General Chat

Hi Everybody Yes, the old copper does bring back all the memories.Apart from the original purpose my Dad used to cook the Christmas ham in ours and also because he was a cabinet maker he would use the steam from it to make curves in timber. When we first married I had only the copper and vividly remember the old copper stick and tub of 'bluo' we didn't have a wringer and one day whilst very pregnant (me,not my husband)my husband became aware for the first time just how heavy those sheets etc,could be so he broke the golden rule and bought our first machine on hire purchase. Then there was the tale of our first refrigerator but perhaps I will leave that until another time. John I noticed a thread on the Salvation Army on this board and thought it may interest you. Happy thoughts to all JudyNZ

Hi Everyone,been busy with work doing two late shifts and then was out with friends last night,working tomorrow and have been out tonight delivering birthday cards and gifts to ny neices ,one is 21 and the other 31 ,they live a distance so I took the things to my brothers houses,and left them there to be picked up,I have two brothers and the neices are their daughters. Yes christmas is coming on rapid,when i went o buy the birthday cards earlier in the week the shop was full of christmas things. John works for Woolworths and said he is fed up with selection boxes and fireworks already.!!! Must go now will catch up again over the week end/ brenda

Good afternoon all FNWs I hope you all have a great Saturday This seemed to be slipping a bit down the board so thought I'd say hello. Cheers JA

Hi All Just a quick pop in to say hi. It is another wet day here today for the last day of the show. David and myself went to the show yesterday, which I think was the best of the 3 days to go. Even though I was glad to get back home, I must be getting old as the show seems to be getting less and less interesting to me, it is more for the young ones now. I did go and get a free health check as I have been getting a few headaches lately. My blood pressure was ok and they asked if I had been rushing around as my pulse was up a bit, I told them that I hadnt as I had only just got to the show, but walking does put my rate up a bit. Then I explained my heart probs and apart from my weight being up a bit, which I knew, and the fact that I dont drink water, they gave me a pretty good report. Well I am going to get back to the tele as I am watching V8 supercars at Bathurst this weekend. Catch you all later.

Hi evryone, I have just been reading all your messages since I last posted, I have read some of them before when I added another message. But the message I added isn't there! I remember telling you that my grandson and his partner were coming (Friday) and I was off to Manchester Airport to meet them, they are over for the week. Oh well, another mystery. Its dry here today with a breeze so the washing will be dry again. I still hang the washing out, I only use the tumle drier when I have to. When I was 10, my parents moved to an older house, there was a copper there but we didn't use it because my mother had brought her (what was then) modern washer with her. What hard work it must have been, emptying the water out. It was very interesting reading all your memories of them. Sylvia, I hope that you are soon sorted with your teeth and Johan with his breathing. Brenda, I see you are still cramming 48 hours into 24! Sorry I hear movement so I had better get the bacon under the grill. Hopefully speak tomorrow but it may well be hectic here for the next week. June xx

Hello everyone,well its has been such a miserable day weather wise,couldn't have put any washing out ,even if I had done any it was so wet.Have two washing loads now waiting to go in the drier,mind you so much can not be tubled dried it still ends up on hangers round the dining room. I will meet myself coming back soon June.lol.I will be organised one day and then shouldn't have to go off doing errands like last night. This house was built about 1904 and used to have a brick built wash house with a coal house attached at the bottom of the garden.In the corner of the washouse was the copper with the fire underneath it even had itas own chimney.The concrete floor slopped towards the door and ther was adrain at the step .The copper was 'unplugged ' and the water ran down the floor to the grid at the step . It was white dwashed at some time and I think the women using it must have been there hours doing the washing . Want to watch Parkinson ,so see you tomorrow hopefully.Brenda

Hello again, I have popped in now and then to read the messages but sometimes it has taken me so long to get there that I'm too tired to add anything. I can remember my mother doing the washing in the copper, when I was about 7 years old we lived in a little 2 up 2 down cottage that had a scullery built on the back (a later addition) this had a big stone sink, a copper and gas cooker. On washday it was full of steam from the copper and in the cold weather was absolutely freezing so the copper provided a bit of warmth. The toilet was down the garden (and full of spiders as I recall), gas light in the downstairs rooms only we had to use candles in the bedrooms. The back room had a big range, originally the only means of cooking. My mother did use it and I have to say it was brilliant for baking cakes. We lived there for about 8 months and then moved to a big house in Watford. I think we missed having to bathe in front of the fire in the tin bath, the new house had a big bathroom but was not so cosy. How things have changed!! Susan still has ups and downs, but it's early days yet, her hair is now just long enough to need brushing or it sticks up. She still has to have blood tests twice a week, sometimes the nurses won't use a butterfly needle (apparently they are too expensive) so they can be very painful and some of her veins have collapsed, it can take several attempts to get blood. It can get a bit distressing. Hopefully this won't go on too long if her blood counts start getting better. She still keeps smiling though. You are all keeping very busy still, Brenda you exhaust me just reading about your activities. Still no moving date June? Whether you are planting out for summer or clearing away for winter I hope you are all keeping well and happy. Hope to be here more often from now on. Meantime God bless Love Kathleen

Hello everyone Reflecting on coppers for the washing - I remember the 'cold' range we had in the kitchen on the farm Mum would light the range each morning to cook on, heat hot water and the house. Eventually an electric stove was installed but the range got lit. My parents built a new house across the paddock from the original house with all the mod cons of 1958. Another of those reflections on how things have changed is the way a prosthesis is made - from wooden limbs of a bygone age to the new generation materials used in space technology. On Friday we watched the latest series of 'Rosemary and Thyme' which is about the only mystery story my wife enjoys probably because there is no shooting and the like that appears in other programmes. John

Greetings to All Nice to hear from you Kathleen that Susan is making good progress but feel so sad to think that monetary values have become such a priority in the health system,it is the same here in NZ.Considering Susan has to have so many tests at regular intervals provision should be made to help alleviate as much discomfort as possible. Isn't it lovely to bask in nostalgia sometimes and read about other experiences ? I recall staying with an Aunt during the war years and they had a little farmlet so naturally they thought (correctly)that due to the rationing we needed to have our milk,eggs etc.but that is another story.My most vivid memory was their toilet (modern flush,not long drop !) but it was in a large room outside and this room was filled with sacks of bran and tins of molasses for the cows and oh what a glorious smell. John we also watched Rosemary & Thyme and agree it is a pleasant prgramme. Your mention of prothesis reminded me of an article I read recently about an Australian girl who had both feet blown off in the London train bombings and here she was only 7 weeks later walking on crutches.What a courageous young lady and she is determined to walk down the aisle for her wedding in December. Hope all is going well for Sylvia & Johan,Sylvia & Norman, Mavis and anyone else I haven't named personally. Happy thoughts to all JudyNZ

Hell Everyone,we have a really lovelly Autumn day here in northern England. I am looking at all the jobs I have to do in the house and have decided that I will have to close the door on this room so I will not come in here for a few minutes ,as that usually means hours.LOL So I might be missing for a day or so until I catch up. Kathleen,nice to hear that Susan is doing ok,hope that it coninues. John ans Sue Rosemary and Thyme is a very pleasant tv show they are now running the repeates on the cable/sky channels. Need to go and start the tea now,been here nearly an hour just doing a couple of emails and looking for this thread.Take care everyone,love Brenda

Hi Brenda & FNW Wasn't going to add today but as it took SO long to get here thought I better not waste the chance to check in. JA I have just read an atricle on the Limestone Coast in South Oz. is that where you come from or are the Limestone Plains somewhere else. ? Bye for now JudyNZ

Hi everyone, Just a quickie, I have already started a message once today for some reason we keep losing the connection to the internet, so my message was lost. Yesterday I didn't get on because we took Nick's partner to the Trafford Center, while he had a day with his old school friend. It's been a rather hectic week but enjoyable. Kath, I'm pleased to hear that Susan is making good headway. See you all tomorrow. June xx

Cor,Fred gets back from holiday to find the thread crawling with messages ,and so many people.so don't you all dare to do a runner now that iv'e come on here this afternoon. I have had two days in the garden to get as much done as possible before the weather gets worse,because it seems we are due a stinker of a winter. I had wondered because of the amount of berries on the trees and bushes which the birds will need to survive a harsh winter depite all you kind people doing all you can to ensure they don't go hungry,and a reminder too that they need water to drink ,so those bowls could do with checking every morning to ensure they havn't frozen over,i am appealing on their behalf because they can't do it ,bless them. While i was in Cromer last week ,i could'nt get over the difference three hundred miles makes in the seasons,i was staggered to see olive trees growing on the esplanades,complete with fruit,i had'nt ever thought of seeing one in britain,and was just getting over it when i saw a fully grown Banana tree in someones front garden.,How do they do it i ask myself. No exotic trees or fruit in the north unless they are in a conservatory ,and i will have to content myself with a couple of trays of dates for christmas.lol. A question for J.A.,how many miles of beach have you in your county J.A,between port mcdonnell,and Meningie? the map dos'nt tell me ,but it must be huge,and i would say you aussies are well and truly spoilt for choice.lol,you must be really looking forward to your next holiday now,slap on the sunscreen,find yourself a good spot ,and open a can of whatever,while us brits freeze and shiver lol. Well i am going to pretend it's still summer today and do my fav' tea ,as in ,a nice salad with a jacket tattie,and will see what the missis wants for her tea at the same time. She looked after me really well last week and wouldn't let me do any of the meals ,she said i was to have a complete break ,and recharge the batteries ,and after a week with no cooking ,or housework ,i feel fine again.see you all later take care everyone.Fred.PtfA&G&G&S.

Hi all, Haven't been posting for a few days. Last Friday my kitchen sink was blocked and therefore the dishwasher water wouldn't run away. Now, I love cooking, but washing dishes isn't a hobby of mine. Johan did try but gave up. Had to call in the 'unblocking' service. They soon had it fixed. I was so pleased that they would come out on a Saturday of all days. I cannot understand how I come to have a blocked sink as I am so careful at treating all my sinks with soda and boiling water. On Sunday we had our neighbours Annemie and Frans for dinner. Actually we had promised to take the both of them out to dinner as a birthday present (last May) but nothing came of it until now. Annemie suggested herself that we have Chinese food delivered at home. Well we ordered it but Frans went and fetched it. As always, there was far too much so I have frozen some in. I have the 'Spring' feeling. Must be the sunny weather. I am now turning out old magazines, knitting and crotcheting patterns etc. One of my neighbours works for the Red Cross and gets lots of magazines given to her and she passes them on to me. Well there are lots of things which I will not attempt to make any more, so I'm getting rid of the magazine. I am not the only one with the 'Spring' feeling I think. I heard two cats today who thought it was time to begin another litter. Also the flies seem to have come out in thousands. Haven't seen a fly all summer until now. Well must make a birthday card for one of Annemie's friends. Have read all your threads, but far too many to comment on. See you soon. Sylvia xxx

Well as you can see ,I have not been able to keep my promise.I had to come on and see if Ihad an email from my second cousin ,who I have just connacted via gense. iI also had to send an email to my nephew ,he is going to Canada for his GAP yearat weekend. Fred,you just gave me a idea for tea tomorrow,I love jacket tatties ,and salad,with anything for the fiiling,but tuna or cheese are my favs.David and John like them as well,glad you had a good holiday. Slyvia,you are lucky to get anyone out at all never mind weekend to fix the sink.My friends and I often go for a chinese banquette and never eat all the food,one of us has a really big doggy bag each time. June,still hoping I can make the meeting,have only been to the Trafford cente once,yet my sister almost lives there.!! Off to bed now,not working tomorrow but have these jobs to do and am thinking of getting some winter shoes and new boots.,so might go to Bury Market ,as I am working the next two Saturdays. Take care Love Brenda

Hi everyone, I am here early because I couldn't sleep, I think I have had less than 2 hours, cant think why, I've nothing particularly on my mind, I have given up worrying about moving, I just hope we are in for Christmas. lol Yes Fred, It is amazing the difference in temperatures in our little country. I do think that our temperatures up north have softened a bit and some of the plants that we couldn't grow at one time are now managing quite well. Sylvia v O, I'm glad you got the sink unblocked, I pay extra on my gas bill and they service my central heating and come out immediately to sinks and drains. It still would be inconvenient it happened though, you dont realise how often you use the sink. Brenda, I have jacket tatties and salad most days of the week, I prefer tatties cooked that way. I enjoyed the Trafford Center but it wasn't has big as I had expected. When the Metro Center at Gateshead first opened I went there a time or two and I expected the Traffoed Center to be on those lines. I will go again but not for a while, I certainly spent money. I hope you do make it to the meetup, dont forget the Eye and Ann Summers Shop have been mentioned, lol I hope everyone is ok. I have to go now, Bonnie and Beckham are wanting to go out. June xx

Hi everybody, Poor June cannot sleep. It is funny how one has periods of this kind and they go over. I am sure June you will have slept well the night after. I have also had a spell of sleeplessness, but now I sleep like a log, so to speak. Annemie tells me that there were three police cars on our terrain last night visiting a flat on the second floor. Why on earth do they need three police cars. To keep each other company I suspect! Anyway a man had had an argument with his girl friend. This morning she came to pick up her things which he had thrown out onto the street. He tried to throw her over the balcony and somebody just stopped him on time. What a drama. Nothing has ever happened here like this before as it is so tranquil. I never heard a thing last night, which shows how well I sleep these days. Tomorrow Johan and I have planned to take away all our unwanted items which I've packed into boxes and sacks. We will also drink coffee with our youngest daughter and if the weather is nice have a look round the village where we used to live. Have planned to have an early night for a change. Most times I get into bed it's almost 1.00 am. See you all tomorrow. Sylvia xxx

The weather is nice and pleasent today ,but I have not put out the bedding to dry on the line,I had to go out to my dads and then shopping and did not want to chance it ,in case it rained. Got a few bits and pieces for christsmas,and a loveely cardi thing for me .I bought a sleevless dress for my holidays and this cardi means I can wear it to the 'do's' that I am going to,just need a nice top to go with the skirt I have had for a while.I do have a gift voucher for some where and hope I can get something with that. Have to get tea on now,so hope ful be back on Saturday as I am working all day tomorrow and out for supper at the night.Take care brenda

Hi all, So Brenda, it seems you are all set for a winter of parties and dinners. Go for it girl, do it while you can. It is fantastic weather here still and Johan and I went to our youngest daughters for coffee this morning and also took with us all the old clothes and things that I've been turning out to drop in at the charity place. We then went for a walk down the high street of the place where we used to live and viewed all the changes that have been made. Many. We also met an old neighbour of ours who used to live next door but one. It was nice to see her again. Coming back Johan drove through small villages instead of the motorway so that made it more pleasant. It does smell more Autumnly every day - rotting leaves etc.etc. My new teeth, the lower few, were giving me trouble today but I've kept them in as I must put up with it if I want to look beautiful I suppose! I've decided not to go to the market tomorrow as I don't really need anything. My freezer is bursting as it is so full and Annemie's husband is getting my oranges for juicing. I'm sure I'll find something to do at home. I hope some more will write to this thread tomorrow. See you all then. Take care Sylvia xxx

It would seem that everyone is too busy to come on this thread lately ,and it has slipped down the boards rather a lot . My fault as well ,i have been rather busy too,but all will now be revealled. Fred has at last laid the cable under the patio andput all the flagstones back in placeand gotten the cable through into the greenhouse ,but there it will have to stay for a couple of days as is ,cause i had one heck of a job getting out of bed this morning [oh,my poor aching back]. At least now ,i will be able to see what i am doing in there when it's done ,and , no matter if i can't get kerosene the plants will still be warm and cosy , they are going to be spiold rotten ,and i will probably go into the greenhouse to find all my plants in deckchairs with sunglasses on lol. The missus is busy in the kitchen ,making the christmas puds ,and cakes ,and i have been banned from the kitchen ,cause last year i was tasting the wares before they had even cooled off[waaaah ,not fair ,kickes the puter desk in temper lol],this lady knows how to turn the screw as well ,she has a corned beef pie in the oven for tea as well ,and the aroma ,bisto ain't in it hee hee. i found a lovely solar powered light in Netto today that i have bought for the garden shed,and it will save haveing to put another cable in to the shed,it has a 10 inch square solar panel that goes on the roof,and a light that has a cord pull switch and battery compartment all in one,supposedly this thing gives an hours light at a time ,ideal i thought,and at £10 not a bad price. i will have to spend some time next week taking all the dahlia out and treating before putting away ,but at least all the spring bulbs are in ,and so i can forget the garden itself now ,until the crocus and snowdrops come up. Hope everyone is okay ,and that Susan is still improving daily . the meat arrived from my sisters last friday ,so i have now a whole topside haunch in the freezer for the new year ,and i know it will taste right cause it was hung in the traditional way,and the pork came with it,so apart from the poultry i have it all in stock. We have the grandson with us for a week as Martin ,my oldest son has gone back down to the broads for a week on the boat ,and the grandson is too yopung to be trusted afloat,but we don't mind ,he is a lovely bairn,and is no bother at all exept i am tired of playing Sticks ,so while he is at school next week i will be seeking a couple of other games to keep him amused,as unlike most kids ,he would rather play games instead of watching tele all the time. which gives me a bit of amusment as well. Well ,it's time to go enjoy my corned beef pie with a few baked beans and chips ,so i will see you all later on ,i hope .I may even get a sneaky bite of chrissie fare as well .but i doubt it, seeing as the grandson is on guard with the bears lol. syl .Fred.PtfA&G&G&S.