - so we are prepared! Don't know how many days we will be away - depends on Pip really. He gets pretty tired. Has to have weekly blood tests too - we don't like to miss these. Saw Fred on my Web Cam the other evening - I think I have my sound sorted now Fred. Talk to you when you get back from your trip. All for now. Mavis NZ

Hi friends, Sorry I've not called in lately, but think I've been suffering a little bit from too much computer, and a lot from breathing in too much of the verathane fumes that have filled our entire house while John was varnishing the floor. I felt really bad, tired, thick headed, (well, more than usual), and sick. I'd sit down after lunch and sleep like the dead all afternoon. Then woke up one morning feeling great, and realised what had been wrong. We had windows open too, but that didn't help. Anyway, the rooms all finished, and it really does look swish. Now John's on to the next project. I told him today, I just want to sit and knit like an old lady for a while. He now has plans to remove all the raised beds in the garden and remove all the paths and cultivate the entire area, as paths waste so much space. I feel tired thinking about it. It's so cold here, although sunny each day, and last night we had another windstorm, and the garden's littered again, with fallen branches. One things for sure, I'm not going out there to clean up while it's this cold. Lovely to see Jude again, with news of Madoc. Hope Fred is having fun out on the cold sea in his boat. I'll take the fireside any day. Hi Sylvia, Brenda and June, and Mavis. All busy as ever I see. John's waiting for a cuppa, so must go. Love to all, Di.xxx

Hi everybody, I am so pleased that I didn't have to go out today as it has been raining on and off all day. I started off by baking a couple of loaves of bread then a banana/chocolate cake for the weekend. Mind you I don't suppose it will last the whole weekend! I started on my cushions but my sewing machine has packed up. It is the same fault as I had two years ago. I cannot change the wheel from zigzag to ordinary stitching. Johan said he will look at the machine for me. I hope he can mend it as the shop says the machine is old. They want to sell me a new one. This machine is a Huzqvarna (spelling wrong I know) and it is not so old at all. Annemie came down for a chat and that is how the day went. I keep thinking it is Saturday as I usually bake bread on a Saturday. Well will keep this note small and play on the computer. Have a nice evening. Sylvia xxx

Good evening all,had a nice couple of days off work,but had errands to do for my dad,but did have a lovelly fish and chip lunch with him and my sister,(we shared a portion of chips between us).Also had a meal out with John yesterday at the cafe in the supermaket,an all day breakfast ,it was 10.45 so we called it a brunch as we had not eaten at home,so I have been spoiled . Have also been doing a lot of sorting out in my files and boxes in here as I want more shelves ,so I need to make room I will loose two small cupboards ,hence the sorting,but will end up hope fully with more shelf space. Buy really must put more information on discs. Slyvia ,never mind me slowing down you are very industrious with your sewing and bread making. Fred,hope you have a good time when ever and whereever you go camping. Hope everyone else is ok , Brenda

Hi everybody, Nice to see you Fred. You didn't say exactly where you were going, or is that a secret? Hope your good wife knows! June, take it easy. Tomorrow is always another day. Brenda, is another one who should take it easy. Fancy losing texts! Haven't seen Di for a couple of days, but I'm sure she is as busy as usual. This morning I went to my physiotherapist and told her I wouldn't be going any more. On the way home I went to the supermarket and bought myself a lovely bunch of pink carnations - well who else is going to buy them for me? I thought if the weather is bad tomorrow I'll give the market a miss, and therefore did my extra shopping today. My hairdresser came today as she is going on winter sport tomorrow. I bought new cushions for our dining room table chairs and thought I'd take off all the tags (washing instructions etc.) and alter the ties. I've ended up with remaking the whole cushion. I took the outside piece off and all the filling fell out. They had sewn the cushion - ruby red colour - with white cotton! I nearly threw the whole lot in the bin, but being thrifty thought better of it. I've now got a bigger task on, so will probably tackle it tomorrow after I have made some bread. The weather is definitely warmer. In fact I went out on the scootmobile without gloves. I took them with me, but didn't need them. The sun came out and it was quite Springlike. Now will close for now, have a nice evening everybody., Sylvia xxx

Hiya Sylvia,no i havnt,naaaaanananaaaaaaana, lol . Fred has been busy packing cases and getting ready for tomorrow night ,and still doing research. Hi Jude[waves] nice to see you anytime ,and thanks for the news about Madoc,don'tyou worry i bet he will have the time of his life,loads of walkies ,and pals to play with,but no news of fat cat,or is puss going with you.? I don't know ,everytime that June comes on here she is up to the eyeballs with something or another ,i think it's time for some of you girls to take her in hand before she does herself a mischief.,all work and no play is no good to anyone. Wotcha Mavis,oh yes,a few of us have webcams ,i am even trying to encourage Mary and a few others to get them,to go with the mic's it is good fun isn't it.Well i'm off ,back to bed now to see if i can manage a couple of hours but i will call back in before i ship out lol. See ya later people ,have a good day. Fred.

I really thought that i had left a message earlier today ,but again it must be in orbit somewhere. I am glad you have someone to have Madoc who you are happy bout Jude,we will be looking for some one to have Max if david ever decidedes to move out!!! June you watch yourself with that decorating and don't get so shatterd you can not make the meet. Slyvia hope the pyhsio is working and the weather stays good for you on friday. Have a few days off the rest of the week, (leave and days off) so I might not get on here if I do what I need to do.!! Speak to you soon,Brenda

Hi everyone, Sorry I haven't been around, I have been working very hard scraping the wall paper off the walls. Infact I am not staying long because I am absolutely shattered. Its always the same, you move into a new house thinking that you will take your time with the decorating, then you change your mind because you dont want to live with it. Anyway, its been lovely reading all your news, I will try and pop in again tomorrow. June xx

Hi everybody, Am a bit late today as I had my granddaughter Linda for dinner and she comes home late 7.00 pm and then we sit and talk afterwards. How lovely Jude that you can leave Madoc in a safe place when you go away. I bet you didn't tell the people all that Madoc does. He may even behave himself when you're not there though. I had my trusty help in the house today and she came in like a drowned rat as it was raining so hard. However, this afternoon we had sunshine and it was Springlike again. I started doing some sewing this afternoon but never got very far. I have bought new cushions for my dining chairs and am taking the labels away that show the temperature to wash them in etc.etc. as they are so unsightly. I am also altering the ties as they are a bit too far apart. Well, at least I did start them, I also did a couple of washing machines, so that will be 5 shirts of Johan's to iron tomorrow. Tomorrow physiotherapy, have to pass the supermarket so will do a little shopping, and then hairdresser is coming instead of Friday as she is going on wintersport. If it is bad weather I will be staying in on Friday and not going to the market, that is why I'll go to the supermarket tomorrow, have to pass it anyway. I think our Fred has pitched his tent up somewhere as he is so quiet. ... And where is our June? Oh well, see you all again tomorrow. Sylvia xxx

Hi everybody:o) Good old Sylvia, you're the most frequent visitor on here, still don't know how you do it cause you seem one of the busiest as well:o)))) Update on his Lordship Madoc - he has an appointment with Bristol vet next Tuesday, his original appointment was cancelled cause we both had the flu - all well now though:o) He is limping still even with anti-imflamatories - at first they worked but not so much now. But he's still a very happy dog,which is important. We have just found a lady about 10 mins from here who takes dogs into her house whilst the owners go away - we took Madoc to see her yesterday and he loves it there. Found an old bone,no probs with her dog, had a good old search in the garden which holidaying dogs have the run of, well its a nice size her husband has sectioned off and made safe. They can run in and out into an old kitchen and hall way, so can be inside if they want, its brilliant. We have a party to go to in March in Sussex so we'll definately leave him with her. l have told her about some of his habits and will make a list of the rest!!!!!!!!! (The postman and paperman among some!!). We also still have 2 neighbours who will help out, so he's a lucky boy:o) The weather here has been damp all day with splutterings of rain and loads more rain expected this week and weekend - grrr - we do need it though. Do hope everyone that has been feeling poorly are feeling better now:o)) Take care all:o) Love jude sarf wales xx

Hi everybody, Well, I have just hit a key and lost a whole text - sh.......t Now have you girls all received your Valentine cards today, or like me none? Johan's words are 'You don't feed a fish once you have hooked it'. How romantic our menfolk are! I ventured out with my scootmobile today as I was up bright and early. I was soon home again as it was so cold and windy. I decided to spend the time cleaning the fridge and one of the kitchen drawers which hold knives, forks and spoons. How on earth does dirt get inside a drawer which is closed all day? One of nature's secrets! Well have a nice Valentine evening. Sylvia xxx

Hi all, Well Johan has just gone to have his hair cut so I can 'borrow' the computer for a while, Usually I have to wait until around 4.00 pm to get on here. I can still feel the pain in my legs from walking around in Germany last Friday. The supermarket where I usually go to has changed hands overnight without any notice in the paper. I am annoyed as I had a book of stamps which I have paid for and when you had a certain amount you could cash the book in - at a profit. I'll now have to go and sort them out tomorrow to see what provision they have made for people such as me. My neighbour, bless his cotton socks, said he would go to another branch of this supermarket for me and hand the stamps in, but I told him that the supermarket should have made provision. Must now wait and see. There is a price war here in the Netherlands with the supermarkets, one trying to outdo the other. All to our advantage I must add. The weather here is very damp at the moment, but it is definitely warmer. Must not think of leaving any winter clothes off yet though. 'Ne'er cast a clout 'til May is out'. Well have a good day everybody. Thanks to you all for your best wishes - greatly appreciated. Sylvia xxx

Yes Di. That is the bread pudding - I use my Mum's recipe. We love it cold. We also love roly poly pudding - with golden syrup! Tonight we had to make do with a Chinese Takeaway as we had been to indoor bowls then visited my friend who had the op. She is doing really well. Her husband now has an infected foot and had to go to the Dr today. Very swollen and very red. He is a diabetic and easily get's infections. He will walk around with bare feet so the chances of treading on something are high. Mind you most of us 'Kiwi's' walk around with bare feet. Took me a while to get used to it but at home in doors and out it is great when it is so hot. My friend who has just gone away to the South Island for 2 weeks has left me in charge of her beautiful orchid. Not too good with indoor plants so wish me luck! Have any of you people on the thread got a web cam? We use ours to see and talk to friends in the UK. It is late again and we have to be up early tomorrow. Well, I will be up early to make the tea and then attempt to wake Pip up. Usually takes two calls! Goodnight for now Mavis NZ

Morning peeps ,thought i would spend a few minutes on here before i start packing for the weekend. Brenda has the right idea ladies ,no nonsense and stand up for your rights.lol. If i had said owt like that to my missus i would have been told ,you get your bum out in the garden on sunday to mow the lawn weed the flower beds and plant the veggies,and THEN i will darn socks ,iron ,and repair trousers hee hee.go it lass ,take no prisoners . Glad you enjoyed yourself Sylvia ,long may it last ,you do far too much and need your time out.and it's always nice to see family. Lots of peeps turned up on the other thread too ,it's as if everyone has been busy elsewhere ,or like Sylvia ,has been enjoying an early holiday. Hi Mavis [waves to her ] nice to hear that Pip is doing well now ,once this weather improves he will be out and about enjoying the garden as well as working in it,i have a spare deckchair here if he would like it to sit on to go with the nice cool drink in late spring lol,something to look forward to. You have given me an idea June ,thanks very much,we have a little collection of shops just up the road where the council hav'nt cleaned up in months ,i will take a photograph,then go to the local offices to show it to them ,and let them know that if they don't clear it up within two weeks ,that i would send the photo to the local paper so that people will ask what they are doing with the money off the council tax. It really annoys me ,we spend a lot more on council tax in newcastle than they do in gateshead ,yet the south side of the bridge you will find streets cleaner by far,roads gritted properly ,and the flower beds and parks looked after properly,Newcastrle on the other hand is not looked after properly at all,and the last heavy snow we had ,the roads wern't gritted till people complained and by then there were umpteen accidents.grrrrrrrr. I have a lovely photo of V.Ps new house and mountain behind ,it looks absolutely beutiful.and well worth the wait to find it.,i can just imagine waking up in the morning any time of year and looking out of the window to that view utter bliss. I am pretty lucky myself ,as i can see some of the moors over the back between the houses ,but i can't compare the two views lol.mine looks a bit sad in comparison well ,time to be off ,Fred needs to pack a case or two ,and needs his breakfast crumpets for tomorrow,see you all later.Fred..

Hi again everybody and welcome back Sylvia. Glad to hear you had an enjoyable break away with your daughter. And now you're back and busy again as ever. I might even be inspired to start making bread again myself, after reading your message. Haven't made any for about 6 months. Another lovely day today, and I've bagged 3 lots of stuff in the past 3 or 4 days, so the garden's looking nice and neat again, and I can now see all the bulbs shooting through. Hope this weather is going to last for a few more days...maybe even till September!? Dream on, Di! I received a lovely wedding photo with all my second cousins' and familys, dated 1959, a few I met in the past. It gives a terrific boost to one's enthusiam to have others really sharing the interest in tracing the family, and maybe finding some of those elusive links. Brenda that sounds like a fantastic restaurant. Hope you and John have a good few days off together at the end of the week. So you're told that you spend too much time on the computer as well. The answer is probably to have a partner that shares your interest in genealogy, as one of my cousins does, but on the other hand that means your computer time is shortened.. ..can't win sometimes can we! June what a great idea photographing the garbage, and sending the photos in . I'd like to take a tour round the neighbourhood and take photos of all the pieces of garbage they leave lying around after they've emptied the bins, and the stuff they leave in the bins too. And then they strew the bins and the lids all over the place. All this talk of food has made me feel soooo hungry. I used to love brisket, a really flavourful joint, and bread pudding. Is that the one that has lots of dried fruit in it, dark in colour, and all brown and crispy on the outside, Mavis. My Mum used to make it for us regularly when we were kids. That and spotted dog and roly poly pudding. Musy go. John's whipping up some of his special open sandwiches for tea. Tomorrow he's putting the varnish on the floor, and then it's done and we can get organised again for another 7 years! He's going to redo the office, but that shouldn't be too disruptive. See you all again soon. Love to all, Di.xxx

Hiya All,not long back from having our Sunday lunch out at the carvery I have been talking about,good job as well with all the talk of brisket roast potatoes,cottage pie and bread pudding.!!!! It was busy at the carvery,but as there was only two of us we did not have to wait long ,I had the Turkey which was really tender and tastey ,with yorkshire pudding,carrots,cabbage,swede,cauliflower cheese,a few small roasr potatoes,stuffing and cranberry sauce,.I could also have had new and mashed potato,brocolli,peas and roasted onions,there were also a lot of sauces but I can not remember them .We left out having a starter,but had a treacle sponge and custard,heavenly . Came home and had coffe as we felt and still feel rather full.!!!!!Don't think we will be having any sandwiches later on as we usually do on sunday evening. John is on holiday this next week,I am off after Wednesday as I haven't got as many as he has,mind you it means he can play golf most of the week as I am not at home with him. June good on Gaynor doing the photos ,they can tend to give you the run around can't they?I know what you mean about wanting to get the papering stripped etc but I also know its better to take your time,we did the dining three times one tear as we rushed it made a mess,did it again hated the paper as we just wanted the old stuff off, so left it a while to be sure we liked what we finally got, Mavis,I was told the other day i shouldnot spend as much time on here on a sunday as I do,I should be doing things like alterations to trousers mine and Johns,ready for our holiday next month!!! How about that,I said ,its my day of rest ,you don't do anything apart from read the papers,go to the pub,watch tv and eat your dinner.I did not get a peep from him . See you soon ,take care,Brenda

Hi everyone, Its been raining all day today, still I shouldn't moan the gardens definitely need it. The van didn't turn up to move the rubbish, it didn't come Friday either after promising to, so Gaynor got her camera out on Saturdayand took photos and emailed them to the heads of the relevant departments, that did the trick,a van came and took everything away. Today I was going to strip some of the wallpaper from the walls but this afternoon my sore throat returned so I decided to leave it for now, the plaster hasn't dried out properly yet anyway. Brenda, Enjoy your peace while you can, no meals to prepare, absolute bliss. lol Sylvia, What a good time you have had, just the thing to brighten up the winter months. Mavis, I'm glad to hear that Pip and your friend are still progressing nicely. We could do with some of your warm weather over here. Well the dinner smells lovely, its making me hungry. Its a nice piece of brisket today with yorkshire pud, roast potatoes, broccoli, carrots and cauliflower. See you all soon. June xx