General Chat

Hi Brenda the B.B.Q went okay ,but minus the grandson ,he was recalled to camp for some reason as he finished at his friends in Nottingham ,so we never even got to see him,he never thought to tell us ,and it was'nt till we phoned his mobile at five that he told us about the recall Liz was NOT pleased .Anyway ,son no one bought some veggie spring rolls with him ,and they were fine on the coals ,a real treat in fact . Could you not put the dreaded bells on your cats brenda ,and give the wildlife a fighting chance ?. well i'm off for my tea ,i may come back a little later on ,but i may also be watching War of the worlds ,couresy of my foriegn office cous he he.cyal.Fred.PtfT&A&G&G&S>

sylvia,I wouldn't have thought making bread was resting your shoulder,unless you kneed it slowly. Fred you little doormouse wouldn't stand a chance near my cats,they catch all sorts,mice .babybirds,big birds ,robins.frogs,sparrows.!!! Sso ihope its ok. How did the BBq go .ok I hope. June,hope your pc is better soon,and you enjoyed your time to yourself. looking forward to saturday,hope this weather is better its rained a bit today and been windy. Haven't slept well for a few night and feeling tired ,so need to get some ironing done and a few phone calls. See you tomorrow/

Hi everybody, Just to let you all know that I am just back from the hospital where I have had two pieces of skin cancer taken away from my right shoulder. I was surprised to see how big the first one was when it was in a jar and the amount of stitches I needed. Anyway I have to have the stitches taken out over two weeks and then I'll be finished with that. Thanks to all of you who sent me tea and sympathy. It's nice to have friends! The weather is fine here today and the doctor said I should rest my shoulder so will do just that when I've made some bread. Have a nice day everybody Sylvia xxx

Hi everyone.i am waiting for the grandson to arrive on leave so that i can start the promised B.B.Q.so i am going to spend some time on here while i am waiting . Liz and i picked up a new boarder last week,a little doormouse who is nesting under next doors fence in line with our greenhouse.He is a cute little fella ,inquisitive ,but very timid ,with huge ears and lots of whiskers. When i get up early to do the garden i water first ,and then bring a couple of bicckies and a coffee out and watch for him,he usually sees me ,and sneaks under the table and waits for the crumbs whereapon he will shoot off to his nest with them. I don't mind doormice ,they do no damage that i can see ,and it amuses Liz to the extent that she managed to get a cople of photo's on her new camera.. The onl;y problem is ,i hav'nt seen it for two mornings ,so i think he may have fallen victim to next doors cat. I have managed to get a couple of members to join the msn chat group at long last,so if this site keeps going offline i can still talk to people,at least i don't have to rely on Genes which is starting to look as though it has a terminal sickness lol.i only hope i am wrong about that cause i would miss so many of you. I think many of you will by now be in your gardens ,under a parasol ,with a nice cold drink ,so i will leave you all ,and join the crowd outside,have a nice afternoon all ,and take care.Fred.PtfT&A&G&G&S.

Hi Everyone, We have another lovely sunny day but it is very hot again. The family have gone off to Tram Sunday in Fleetwood so I am taking advantage and getting on the PC. Yesterday, we were in and out so much plus we had my son in law's son for the weekend and he likes to play on the PC that I didn't manage to get on. I keep wondering how Gary is getting on with my PC but I dont like to natter him being as he has college work and a parttime job to do as well. Brenda, I work for local government too, but being as the sun beat down through the roof onto the computers that we used to control the money flow in the bank, it was cheaper to fit blinds than have the computers down. Sylvia, I would miss a garden too but it does take a lot of effort to keep it nice all the time. Judy, dont feel guilty about the ironing, it will always be there another day. J.A. You have just reminded me that the site was down, that was one of the reasons that I couldn't get on. Well I had better tidy up a bit before they come back so take care everyone. June xx

Good morning everybody,we have a really lovelly sunny Sunday morning here,should be hanging washing to dry and doing things in the kitchen,but have come on here before I forget or get beaten to it by my son. Going out later to but a new blind for the kitchen ,thought I had bought a bargain last month in a sale ,but its not the right size and cannot be adjusted like we want to.So I am making sure John comes with me and we get the right one this time. June don't think the council will pay for blinds on the roof ,they don't like spending money on that sort of thing. Jaquie,glad you and yours are ok ,must be freightening to go through ,how did your visitors fare.? Kathleen,be carefull in that garden,don't any of the charities or socials near you run any help schemes for older people,some places they just charge you for any parts and provide the labour free.Glad Susan is doing ok. Fred,you keep an eye on your lady and yourself as well,we'd miss you if you didn't get on here. Sylvia,my ironing seems to be breeding each time I look there is another pile.!!! J.A and Judy hope you are feeling better,wish we could all share the same times and weather,but we would all be competing for time on here I expect.Plus it would be slower!! Off for my Sunday breakfast,full english today.Then out to the DIY store for that blind.Goingto visit dad later,so might be back tonight,have a good day /evening

Hi all, Yes it's Sunday again - our rest day girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was up at 7.30 am, but not woken by an alarm clock, just the birds. Once I'm awake at that time it's not worth going back to sleep again, so I got up. The trouble about living in a flat is that I have to be quiet so as not to wake Johan as we're on one level. I laid the breakfast table and did one or two bits and pieces in the kitchen and when I heard him I set about making some sultana bread. When I woke up at 7.30 the sun was shining, but now it has disappeared. Yesterday Johan and I went to our ex son in law's birthday and we could sit outside the whole time as the weather was good. They have lots of passion fruit and flowers and various colours of clematis climbing over their fences which looks very attractive. I do miss a garden, but couldn't work in it any more and Johan has never been interested in a garden! Well everybody wherever you are, have a lovely Sunday and till tomorrow. Sylvia xxx

Hi everyone, wishing you a happy Sunday! Sun is over the yard arm here so about to pour a glass of shiraz. I am feeling a little more in the land of the living after a week of nasty flu Since the site was down this afternoon our time it seems to be humming fast, maybe UKers are eating brunch! Take care all JA

Hi Everyone Jacquie, so glad to hear that you and your family are safe after the storm. You have certainly had more than your share. Here's to a more peaceful weather pattern in future. It's amazing how our animal friends cope under those conditions and lovely to hear your little 'kids' are doing well. Sylvia, you make me feel guilty when I look at the pile of ironing awaiting me, but with my husband overseas for a fortnight and just the company of Ripley & Anna and the goldfish I am taking advantage of spreading out some rellie research papers all over the dining table and trying to make some sense and order of them. To all our friends who have been a little 'under the weather' I hope you are feeling fit and well soon. Regards, JudyNZ

Hi all, Johan and I went to our ex son in law's birthday today. Funny weather, one minute it is sunny and hot and the next a wind comes up and it's almost what you could call 'cold'. This evening I have finished off all my ironing. What a lovely feeling that is. This morning I had the washing machine going at 6.00 am and hung the washing out onto the balcony. Annemie has an electric trouser press, so she pressed a pair of Johan's trousers for me. She can get a much better crease in the trousers than I can. It is so quiet around here with so many people on holiday. Not much news for now, so have a nice evening. Sylvia xxx

Hi Everyone Well, I’m back, safe and sound, no damage this time thankfully, just some fence blown over and a lot of plants in the garden…the fruit trees are OK but we lost some banana and plantain…they are not strong!!! The power came back at 10.30pm Friday night….working very late!!! The water is still not on though but shouldn’t be too long I hope!!! They are having to clear the dam by hand. There was a lot more rain with Emily than with Ivan so we have had slides here, the only death was a man who wouldn’t leave his house and it slid….along with half the mountain behind it!!!! The animals are all OK. We were all in my downstairs apartment; my sister, the 3 teenagers, my husband Poppin, myself and 9 dogs and 1 cat!!! The goats were loose and found safety…the kids were leaping over the rocks the next morning so are fine. It was a very long night (Wednesday). The Hurricane hit at about 1.00 am Thursday morning and we still had strong winds the next morning coming to calm at about lunchtime. What a relief, when my husband went upstairs and told me all was as we had left it…..mind you everything was packed away and electrical stuff was downstairs!!! Got to sort it all out now!!! Thanks all for the concern…..it’s nice to know there are people out there who care!! My daughters could find no information at all but luckily the phone lines stayed up so was able to reassure them early Thursday morning (lunchtime for them!) Bye for now…..love Jacquie xxx

Hello everyone, just dropped in to read what everyone is doing, and such interesting things as usual. Like Sylivia and Norman I have had the flu so little to tell but of coughing! You sound busy as usual June. Fred good talking with you last night Regards to all JA

Hello everyone, just dropped in to read what everyone is doing, and such interesting things as usual. Like Sylivia and Norman I have had the flu so little to tell but of coughing! You sound busy as usual June. Fred good talking with you last night Regards to all JA

Hi everyone, Thank goodness it hasn't been as hot today. We havemanaged to do some more at the bathroom, with a bit of luck, we will get the flooring down, and then its just the finishing off bits. puting the towel rail, toilet roll holder etc. back on the walls. Yesterday I finished putting the last of the bedding plants into tubs and hanging baskets. Fred, sorry to hear about Liz and your breathing problems, it affects me that way too. I get up early (not 4 o'clock though) and get things moving then I often have a little nap in the afternoon, then in the evening I enjoy watering the plants, the trouble is the mozzies look forward to me doing that and then they can have a bite of me, lol. Sue, Sorry to hear about your back. I usually have more trouble with my back etc. in the summertime. I think in winter, that I wrap up whereas in summer I dont take as much care. Kathleen, I bet Susan will feel quite warm when she gets all her hair back. is it curly? I have an admission to make regarding painting, I started my staircase nearly two years ago and never quite finished it, it all needs doing again now because it isn't a proper white now. I wonder who will finish first, you with your kitchen or me with my staircase. Sylvia, You are very lucky if your grandchildren listen, mine keep telling me that things are different these days. When Samantha was younger, she asked me what it was like to wear a crinoline, lol So every now and then, as a joke they ask me that again, I was waiting for them to ask me during this hot weather, but they didn't. Well I think that is enough of my waffling, so I will go and see if I have anymore emails. Have fun. June xx

I'm back, Yes, I didn't send any messages yesterday. My computer wouldn't let me send e-mails nor receive them so the computer and I fell out with each other. This morning whilst waiting for my hairdresser to arrive I started clearing out a lot of old e-mails and hey ho no problem I can receive e-mails again. After my hairdresser had trimmed my hair and given me a blow dry Annemie and I went to the market taking our time as I didn't have to get back for my hairdresser. However, I hadn't expected my granddaughter and grandson to be here waiting for me; Linda had made everybody ham and cheese tostis. My grandson, bless him, is so concerned about me going to hospital on Monday to have the piece of cancer cut away. I told him it's nothing. Anyway, he really looked well I thought now that he has passed his exam there is a load off his mind. He is now talking of taking driving lessons. I've told him he gets money from me for his holiday this year, but if he doesn't go on holiday the money is to go into the bank to gain interest and go towards a car for him later. I said I don't want him wasting his money on cigarettes. They really listen to me and don't mind me talking to them like this. I still have my ironing to do but will do that when it gets cooler this evening; See you all tomorrow Sylvia xxx

Hello everyone, I noticed today that I have a little note on my home page to renew but have until 8th August so not going to do anything about it just yet. Susan started her radiotherapy again on Monday and her chemo will start on Friday. I don't think she is enjoying her trips to London as it has been so hot but she is going in the mornings so can rest for a while when she gets home. The hospital gave her strict instructions to keep away from places where there are lots of people to cut the risk of her picking up any infections. The good news is her hair is beginning to grow again. Recently I tried digging in my garden, the nettles and brambles seem to be going mad out there. We have lived here for 45 years and the garden has been dug many times but it is quite amazing how the big stones, even half bricks etc. still keep coming to the surface. It makes it so hard to dig out roots, I don't really like using weed killers but it seems to be the only way to clear them and the dreaded bindweed is back - it took me years to get rid of it and now the wretched stuff is coming back. I would really like to clear the whole garden, all the shrubs have outgrown their spaces and it's difficult to make them look tidy though they all flower well. I could really do with Alan Titchmarsh and his team but they are not doing that anymore. June, you mentioned about my kitchen recently - well would you believe it STILL isn't finished? The painting is still only half done and there are a couple of other little jobs to finish - Chris keeps saying he will get on with it..........!!!!!! I have now threatened to do it myself so I hope that will get him moving. If I can find where he has hidden the paint that isn't a problem but the carpentry jobs I would have a problem with as I can't move the washing machine. I'm off to bed now - hope you flu sufferers are recovered now and that everyone else is keeping well. Fred hope that you and Liz are not suffering too much with the heat, not too good when you have breathing problems. Sleep well God bless Love Kathleen

Hi all Just touching base with everyone. It certainly seems that you have got some hot weather in England. At the moment in Tassie we have got a cold southerly wind, we are expecting snow on the mountain over the next few days, if it is like the rain that has been forcast and has never got here we will still be waiting when its summertime lol. The government and council are still running around trying to get into place more wind farms to generate more power before we will have shortages with our hydro (water generated) power, as the dams are at a very low level, they havent been this low since the late 60's, when they had to ration the power, and there is a lot more power usage now than back then. Not much else is news over here, I have had my back playing up the last couple of days, the day before yesterday, I was making the bed and when I finished I sat down for a coffee and when I got up my back was aching and it got worse during the day and up to yesterday. I rubbed some Voltaren cream on my back and today it seems a bit better. It hasnt played up for ages, I think I have back problems from years of working early mornings lugging bundles of newspapers around doing deliveries, anyway enough moaning about me, I hope everyone is well and enjoying whatever you are doing.

Good afternoon all,it's come to the stage now where i am getting up at four in the morning ,watering the garden and lawns ,cutting hedges ,having breakfast ,and then doing housework. The idea is to finish all the work before the heat builds up too much,and then going for a cold shower before turning the puter on. I must admit that i feel more comfortable doing it this way ,but i'm worn out by six,and have had quite a few early nights this last three weeks [sorry Maz]. i had startred the hedges at dinner time ,the first time it's been cool enough this week ,and would'nt you know it ,it started to p****** down when i had only half finished the inside.sods law i suppose. Don't you all enjoy your cooking at the moment?,we hav'nt had a hot meal in days ,it's salad with everthing ,i can't even be bothered to do my fish and chips,and certainly couldn't go to my fav' place down on the north shields quay ,i could'nt sit in at all in this heat,i find it only bearable after eight in the evening ,and by that time i don't fancy going anywhere. Liz isn't doing too well ,this heat isn't doing her breathing any good at all ,and even i am affected ,and i only have ccd ,mostly ashma,but i know a lot of the members are a lot worse off than that, well i'm afraid i'm off to sit in the doorway ,the sweat is rolling down my face again and my cool feeling after the shower has worn off ,syal .Fred.PtfT&A&G&G&S.

Hi everyone, It is a bit overcast here today but still warm. Thankgoodness yesterday wasn't as hot as Monday and Tuesday when it was over 30C. We have been wanting to decorate the bathroom but it has been too hot, now that it is slightly cooler, we may be able to start. I haven't done very much this week, because of the heat, I have been very lazy, just watering the plants in the evening. Sylvia v O, I'm so pleased the warm weather has reached you at last, I thought for one moment that you weren't going to have a summer this year, lol Brenda, These windows in the roof are alright until you get a hot summer, When I was working, they had to put blinds on the roof windows because of the heat and shining on the PC screens. Sylvia W, I hope both you and Norman are over your bout of flu and that the weather improves for you soon. Judy, I think you are so used to sun that you miss it more than we do, we are so used to being without it that we are pleased to get the little we get. I hope you are soon over your flu. Sorry to hear about your husband's cousin, it's a very stressful time. I hope everyone else is OK, dont overdo the sunbathing! June xx

Hi Everyone Thought I had better show the flag from further down under. I do envy your lovely sunshine, like Sylvia in Oz we do miss it.I think we all tend to become used to different climates, what is hot for some is just right for others but for me,just the sun going behind the clouds is too cold. We are trying to shake off a bout of flu so sorry if I sound miserable. To add to our woes,a very dear family member has been diagnosed terminally ill so my husband takes of to the USA tomorrow as his cousin wishes to see him. Well, enough of my misery I'll call in later when the mood is happier. Regards, JudyNZ PS Don't children know how to cheer you up ? My 6yr old grandaughter visited yesterday and said she was thirsty, jokingly I asked 'would you like a glass of water'' her reply 'well,water would probably be healthier but I would prefer fruit juice' !!