General Chat

Hi everyone. While I write this most of you will be sleeping! It is 1.30 p.m. here in NZ. Sunny start to the day but is now cloudy and dull. June - What a good idea to put 'memories' on to a CD for the grandchildren. I shall have a go. Fred - could do with your help in our garden! Good on you for keeping busy. Sylvia - Found your little bit of History re Belgian Soldiers very interesting. Always something to learn! We went to my son in laws brothers 40th birthday party last night. Had a lovely time. They had a large spit with a whole lamb on. The meat was delicious. Lots of people there - young and old! The music was a little bit 'boomy' for us oldies! My son in law has pulled a muscle in his lower back - is having physio but unable to work. He is a bricklayer. Any suggestions to ease the pain? He is on Voltaren. He is self employed so not being able to work is a problem. All for now Mavis

Hi everyone, Today isn't as good as we have had for the last few dats. Its been raining on and off all day. I have been adding a bit more to my memories, some people on Genes have been writing their life stories, I decided to have a go. I dont intend publishing it but thought I would put it on a CD to pass to my grandchildren or maybe grandchildren. Once you get started one memory leads to another, Sorry I have to leave now, will try and get back on later. June xx

Hi Sylvia,your little village has now been swallowed up by birtley which is now a pretty big place,overshadowed by the angel of the north which is just over the motorway on the southbound side. It's a pretty airy place despite having a very large trading eastate ,where they make everything from ammunition,to childs toys ,building site machinery like j.c.bs,to caravans. There is also a museum [beamish] not too far away,which is a step back in time ,showing streets frfom the last century ,trams,steam engines through to a victorian fair complete with a steam driven merrygoround. they have a drift mine there too ,which was in use till twenty years ago ,you cn even take a rip into the shaft,under supervision of course,so your pen friend no doubt told you of many of these things,and of a very friendly population. i did manage to get one of those punnets of pansy in before the heavens opened ,so the rest will have to wait till the weather improves somewhat. i have managed ,with the help of my youngest son ,to get the honeysuckle plant out,it was a bit of a job,but it's done now.. I went and got the rest of the stuff for the greenhouse today,so i reckon i will be starting on that next week,so that i can get the het and lighting installed before i have to start putting the new seedlings in. I am a little depressed today folks,i have heard that i will never be able to return to work ,owing to my illness getting worse,not better,but i will get over it,at least i am still mobile,and i suppose it's just a matter of flinging myself more to do ,to keep me busy,maybe annoying you lot more to fill in the time lol[you have beeen warned] . well ,it is my turn to do the tea [and washing up ,more gloom],hee hee,i asked for a dishwasher ,but the lass says i have two,[my hands] rotten to me she is lol.Syal.Fred.PtfA&G&G&S.

Hi everybody, Well Johan went to the doctor today and she told him that he hadn't got worse and the impurities in his blood show that his heart is not functioning optimally. We have decided to go away for a week and forget things. Had a busy day, but done almost nothing. When I got back from the market with Annemie my granddaughter Linda arrived to help me in the house, and then her father turned up for coffee. No sooner had he gone then my hairdresser came, followed by Annemie again to show me photos of her granddaughters christening. What a day! It really is beautiful weather here that it is a pity to stay indoors. I watched a very interesting documentary programme on Belgian television last night. It showed lots of old photos of Belgian soldiers working in England making shells for the war. This is World War I. 1915. Apparently they set up a village, building lots of houses for these soldiers and a factory. They later even had a school for the children and their own shop. It was like a getto really as they were not allowed to go out of this village and the local folk were not allowed in. They had guards at the gates. The local folk didn't like this very much, especially as they had better houses than they did, with flush toilets and electricity. These soldiers were those who had been injured in the war and couldn't fight any more but could do other work. There was some friction among the soldiers as they were frustrated when doing a day's work that they had to stay in the village. One soldier wanted to go back to Belgium to visit his family, but when he applied wasn't dressed 'proper', the wrong hat on or something silly like that, and that set off the fireworks. They started breaking up everything. The result was that they could mingle with the local folk etc. This place was called Birtley, Co. Durham and the village called Elisabethville. They have lots of streets there with Belgian names. I wonder whether anyone on this Board are descendants of any of these Belgian soldiers. I thought you might like to read this. I had never heard of this before and once had a penfriend in Birtley, Co. Durham. Now see you all tomorrow. Sylvia xxx

Hi Everybody Well I've not much news but thought I had better make an appearance and not let the team down.I do so much love reading about all your very active busy lives. Fred where would we be without your hilarious accounts but I must admit keeping up with your 'sore bum' takes a bit of doing but I am getting the hang of it,jumping from thread to thread ! Must admit it would be a bit of a shock seeing a large airplane at the bottom of the street.Yesterday we watched on CNN the emergency landing made in LA by the Airbus with faulty landing gear.What a lovely piece of flying demonstrated by that pilot and what a terrible nerve racking 3 hours those passengers went through. John,I agree with you about plastic bags and to make it worse people are sending their rubbish in large plastic bags because they are much cheaper than paper,what a futile exercise in waste management and lack of leadership by our politicians. Sylvia I do hope Johan has a good report from his doctor,it would be a shame to miss your little break away. Regards and happy thoughts to you all JudyNZ

Hi all, We are finding it difficult when buying goods here to be given a bag, either paper of plastic. You can buy one if you want. Now that's one way of stopping so much plastic being thrown away. In Germany they are very 'green' conscious. When you have bought your goods you can take off all the packing and leave it at the supermarket. You will never be offered a plastic bag or even a paper bag. Bring your own is the answer! I too have lots and lots of linen bags. Have now finished off my balcony making it 'winter ready'. I thought if I don't do it today then the weather might be bad when I have had my holiday and then I will regret not doing it. It's always a nice feeling when you have finished off something. I have also done my grandson's ironing - bless his cotton socks! Managed to finish off some Xmas cards I was making too. Whilst cleaning my balcony I watched the men hoeing the weeds in the bushes round our flats. The boss was a Nederlander and he had an African-looking man and two Asian-type men. Well, the two Asian men spent most of the time leaning on the van that brought them here. In fact the boss said to them at one stage 'you'll make a dent in the van'. What a lazy lot. They've left half the weeds in. I suppose somebody will come and pick up the weeds and rubbish as it didn't seem to be their work. They stood smoking cigarettes all the time, but work, no.I did wonder why the boss didn't get cross with them, I would have done! Tomorrow Annemie and i are off to the market, chattering, nattering all the way there and back and over a cup of coffee. We've not seen each other for a few days so have a lot to talk about no doubt. Now have a nice evening and see you all tomorrow. Sylvia xxx

i agree about the plastic bags,i prefer the old fashioned paper ones that the americans use,you can use them more than once ,and they are biodegradable.,besides which,the world is short of oil already ,so why waste it by making plastic bags when there are plenty of alternatives. You insist on Johan seeing the doc' before going on holiday Sylvia,as said ,you will not enjoy your holiday much ,if you are tensed up all the time with wondering. The trailer tent is in very good condition ,so the son is very pleased with it,and i can see us trying it out in the next few weeks. Only just over a week to go and then fred will be terrorising the pike in norfolk,and i can't wait to get one on the b.b.q. they are said to be very tasty. The hedge got cut today,as did the front lawn,i took Liz to get the bits for the cable to the greenhouse ,and liz spotted some orphan pansies ,looking rather bedraggled and lonely,on sale for fifty pence a tray,so guess who has six trays to put in the front garden at twenty five to a tray,oh ,my poor back ,and knees. well ,i'm off again ,i am going to treat myself to some carte doore ice cream ,seeing as i have worked so hard today. I will see you all again tomorrow ,i hope.Fred./PtfA&G&G&S

Hello everyone Haven't been on here for nine days and thought I would pop in. Like Judy and Mavis I will be glad when the NZ election results are finalised. We have had rain off and on since the weekend. Our church has been doing the 40 days of purpose campaign which was completed on Sunday by releasing about 100 balloons in the sky, only problem it rained and the release was done in stages by standing on the step and throwing the balloons. This was followed up by a luncheon. What do you think of plastic bags that supermarkets and the like give with your purchases? I find them annoying so much so we are now using cloth bags for our groceries. Another thing not all plastics are recycleable which is also a blasted pain - they say recycle only 1 and 2 into the bins, the rest end up in the landfill. So much for looking after the environment. I am not a greenie but plastic is a big problem. John

Hi everyone, I cant believe I haven't been on for 3 days. Every morning I get up with lists of jobs to do. I know I have only moved house twice before but I am sure that I have had never all this messing around to do, Fred, we have often threatened to get a trailer tent, they are easier to tow than a caravan but easier to put up than a tent, although these tents that go up like an umbrella are easy to put up but haven't a lot of room. Sylvia, I think you are wise to insist on Johan going to the doctor begore you go awaym otherwise you wont enjoy yourself anyway. Mavis, Its a pity they haven't a webcam but a webcam isn't any good without a PC. I' m sure you will get a lot of photos. Kathleen, I am thinking of you and Susan, I have my fingers crossed for her. Sorry if I haven't mentioned everyone, but I have to leave for a phone call now June xx

Just a quick answer to Sylvia,no,i think it's a little early to be doing the cakes yet,but Liz has plans to do the christmas puddings this next week,we always do the home made ones cause they taste so much better. My forte.is the main meals ,and i have them planned,the wine fed Turkey is ordered at the usual farm up the road,and i have a big rump joint from my sisters already in the freezer,all the more tasty because it is well hung before freezing. i won't be getting the pork or bacon from sis' this year 'cause she did lamb instead,only now it's fully grown sheep ,which is tastier than lamb,and less fatty. That's it for this time ,i am shattered after such an early start ths morning and i am off to bed . Fred.PtfA&G&G&S.

Fantastic weather still so I cleaned the big white table on the balcony and brought it indoors for the winter months. Annemie's husband came and helped me with old plants putting into plastic bags and taking downstairs. I still have a few more odd jobs to do and hope to do these tomorrow and then my balcony is what I call 'ready for winter'. I also did my grandson's washing and hope to have it ironed for Linda to take away when she comes on Friday. Today Johan phoned the doctor for the result of the blood he had taken a couple of weeks ago and heard it was not good. He was going to leave it until he sees the cardiologist in October, but I made him make an appointment with our doctor on Friday. I want to know more before we go away for a week on Sunday. My neighbour who has a house in Hungary phoned today and said they were not having such good weather. Now have a nice evening everybody and see you tomorrow. Was nice to hear about your escapades Fred. Have you made your Xmas cake yet? Sylvia xxx

Hi Kathleen,Liz even put a second coatr on for me this morning while i was down in Bradford,i was half way along themain road just short of the town centre when an angry great orange airoplane arrived at the end of what must have been the end of the runway ,turning round to start it's take off run. This by the way was only a few dozen yards from the road ,on top of ground that ,it slopes down to the main road,these midland people must love to live on the edge literally,it wouldn't do me at all ,i am used to flying ,but i,m not used to seeing airoplanes indicating to turn right at the crossroad lol. The son got a bargain,with the trailer tent,it only has a couple of splits in the roof ,which i can repair with a bit of resin and glass fibre,and it's in top class codition inside ,complete with cooker and built in bunk beds and seats,no more putting up tents,and room to stand up inside. Looks as though i will have to look for a dvd for this evening seeing as there is nothing on the box again. Must go now,seeing as i hav'nt even started the tea yet. See ya all later ,have a nice evening all.Fred.PtfA&G&G&S.

Hi everybody, Well our new television came today, so Johan is as happy as a sandboy playing with his new toy. Me, I'm more happy with the internet/computer. The weather is absolutely marvellous. Brilliant sunshine, although at night the temperature drops right down to frost on the ground. We have to have our central heating on now every night. Yesterday I made some 15 Xmas cards as I had plenty of time on my hands. I usually have the last minute panic with 80+ cards to make. I cross-stitched them all one year. What a job. I now just cut and paste bits and pieces. Tomorrow I have to go to the dentist and hope my new teeth are finished. Dying to take a bite! Haven't seen my grandson for a couple of weeks. I hope he doesn't turn up with his dirty washing the day before I go on holiday. If he does, then hard luck it will have to wait. I haven't much news today, so wish you all a pleasant evening and till tomorrow.Sylvia xxx

Oh dear Fred - you should have gone to Weight Watchers !!!! You'll have to be on your best behaviour now if you want Liz to help you out with that second coat. Love & God bless Kathleen

hi everybody,i just have a few seconds before i have to go,long enough to say,if you want to see Fred in trouble again ,check out the otherthread,the canadian one ,fred will do a shoot now before anyone has a look 'cause i'm still mortified lol.Fred.PtfA&G&G&S.

Hi everyone, June - we do have a webcam and chat to friends in the UK but our sons do not have a webcam unfortunately. Have to make do with 'phone calls! We do miss the grandchildren. Maybe that's why we spoil the 3 grandsons in New Zealand! Today we have been to our Probus meeting - I am the Speaker Convener - this month we had a fashion show instead of a speaker. Two local fashion stores 'loaned' us the clothes. Ten of our members were the models (5 men and 5 ladies) - they did a grand job. One lady was over 80 - lovely tiny figure - and she so enjoyed herself. We are arranging an Arts and Craft show for our November meeting - we did this 2 years ago and it was amazing how much talent we have within the club. 3 years ago we had a Pikelet making competition for the men! This was hilarious. We like to break away from the normal 'Speakers'. All for now - it is late again! Mavis Papamoa NZ

Hi all, So you all thought I was on holiday. Oh no, our stupid telephone people cut off our internet and telephone. I am furious because with Johan and his heart condition I had no telephone. I have sent them a long 'strong' letter! I have said that I hold them responsible if anything happens to Johan. The telephone people phoned this morning to say that they have found the fault. Found the fault, no apologies. That is not good enough. I am furious. Even our mobile telephone didn't work. We had money on it, but it didn't work. We had to add more before it worked. What a weekend. My daughter who lives one and a half hour's drive away bought us a new card to add money to our mobile telephone and now that is ok. We don't use it very much as it costs a lot extra money. On the brighter side of things, our new television should arrive tomorrow. I have been doing some more cross stitching the weekend as I had no internet. I'm now so up to date with everything. Nice to read all your articles, at least you've kept the thread going. Dear Beckham, he is a real character, isn't he June? Love to you all, and you go careful Fred, you cannot be missed! Sylvia xxx

Hi all Kathleen, thinking of you and Susan, I wouldn’t care what people think of me walking around talking to a pink teddy. You have to show and tell Gaynor bear all about the sites that you visit lol. And as you said it is for a good cause, I don’t think there would be too many people who don’t know at least one person who has had to battle cancer, if I was over there I would walk with Gaynor bear and yes I would also talk to Gaynor, I have been following Gaynors travels on the page that was set up for the trip. Fred hope the rear is getting better he he, we all try to be a big kid at times lol. Sylvia and Norm I hope you are both OK and I bet you are watching the TV on Saturday, I hope you like the result, I have a soft spot for Daniel Chick who used to play for my team, now he is on your team it would be good to see him with a Grand final medal. Everyone else I haven’t mentioned hello and I hope you are all well.

Hello everyone, Hope the elections went well in Oz, no doubt will be the same as here. Some people will be pleased and some disappointed, lets hope you get a good result. Susan is not very well but at least is now reaching the end of her treatment. This last couple of months have been very hard for her - but hopefully there is a rainbow at the end of it all. I'm busy at the moment with a Pink Bear (Gaynor Bear). She was handed to me at Runnymede, by the Magna Carta Monument. Had a lovely, if short, meeting with Kim and my friend took some photo's. Kim is a very nice lady and we enjoyed her company for a couple of hours. On Tuesday I am taking GB to London to meet up with Mary and do a little tour around Buckingham Palace etc. People here are now totally convinced that I have lost the plot!! walking around carrying a Pink Teddy Bear - not only that but talking to her as well LOL. All in a good cause and hopefully raising awareness as well as some much needed donations. I'm too old to care if people think I'm mad, age does have it's advantages. Fred my son used to come down ladders like that when they were taking down the scenery at his Young Peoples Drama group - the trick is to jump off just before you reach the bottom (of the ladder that is, not yours)he he!! Seriously though I hope you haven't hurt yourself too much, please don't do it again. Pleased to hear that Sylvia and Norman are ok, have wondered how they were. June, hope you are not finding it too difficult living with your possessions all packed up for another couple of weeks. I do hope it all goes smoothly. What a shame you have to leave your garden behind, but then you have the new one to look forward to and waiting to see what comes up next year will be exciting (hopefully). Sylvia and Johan, hope you are keeping well. That you Sylvia will be busy is not in doubt, you always seem to be doing something. Try to relax a bit whilst you are away, the spa bath would be wonderful but I know what you mean about getting out - no trouble (well not too much) getting in but...... Thank goodness for showers. JA, thank you for your messages for Susan. I hope things are ok with you. This site may have it's problems but I have found so many good friends on here. Just wish we could ALL meet up sometime. Mavis, good to see you again. Look forward to hearing more from your part of Oz. Sorry if I have forgotten anyone - must go the telephone, the answerphone cuts in but I have to ring this one back. God bless Love Kathleen

Hi everyone, I am awake early this morning, soeone was making a moise outside this morning, probably a milk man, and Beckham thought it was time to get up, so guess who had to open the doors for him! So now I am wide awake, I bet I will be having a snooze this afternoon. Mavis, I hope you get your lie in, whenever I plan one, I always get wakened and once I am awake, I cant get back to sleep, although I do admit to falling asleep in the afternoons sometimes. It must be hard not seeing your grandchildren very often, do you have a webcam and mike so that you can talk and see them on your PC? Fred, I wish I had been there with my camera, what a sight to behold. I shouldn't laugh really, you are braver than me, I have one of those loft ladders but I have never gone up any further than halfway. I leave that to the young ones nowadays. J A, my move has been delayed for a week or two, people on holidays etc. Hopefully we will be in soon. Kathleen and Susan, My thoughts are with you both. I hope Sylvia and Johan are enjoying their break, and Brenda her holiday. See you all soon, June xx