General Chat

Hello everyone Nice to see you Bill, hope you are keeping well. Lovely to see a new friend from Oz as well, hope you will visit us again Margaret (Jo). You certainly seem to have a lot of exotic birds visiting your garden. Our magpies often hop around on the ground busily hunting for insects and worms in the grass verges. We do have robins, bluetits and of course the sparrows and starlings but unfortunately there are also now a new influx of cats in the neighbourhood which keeps the birds away. Not far from where I live there is moorland and there are budgies, parakeets and a few other exotic birds. Escapees from the Cargo sheds at Heathrow mostly but they have been breeding there for some years now. Have not been on the computer for a few days, had a funny tum for a couple of days. Also we now have only one phone line as we are upgrading to broadband, had to reconnect to BT and only one phone. It will be alright once broadband is up and running, should be about a week. Will cut down on my phone bill not having to pay for that extra line, just a bit annoying at the moment not being able to use computer and phone together. Jude, sounds as though Madoc has settled in nicely now. I do hope you manage to train him out of pulling on the lead, Kyzer never did learn not to pull and it can get a bit tiring. June, I hope Beckham has recovered well from his visit to the vet, hope it wasn't anything too serious. Sylvia, your x-ray results are taking a long time. Just hope that it enables your doctor to treat your toe and get rid of the problem. It must be so frustrating not to be able to make plans. Fred, your bread pudding sounds good to me and I love bubble and squeak. Can you still get treacle toffee? Used to love that - don't think I could manage to cope with it now though. Real stick-jaw stuff. Does anyone know the recipe for Parkin? Haven't had that for years and would love to make some. It took me ages to catch up on all the messages and now I am having to try to remember who said what - should really print them off - or at least make notes. Will catch up with you all tomorrow, feeling a bit tired now. Because of the funny tum haven't been able to eat much until today. Also been trying to catch up on things I didn't get done whilst I was feeling out of sorts. Still, all better now and should sleep well tonight. Take care, God bless Love Kathleen

I'm here again. I missed out yesterday as I was busy. First of all Johan and I had to have our quarterly diabetic control. That finished and we were out of the house, we decided to go and look at another possible address to hold our reception next March. Well, I was really enthusiastic. It is by the boating club. We cannot do our own catering or drinks, but I think it would be more peaceful for me. By the time I've paid for the caterers, helps for the bar etc. then I'm sure this would be a better deal. Anyway they are going to send us an estimate. I've asked for 50 people. Even then, there will be a few I cannot ask. We must draw the line somewhere. Johan had 7 sisters and a brother. Although there are not so many sisters left, their children would also like to come. I have said that I don't want nephews and nieces children too. Can't afford it. After that we went into Hilversum and took our video player to be repaired. We have not been happy with it since we bought it. So I cannot tape any programmes now for a couple of weeks! When we arrived home, my granddaughter came in to do her weekly vacuuming etc. I asked her to clear a shelf in my wardrobe where I have boxes of shoes. She took one look and said "are you going to start an antique shop"! Cheeky little girl. I think it's a pity to throw good shoes away, but I really need the space. I'll give them to a good cause. She has bought a pair of trousers which need shortening, so will have to wait until my sewing machine has been repairedl When Linda had gone my neighbour from the third floor came down and invited us for the evening. She has a house in Hungary and has just come back after spending 4 weeks there. So, together with other neighbours we had an enjoyable evening, plenty of jokes and plenty of wine and toasts, cheese etc. Well, I'm getting hungry, so must get some dinner, there are no fairies who'll get it for me. Love, Sylvia xxx

Evening all,I have had a very busy but succesfull day today.I was up earlish for my day off,put some washing on,tidied up a bit.Went to the bank to pay some cheques in.Had a look in the travel agents for a brouchure,but no luck there.Booked to go and see West life at The MEN Arena in Feb next year.I only managed to get on the front row on the nearest block to the stage,talk about feeling great ,I felt fanastic. Then I met my friend ,thought we were having a sarnie and coffee and was treated to a lovelly pasta meal with wine at a pizza place. Came home after doing weekly shop and John had cooked tea,marvelous. June I am so pleased Beckham is better,and you as well.Sylvia,hope you are not too long without your results. Nice to see you Kathleen,hope you don't get too frustrated with only one phone,but broadband is better,well I think so. Hiya Bill,thanks for popping in ,glad you are ok.I expect most people will be on here when they can.See you all soon.take care Brenda

Hi everyone I haven't forgotten you. I have been busy trying to reinstall my printers, photoshop etc. Nick installed XP, and I lost everything, fortuneately I had saved a lot onto disc. for Gaynor to put on hers.Its just a matter of putting everything back. I never would have had it installed if I had known of the work involved. I will see you all tomorrow, I'm ready for my bed now. Love June xx

Hi everyone, We have a dry day again today and the sun is peeping through. I feel a lot more refreshed today, yesterday I was so shattered having to reinstall everything, then I realised when I got into bed that I had still to do my camera and webcam, when you buy these things it is one at a time and its only a small job but all at one go its a mammoth task ( or is it my age) I certainly would not have had XP if I had known about all this. I also have remembered 2 websites I have lost, I'm sure there will be lots more yet. Brenda, You are making me very envious about your visit to see Westlife. I must check to see if they are going to the Guild Hall in Preston. Bill, Lovely to see you again, are you still ding the trips to the shops? I used to love your tales about them. Have you anymore trips to sea planned? Its coming up to Christmas again and I thought of your adventures last year. Sylvia, If I was you, I would opt for someone else doing the catering, I know home catering is best but it is hard work and I think its your special day and you should pamper yourself. Kathleen, I.m sorry you have been under the weather, these tummy upsets can really take it out of you. Having only one phone line, used to annoy me but there are times when People cant get hold of me, like sales people or banks doing so called security checks. I had one the other day that said they wanted a word, when I asked what about, they said they couldn't tell me until I had answered the security questions to establish it was me, so I replied, I cant give you those because I dont know you are who you say you are, at that they hung up. Beckham is fine now thanks, it must have been his teeth, but they had to sedate him because he was too sore to let them look. Jude, I hope Madoc is alright, whats the latest news on him. I hope our other friends are still reading our messages even if they aren't writing. Love June xx

Was up early today - had to set the alarm clock or I'd never have been up so early. My hairdresser came at 9.15, then my neighbour and I went to the market at 9.45. We did our usual round of the stalls and drank coffee afterwards. My daughter and granddaughter came in the afternoon. Janet, my daughter, brought her sewing machine with her so that I could do my sewing - repairs to my son's raincoat. She then took my sewing machine into the town for repair. She also shortened her daughter's trousers (my granddaughter Linda). She ate with us which was nice. Her partner, Henk, was on a course with colleagues of his, so she didn't have to hurry back. Eindhoven, after all, is at least one and a half hour's drive.She went to the special rose greenhouses in Almere and bought me a beautiful bunch of deep red roses. Am I spoilt or not? I phoned the doctor again today, and as usual no x-ray photos. I just cannot understand why they are so long. Is there anybody else out there who is watching the snooker? I am rather 'hooked' on snooker. The trouble is that it begins so late here as we're an hour later than in England. So if it begins in England at, say, 12.00, then it's 1.00 am here. Ah well, tomorrow it is Saturday, no plans, but will probably have to make bread to start the day off with as Linda and Janet came here starving and made sandwiches at lunchtime. I just let them get on with it, and don't know how much bread they've eaten. Have a nice evening, love Sylvia xxx

Hi everyone. We have had very bright sunshine here, a bit awkward when driving! This morning I had to take Gaynor and Samantha into Chorley to pick up Samantha's spectacles, Gaynor is still not allowed to drive. While we were waiting for the specs to be ready, we wandered on to the market, there is a very good butchers there, I went in to one of the shops and found a pair of boots that fit me so of course I had to get them. Samantha bought some tops but Gaynor was good she resisted temptation, she didn't buy anything. We had to be back home by 11.30 because Samantha had a driving lesson. Sylvia, what a lovely surprise, your daughter bringing you red roses. I love receiving flowers and having them around the house. I enjoy watching snooker too but not when its on late, I often watch during the day. I forgot to tell you Gaynor was round reinstalling my things on computer and found all of my photos tucked away, what a relief, at least I dont need to scan them all again. Last night, I renamed the photos that Gaynor had found for me on my PC. The I went on Chat on Genes, it was lovely to meet some of the older members again, it was a very enjoyable end to the evening. See you later. Love June xx

Woke to a lovely sunny day. I did have plans to make my Xmas cake, but it's not very Christmassy when the sun is shining, is it? so I'm having a bit of a lazy day. Did turn out cupboard of summer clothes and packed these away to make room for winter clothes. Also threw 4 pairs of shoes away. My granddaughter will be so proud of me for that!! Did a few bits of ironing, all at a leisurely pace. Most important, I did most of the Daily paper's crossword puzzle - a general knowledge one. My husband has phoned another hall in a beautiful location, but I'm not so happy about this. I thought I had found the ideal hall for our party, and now he comes up with this new one. I will of course also go and look at it and get an estimate of the prices, but my heart was set on the one at the boating club. I may update this later, but for now am signing off. Sylvia xxx

Again its a lovely sunny day here, must get some washing out, even though it is Sunday. Is this the Sylvia and June show? Where is everybody? Obviously having a busier time than me, I hope its exciting too. After going out with Gaynor and Samantha yesterday morning, I was tired so I had a look at my Family Tree, unfortuneately, I didn't make much headway. I made myself a cuppa and thought I would go and tidy up the garden a bit, 2 hours later I woke up and I hadn't tidied the garden. Never mind there is always another day. Sylvia, Its time I moved some of my clothes around too, summer has well and truly gone now. My wardrobe has 2 rails one behind the other, so I will be transferring summer clothes to the back rail now. Have you decided on the hall yet, once you have decided I would book it, otherwise these places tend to book up quickly and you may miss the one you would really like. I am off to tidy the garden a bit now, if I do a bit at a time, its easier on my back. Love June xx

Good morning all Had to trawl back to page 5 to find this thread. Not too bad a morning and looks as though it might brighten up later. Spent a couple of days sorting out clothes, everything I didn't wear during the past few summer (?) months has gone to the charity shop, That is all those things I didn't even think I might wear. Still finding stuff that belonged to Indira, so that all went as well plus sorted out some winter things that I know I won't wear again - though what's the betting I will spend hours looking for something that I've forgotten I have disposed of!! Went window shopping, I need a new bed. Saw just the one I would like, tried it - oh! so comfortable, but then I was told the price :-( At over £700 out of my price range, will keep doing the lottery and hoping!!! Pleased to hear you found your photo's June, when Chris upgraded to XP we didn't lose anything at all, but he did it so I am not sure how it works. Only know that everything was still there and we had no problems with losing anything. We will be upgrading to broadband shortly, just waiting for the package to arrive, hopefully within the next few days. I will be making a start on my Christmas cake this week, have checked that I have all the ingredients now, including the brandy for soaking the fruit beforehand and adding to the cake from about end of November. Going to the newsagent to pick up my papers now. Hope to add a bit more later today. Chris is working tonight so the computer will be free all evening - that is unless I get stuck on a lengthy phone call. That is still a problem with only one line now, but my young friend who sometimes desperately needs someone to talk to, usually rings in the evenings. Hope you all have a peaceful, restful and sunny Sunday. God bless Love Kathleen

Kathleen, Lovely to hear from you, we must have been typing at the same time, I have now recovered what was misplaced rather than lost. Speak again soon Love June xx

Good evening everyone, Was just coming on here earlier when the furniture delivery I was waiting for came, I was not expecting it to be packed in so much cardboard!! it took us ages to unpack and then put it all in place. we have managed to put some summer things away for the winter,but I have not sorted out the winter things that will fit me yet. June it did look a bit like the June and Sylvia show,I didn ot get on yesterday as I was at work all day then had to go and see my friend in an amdram production of the Pajama game ,it was good.I was really tired when I got home and just had a drink and went to bed. Kathleen I have done the same as you given things away then spent hours looking for it. Slyvia any news on your toe yet? you have made me consider making a christmas cake this year.I used to make a lot and give them as gifts,then about four years ago I had a months holiday in Austrailia and couldn't make them.I haven't made one since,but might do this year.Speak to you all tomorrow afternoon ,I am working in the morning ,Take care,Sorry to any one I have not mentioned.Love Brenda

Well it's a bit late, but I've been watching the snooker final. Ronnie O'Sullivan won. It's been a beautiful sunny day, but cold and windy. Yes, summer is certainly over. Last night the temperature dropped to 2 degrees! I was going to make my Xmas cake but forgot to buy some extra butter on Friday, so will have to wait another day now. I wonder whether the doctor will have my x-ray photos this week. I tried doing my cross stitch work this evening whilst watching tv and miscounted my stitches so will have to look carefully to see where I've gone wrong. A painstaking job!! June, what a good idea to have two rails in one wardrobe. That makes changing winter and summer clothes easy. I change from one wardrobe to another . It's amazing how quickly a thread gets pushed back, isn't it? See you all tomorrow, Sylvia xxx

Just a quick one - Sylvia reading your message made me realise I had made the same mistake - forgot to get the extra butter for the Christmas cake. Checked that I had all the other ingredients, think I had better check again just to be sure. What a good idea June to have double rails in the wardrobe. I have built in wardrobes and they take up so much room with limited storage space. They have to go and now I think I can replace them with something deep enough for double rails. Much more useful. Was going to hang out some washing but the wind was so strong that even as I was pegging it out the things wound themselves round the line. It did dry but was so badly creased I'm glad I only did a few things. Hopefully tomorrow will be less windy. George, pleased you are enjoying your college course and hope it works out well for you. You are going on a work experience placement next week aren't you? Hope you all have a good night. Back tomorrow. God bless love Kathleen

Hi everyone Its looks a little bit dull here but I think the sun will come through eventually, I hope so because Nick is back from his weekend and brought washing to do. I went to meet him at the train station, the train was 50 minutes late, I was beginning to wonder what had happened, though I noticed the occupants of the 2 cars to the left of me, kept going over to the monitor, Bus coaches started coming in the station and unloading. My mobile phone wasn't in my handbag, Samantha hadn't replaced it, so I couldn't ring him. Anyway when he did arrive, he said that someone on another train had taken their own life, and the train he was on couldn't get pass that train. Someone somewhere must be terribly upset. Lou, So pleased Bex is enjoying her job but sorry to hear she is under the weather, I would think her employers would appreciate her staying off otherwise she could pass it on to everyone else. My next door neighbour took a Christmas job and then was kept on afterwards, so Kris may be lucky that way too, he can them keep a lookout for something else if he wants to. Kathleen, you and Sylvia make me feel lazy not making my own Christmas cake, no one eats it but the birds enjoy it. Is the kitchen still progressing? Sylvia, I really think it's time those xrays turn up, I'm surprised your doctor hasn't sent you for more. I hope you have sorted your crossstitch out, do you have to unpick it all? Brenda, I know this prepacked furniture has to be well protected, by the time I have got all the cardboard, polythene off etc, I am completely exhausted. As long as you are happy with the result, it will have been worth it. George, This is a pleasant surprise, I'm glad you are enjoying college. Office skills can be very useful in all types of work and can lead to other things. Good luck with it. Well I'll close now, see what I can find for breakfast. Love June xx

Good afternoon ladies,I am supposed to be sorting out the last of the wardrobes for items going to the charity shop.When I phoned one charity last week, they where so particular about what they would or would not take , we ended up taking some of it to the tip,as we needed to get rid before weekend. If this place will not take what I have, I will go down to the local supermarket carpark and hopefully they will have those big bin/skips for certain items. Really cold here at the moment and I have felt awfulll all morning hope I am not coming down with something. So glad Bexx is liking the job Lou hope she is better as well.If your son gets on at Argos he could be kept on after christmas.however they do not have a lot of full time permanet jobs nowadays. June,hope you did not get too cold waiting for your grandson,it must have been awfull for the other family . Sylvia,hope it is good news when you finally get your xray results. George sorry I missed you yesterday,hope college is still ok for you Kathleen so pleased you are better,might join you and Sylvia in the christmas cake making ,not made one for 4 years.Better check if I still have cake tins in the cupboard on top of my oven!!!!(might have had a clear out and got rid.) Take care Brenda

Xmas cake has still been put on hold as I've not been to the shops yet. Because the weather is still dry. I cleared up the last plants - hanging geraniums etc. - from the balcony. Not much left to do there now. It was so cold and windy out on the balcony that I decided enough was enough. I just sat down to watch Neighbours when my neighbour came down for a chat and brought with her some smoked salmon she had over from yesterday - always welcome! I asked her if she'd like to come with me tomorrow to Batavia Stad outlet centre. This is not too far from us and I've ordered the taxi for 10.00 tomorrow morning. So with my scootmobile we're having a few hours browsing around shops. I tried to watch Neighbours inbetween as our video has been taken away for repair, otherwise I'd have to guess what is happening. There is one thing about moving, it does make you get rid of a lot of rubbish, doesn't it? Mind you, somebody like me seems to accumulate rubbish in the shortest of time!

hi everyone sorry I haven't been on here lately, been busy and also away for the weekend. Went to my old school reunion whichw as fune, not a lot there as it was only for a couple of years bbut still met some fellows that I had not seen for about 50 years. We all had a good natter. Lynda my daughter took me and she was fascinated to see my old school. it hasn't changed a lot, been extended and is now a comp rather than a High School. Also been busy starting to make Christmas cards and trying to get a few done before we go to lanzarote for 3 weeks next Tuesday. i shall be pleased to get back to some sunshine as it has been dull and damp here lately. Very cold today too. i wont reply to everyone personally except to say I wont be making a cake this year, but then that wont be anything new as I never do!! We are going to son in M Keynes for Christmas to share it with the littlest Grandchildren so that will be nice. George, good to see you on this thread. pleased to hear that you are enjoying college. Anyone heard from Jude? I haven't seen her on here lately. Although i have probably just missed her. take care everyone Ann Glos

Hi all, My neighbour and I have been out to a large Outlet Centre - Batavia Stad - not too far from here. It was very cold and windy, but the sun came out in the afternoon. It was so expensive there and more geared up for the younger folk so we didn't buy anything, but it was a few hours out which we enjoyed. My husband has been busy designing our invitation letter for our party next year, some good ideas, but I'll have to add mine!! Have to get on with the dinner now, have a nice evening. Sylvia xxx

Hi everyone This morning looked very promising but this afternoon it has clouded over and is quite chilly. I have been rushing around today, first I took Samantha to work which is only 9 miles away, but I called at the bank on the way home so it was an hour gone out of my morning. After liunch, I picked Gaynor up to go to the Doctors, ( it was lucky for me it was flu jab day so I got that done while I was there) then she had to call at the bank, we didn't hang around because I wasn't feeling too good. Then I came home to take Nick to work, fortuneately Sam rang to say she has a lift home. so I am going to take it easy for a whoile. Sylvia, Sometimes I am glad things are not for my age group, at least then I am not tempted to spend money. At least you had a nice day out. I'm glad to hear your husband is taking an interest in your invitations, most husbands just leave it to their wives. Ann (Glos), Lucky you off to Lanzarote, I have a friend that lives out there. Glad you enjoyed your school reunion, its surprising how some people turn out totally different to what you expect. You will have a lovely Christmas with your young grandchildren, Christmas is never quite the same without young ones. I was thinking I haven't seen Jude lately, I hope she is alright. Well I am going to put my feet up now for a while, see you tomorrow. Love June xx