General Chat

Hi to everyone. Yes, Pip's new medication appears to be helping. His blood pressure was normal again on Thursday after being far too low for comfort for a few weeks. He must be feeling good - he is cutting the lawn - long overdue. It is so hot again I have just taken out a cold drink for him and suggested he leaves the front until tomorrow or even after tea. Just making a cottage pie for tea and have just taken a bread pudding out of the oven! Looks yummy! My friend has had her masectomy and is awaiting a biopsy result on the lymph glands. She is remarkably cheerful and quite happy to talk about it all. Came home today and will have the District Nurse call daily as she still has a drain in. Our friend Bob has been in hospital for a week with severe chest pains - he does have a bad heart but after lots of tests they have decided the pains are nothing to do with his heart but they also do not know what the problem was. They put him on morphine - he then had bad dreams. The worst one being an enormous rat running around the room! He said it was so real and when he woke up he could remember it vividly. He hopes to be home tomorrow. Our friends June & Blair are off to the South Island on Tuesday for 14 days. We will miss them - they are such good friends. I had better go - lazing around on the PC while Pip is working - not good enough!!! Talk to you soon. Mavis NZ

good evening everyone,its been trying its best to snow here today but it did not stick.It is still very cold,I have the house to myself tonight as John has gone to check his mothers house is ok and will stay overnight,David is out with friends until whenever !!! So I am just doing some more printing of census forms and then will settle down for a night infront of the tv with no comments about the type of programme I like to watch.Bliss Hopefully going out for lunch tomorrow as we did not get there last week. Headache did finally go ,but have had one again today might be a touch of sinus . Speak to you all soon, Nice to have you back Sylvia all rested and eager to go again,. Brenda

Hi all, Just popped in to say hello once again. Johan and I arrived home around middday today and then my hairdresser came and gave me a permanent. She brought her little granddaughter with her who is a delightful child. She sometimes sings and dances for me and today read me a chapter from a Disney book. She tells her grandmother that I am her favourite grandmother's customer. She is going skiing next weekend with her grandparents and another 10 people. She says she is going to buy me a spoon for my collection. She bought me a spoon when she went to America too! Whilst with my daughter we visited Johan's sister of 82 who has had two strokes. I thought how pale she looked. This is not surprising when you hear that she doesn't go out at all. We played cards every night. At least Janet, Henk and I did. Johan just read and watched television. On Friday Henk took a day off work so that the four of us could go to Germany. We enjoyed looking at the shops there and found some bargains in the shops too. We played cards last night until 2.00 am. Anyway we could have a good lay in this morning. It's now back to reality, with me having run a couple of washing machines and baked a loaf of bread. I had some thick pea soup in the freezer which we had for dinner with French bread. It will be nice to be sleeping in my own bed again and settle down to a normal life. I've had my rest. Now have a nice evening everybody, see you tomorrow. Sylvia xxx

Hi everyone, Its lovely and sunny here but we had a very heavy frost this morning. Yesterday Gaynor and I went out for a pub lunch, the starter we had was lovely, I am going to make it home, you good do iy when people come round or I know my grnadchildren will love it as a meal. It was garlic rolls (batons) sliced and then mushrooms and red onions with cheese on top and popped under the grill. You could do it with sliced tomatoes for those who dont want the mushrooms. Very tasty! We had fresh salmon with salad and chips to follow. Mavis, I hope your friend is making progress and that Pip's tablets help him, too. I think you are right, we do seem to do more since we have retired. I was looking forward to still going on long walks when I retired but I am not able too, when I see sunshine like this, I long to be in the Lake District. Brenda, I hope your headache is better, I now think mine was due to these cold winds because my glands are swollen too. I hope the stained floor is a good match, after a week or two you wont notice any difference, I think it fades a little. Bernie sounds an absolute treasure, its unusual these days to find someone that cooks. John, I'm sorry the last buyer fell through, fingers crossed that the right person comes along soon. Fred, (another little treasure), It will soon be time to have that boat out. You need eyes in the back of your head with children around. At the moment, I am waiting for the van to come and remove our rubbiish. We have only had cardboard remove once since we moved in on December 20th, so you can imagine what a pile we have now. A fortnight ago they left it, so we complained but agreed to leave it until yesterday. They took some away but not all but what they did leave, they threw on top of the normal household rubbish, so that when the men came to take that, they didn't because there was cardboard on top of it. So another phone call and a van is supposed to be coming today. I have never had trouble with binmen before and its the same binmen that I had at my old house, I can only think that they had a run in with the people that lived here before us and they dont know that there has been a change of ownership. I think I will have to get Fred down here to sort them out, lol Have a good weekend everyone. June xx

Well.hello people,so many messages, from so many different places,and it's nice to see old friends keep coming back. Hi Mavis [waves hand ] nice to see you again,busy as ever i see.And hi brenda [waves again] i hope you have by now gotten rid of that headache,it sounds to me as though you are ,as usual ,trying to do too much at once. I was sorry to hear that the offe3r fell through John,i know how i felt the november before last when the same happened to me,but i think in my case it was the best thing that could have happened because in the long run ,our house is already one which i can't imagine being without,we live it and don't envisage moving again now that we have found our dream house. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for you and it would be nice if you could find your new home while the weather is clement. Have you finished your floor now Di,cor ,i wish our shop assistants were as helpful as yours,but ours are a different breed ,you here some people complaining about them over here,and i tend to agree with them,you walk up to a counter here ,to find them doing their nails or talking to a mate ,and if you don'r assert yourself ,you get ignored,totaly unacceptable ,even in this day and age. i now go into stores with the [take no prisoners attitude] any nonsence and it's get the manager time .lol. Well ,the boat came back yesterday and i will be going out shortly to do a few bits and pieces to finish it off ,it's on the trailer ready to be hitched up.,but i have a little painting to do and then it's photo time . The threatened snow never came,and the last i heard it was down in yorkshire ,but i don't mind,they can have it ,i lost interest after Christmas hee hee i Have just seen the trailer of the new film Chicken Little ,and it looks to be a hoot.just the thing to take the grandkids to see [god help me ] lol,but NOT all at once ,that would be classed as an invasion of monsterous proportions,. Well .i have to be about other business now ,but if the weather takes a nosedive ,i will be back later on .. Hope everyone is now looking forward to the weekend when they should have time to relax a little..Fred.

Hi team We had an acceptable offer on Monday which fell through today as the purchasers could get finance, this just means more delays but we aren't too concerned. Another possible purchaser is waiting in the wings so I have been told, I will believe it when I see the offer. We haave another open home this weekend so its abandon ship and head to the shopping centre for a hour. We had been packing things in boxes so we are taking a short break from packing until we are assured that we have sold to place. John

Hi everyone, Another gorgeous day here, and with water on 3 sides of us the air is so clean, it sparkles! We had a frost last night, but today was a perfect early spring day, and I got a lot done in the garden this afternoon; 3 more bags of debris, mostly pine cones and needles. We spent pravtically the whole morning to-ing and fro-ing between the local hardware store and home trying to get as close a match as we could to the stain on the floor in the hall. The girl in the store was so good, and so patient, opening 8 cans and staining a piece of the pine with each of them so that we'd get that match, and in the end after 2 trips home and still no match, she finally tried mixing 2 colours and got as close as we figured we could. So John is now busy staining about 300 square feet. Bernie came over this afternoon for the weekend, as usual, and while Steve rode off on his motor cycle to meet a friend who's just got a bike, to have a ride in the spring sunshine, she stayed home and baked. I could smell a delicious aroma of baking while I was outside and when I came in there were 4 huge cookies she'd brought down for us. She was telling us that she and Steve have both put on about 10 lbs since they've been together, so John and I are going to have to watch our weight too if she keeps baking these delicious goodies. Last weekend it was blueberry muffins! Sorry to hear June and Brenda that you've both been feeling under the weather with headaches; maybe you're both doing too much, and not having enough rest and relaxation. And water is a very important and often overlooked part of our daily diet, as you found June. And I hope that Pip will soon be over his cough Mavis. You're right, we do seem to be busier than ever when we're older, maybe because being retired, we can now indulge ourselves in our favorite activities. I know when I was working, running a home, raising 2 kids and making all my own clothes I never wished the day was longer. Now I'd welcome a few more hours to the day so I could fit everything in that I want to do. I even resent having to spend time sleeping. I hope things go well for your friend Mavis. and that she makes a good recovery. It's mammography time for me at the end of the month. I don't mind the actual process, but hate the waiting afterwards, even after 25 years of having them. Well, that's all for now. Take care all. Love, Di.xxx

Hi everyone,what a lovelly bunch of messages,I have been shopping after work and now have a splitting headache,my sister phoned to say ny neice had sent me an email to print of for my dad,so that why i am here. But i am having trouble with this headache so am not saying much.Just glad everyone is ok Be Back tomorrow,Brenda

Hi everyone. My last entry would not leave my computer! Just died on me so will have another go now. Our weather is great now - the humidity has gone. Tough day today. My friend had her breast cancer op today. Will see her tomorrow. It was a large tumour and very aggressive. Her heart played up during the op - we will know more tomorrow. Pip went to Doctors again today - different pills for his cough. Just plain codeine. Supposed to be very good for supressing the cough and will help the headache he gets when he coughs. Fingers crossed. More antibiotics as well. Out for tea this evening. I had Scallops Mornay - delicious. Pip had Ham Steaks, Pineapple, egg and salad and chips. I have just joined the U3A Computer group. Really enjoyed my first meeting. It covers so many different things. U3A is University of the Third Age for retired persons. There are groups on most subjects and I think Pip will join one of the History groups. There are 12 in my group. We all help each other and suggest different programmes and sites which we find useful and enjoy. I have enjoyed reading all your notes - everyone seems to lead a very busy life! I think sometimes we do more when retired than we did when working! I'm off now. Regards Mavis NZ

Hi everyone, Yesterday I had a very hectic day. First I took my granddaughter to work then carried on with my grandson to college. On the way home I popped into Asda then filled up with petrol, went to the bank and then home. By this time it was 10.30, I made myself some toast and settled down to pay some bills and tidied the house. At 12.45 I went to pick up my daughter from work and at 1.45 picked up my grandson from college. At 2.45 I had to be at the dentist, back home just after 4 p.m. then go and pick my granddaughter from work at 5 p.m. When I got back the plasterer had already arrived and started plastering the wall and the heating advisor was there measuring up rooms. Eventually I had my dinner, about 9.30 I got the most dreadful headache and I realised I had only had the cuppa that I had when I got up, so I drank some water and ythe headache gradually went. Not only had I forgotten to have a drink, I also had forgotten lunch. Di, your weather sounds dreadful, I'm glad the sun is shining on you now. You will feel better when you are tidy again. I dont envy you having to make drapes and yet when I was younger, I wouldn't have minded, I just dont have the patience now. Brenda, sorry to leave you on your own, its not long to the Manchester Meet, I do hope you can make it. Well I.m going to have another cuppa now, I'm having an easy day today. June xx

Hi everyone, Thought I'd pop in and say hello while I'm still wide awake! I was going to last night, but was so tired by 8 all I could do was lie down on the chesterfield and then drag myself to bed. I've been spending far too much time on the computer since last Friday. Can't do too much around the suite still, so it seemd a good idea to do a lot of scanning and sending my info about my Jones family to my cousins. Also to plan out my trip to the LDS library and our local SoG, so I make the best use of my time there and order in the right film or fiche. Nearly finished now so now I can get back to organising my time better. I've just spent the morning raking up after the last storm, which, by the way was the worse one ever to hit this area, and caused flooding and voluntary evacuation of residents from the beach areas in Tsawwassen, and lengthy power outages, though not in our area this time, all of this unknown to us as we've been so absorbed in our own activities. I knew it was a bad storm because I heard the wind howling in the night, and saw the tree branches all over the lawn in the morning, but had no idea it was that bad. We live a good way above sea level, thank goodness, but there are a lot of very expensive homes beside the beaches, and they've suffered a lot of damage I hear. It's a beautiful sunny day today with not a cloud in sight, quite windy though. It was so good to get outdoors again after all the rain we've had this year, and I managed to get quite a lot done; hoping for more sun tomorrow so I can finish off. Pan was obviously pleased too to see the sun again; he kept charging across the garden, past me and straight up one of the evergreens. He follows me everywhere I go: he's fun and good company, too. John's sanding the floor at the minute in preparation for staining and varnishing so the end is in sight, and we'll soon have everything in order again. Then I'll have to set to and make the drapes, not something I enjoy doing. I hope you're all well and enjoying yourselves, and not working too hard. See you all later, Love, Di.xxx

I am really surprised that I was last one yesterday and first on tonight ,hope you are all enjoying what ever you are up to. brenda

Hello from a wet and windy Manchester,it was ok earlier today but from mid afternoon went down hill,but i suppose the rain will help the drought they say we are having. Sylvia,have a safe journey and a good vist to your daughter. June .I have had visions of you with a big hole in the wall were the fire place was!!!LOL,hope it was just like you said ,if you did it> Fred,nearly bought abig tray ful of chicken drumsticks (about 25) for 2.50 yesterday,but David and John don't like them for a meal,and as I am not having any parties just yet, had to leave them,asI haven't the room in the freezer. Dad has been for tea again tonight and I am going to see if he wants us to come to him now and again to keep him company more than anything. He likes curry so thought we could have a carry out or geta takeaway from the local supermarket ,who do some good ones. Working in the morning so have to get to bed at a reasonble hour,whether I sleep is another matter.Any suggestions about getting a good nights sleep.!!! speak to you tomorrow ,Brenda

Hi all, Did my ironing today and had lots of time over for making cards. I have really been enjoying myself. Annemie did phone twice, but didn't come down, so could get on with my work. Did anyone see that picture of the French girl who has had her face rebuilt after her dog attacked her? It was her own dog, a labrador, usually quite docile animals. She was asleep and he was lying beside her and suddenly attacked her. She had the chin, nose and other parts from a young woman who had committed suicide. She still looked pretty gruesome after those operations and couldn't speak very well. It just goes to show that you cannot really trust an animal, they are after all beasts! When I was at home we had a Staffordshire bull terrier, and she was so docile, but they say these animals are dangerous too. I suppose, when they are our own pets we don't want to think of them as dangerous, do we? Well I won't be posting tomorrow as I am going away, so will see you again on Saturday. Sylvia xxx

Hi all,the soup we made yesterday has to sit overnight to infuse ,so we will be having a bowl for tea tonight.but Fred was sneaky and had a taste while the missus was upstairs ,and i can tell you that it's a bit of alright.lol. I went out this morning to turn off the heaters and found a load of crocus with the buds in [wahey] we have lift of,next thing the bulbs in the front will start as well ,and i'm waiting to see how the bluebell come up.cause i managed to get hold of some proper ones ,not the squill that most of the shops seem to sell ,and look a bit different to the real ones. We did a bit of shopping this morning with the daughterand bought a few odds and ends,and found three fresh chickens in one shop for £5.00 which are now in the freezer upstairs,so we are okay for poultry for a good few weeks. Have to go and pick the grandson up from school now,so i will be back later,unless he pinches the puter again grrrrrrr. Freed.PtfA&G&G&S.

Sylvia, I forgot to tell you that there was nothing wrong with my PC. After crawling under my desk and checking all the connections were ok. I found the switch for my monitor, tuck away underneath, somehow that must have been knocked and it was off. It must have been those fairies again that keep switching lamps on and off.lol Anyway. all's well that ends well. June xx

Hi everyone, Its a dull morning her but it isn't raining, just very breezy. I have taken my granddaughter to the station, she attends college in Manchester on a Tuesday, then I went straight on from there and dropped my grandson off at college, so now I have a bit of peace and quiet and I'm wondering what to do next. I have made all the phone calls that I had set myself to do..I cant believe how many businesses dont alter their records when you tell them that you have changed address. Sylivia, I have an Arum lily that I bought last year, it is a gorgeous peach colour, we have it inside at the moment and the shoots are going mad, Gaynor has one that she has had a year or two and it is nowhere near as advanced as mine. I cant wait for the flowers to appear. Brenda, Thank goodness for freezers, its a shame the meal had to be post poned but at least you still have it to look forward to. I keep looking at this fire surround, I really hate it, I have had a look and I think it is only held on by 2 screws, I think I may have a go at unscrewing it and seeing what it looks like without it. See you tomorrow, I hope,lol June xx

hello everyone,didn't get out for our lunch on sunday ,our friends have colds,and John still wanted to go ,but I thought it was a long way to go for just the two of us,we did not fancy our local steak house so we will go the week after next when we have a few days off,if my friend has her days off at the same time. Had to raid the freezer for something that we could have that did not need defrosting and managed to do something we all enjoyed. Worked 4-8pm tonight ,but had a few errands this morning.so a busy day really. Day off tomorrow but have to take the cats to the vet first thing for their booster jabs. Fred ,we have changed to ntl security as we had a lot of trouble,seems ok.how was the soup? June must be great getting so far back and even having visible proof ,so to speak. sylvia,enjoy your trip,hope the flowers are ok I have a little mini rose bush which should go outside but its still too cold.i am hoping its ok. in a cool place in the kitchen for now. Have a few emails to reply to so,see you tomorrow,take care,Brenda

Hi everybody, Sorry to hear that you've been having problems with your pc June. Are you sure Beckham hasn't been playing with it? How was the soup Fred? The weather here has been dull and wet, although it is definitely warmer. I even ventured out onto the balcony today and put some primulas there to show people that Spring is 'just around the corner' so to speak! I had these primulas indoors, but these are plants which don't like the warmth like we have it and they have been gasping for some fresh air. I planted some lavendar seeds and noticed some lice in the soil, so that is that. This was a present I had from my youngest daughter which contained seeds, a pot and soil. I wished I'd used my own soil now and not theirs. Today did some household jobs and washing and this afternoon sat down to make some birthday cards, but Annemie came down for a chat. That is tempting fate. We sat and talked, talked and talked. Oh well tomorrow is another day, we must socialise. Tomorrow must do the ironing as I am going away on Wednesday. Henk said he would pick us up as he has to go into Amsterdam, but Johan said he would drive down as the weather will be ok. I prefer this as we can then leave at the time when we will, and that is after my homehelp has finished. Am leaving my 'tree' now until I get back on Saturday. Have a nice evening everybody. Sylvia xxx

Hi everyone. Yesterday i posted a message 3 times and 3 times it got lost and I gave up. Today my first message has just vanished, so if that happens again, Iam giving up again. I have been to the hospital with Gaynor this morning, she has had 3 injections into her back, to see if they ease the pain at all. I hope they work because the injections themselves were very painfull. A connection I met through Genes sent me a photo of an oil painting of one of my ancestors, born in Rose Castle, Cumbria. Rose Castle has a web site so it was interesting reading about it. I printed the photo off and left it on my desk, Gaynor passed by and remarked that it looked like her granddad with long hair. Then my niece came in the afternoon and she saw the resemblance too. that ancestor was born in 1633, my father in 1899, the nose definitely was the same shape. lol I have just made another connection so I am hoping this one will be as fruitful. Di, Ross is a lucky dog, having you to take him for walks and living in such a lovely place. Sylvia, I'm pleased you are off on another of your trips, its being active that keeps you young. Well I suppose I had better look if I have any emails, fingers crossed there may be some more Family History news. Have fun June xx