General Chat

Well i really am starting to feel a little bit lonely here.!!!! Had a nice time at the christening we went to but only stayed an hour as i wanted to go to my dads again.H e was a lot better but still far from well. Hope someon is here tomorrow ,might have to go and talk to some somewhere else. Brenda

Hi everyone, I'll keep you company Brenda! Just a short one this time. Just come home after a busy day. Probus meeting this morning. The speaker was Roger Schofield, Clock Pedlar. What an interesting and amusing man. He even sang Grandfathers Clock after talking about the origin of Grandfather clocks. Good voice too! I arranged this speaker and he didn't sound too enthusiastic on the 'phone but he surprised us all. Probably one of the best speakers I have arranged during this past year - although I say it myself! This afternoon we went with the Gardening Club to a couple who grow Begonias. What a wonderful display. Never seen so many different colours and such large blooms. They used to have a Kiwi Fruit Orchard but have now retired and grow Begonias as a hobby. They do sell them - $25 each. Couldn't persuade Pip to buy any - not even 1. He says I have too many now, but mine are nothing like these we saw today. Time to go now and prepare tea. Not too sure what we are having - probably something with salad because it is very hot and humid this afternoon. Bye for now. Mavis NZ

Sorry Brenda,and Mavis,fred hasn't been feeling too good for the past few days ,and has been lying low [in more ways than one] lol,but i feel a liitle better now,so i am back again. I did get to see some of the grandkids yester day ,and have been told to take my camera next weekend to take some photo's of elaysha's new party dress[this was NOT a request ] oooooeeeeer,this was an order by the young female herself asserting her,womanly ways at 6 years old [god help the lads]. Had an interesting two hours with our Lewis too.he can now stand on his own and you can see him trying to puzzle out how to move ,i have this feeling of dread that it won't be long now,lol. Arn't these colonials doing themselves and the rest of the commonwealth proud with these games?,the stadium is perfect,well set out ,and the games themselves are so well organised that they even keeping me glued to my armchair ,and i'm not a gamey sort of reson [exept when i get in among the meat in the kitchen]and am doing the gutting, phew. Some of the young 'uns now .are so quick on the track ,and in the water that i can see loads of records being broken an the next few years at the coming game meets around the world The weather in the north east isn't too bad this morning so i may go out shortly and see to the inside of the carmthe trim ,windows and carpets could do with a bit of a clean,after the worst of the winter[i hope] is behind us. .Well i'm off for now,time for my cuppa i think,see you all later apart from a couple off the other thread like J.A who has snuck off for an illicit holiday and tons of cuddles from the new grandbairn.[i know the feeling] Fred.

Hi everyone, I'm sorry I haven't posted for a couple of days nbut Saturday I was at the Manchester Meetup and I cant remember what happened to yesterday, though I did do a bit of Fam, History. Brenda, I hate to rub it in but yes the Meet was very good. a lot of familiar faces and new ones too, I have juast been looking at the photos and thnought noone can ever accuse us of being clicky. We had a surprise visitor Linda McDowell and Vic turned up for lunch, it was lovely to see them again. Carol from New York phoned too, to wish Sandra and Jim a Happy Wedding Anniversary. Anne is organising another Meet in Chester on July 8th, no doubt Bren will be contacting you to see if you can make it. I'm glad to hear that your dad is improving, even if it is slowly, its still a step in the right direction. Mavis, pity I dont live nearer, I love begonias, we haven't many plants in this garden, its mainly trees and lawns, so we have a lot of planting to do to pretty it up. The house like the garden, is what I call practical, it needs prettying up for my tastes. Anyway the birdtable was my first step and I have started putting some of the garden ornaments out. Fred, I'm sorry you haven't been so good, thats not like you at all, you are usually the life and soul of the party. I think you need some sun and a bit warmer weather so that you can get out in the garden and sailing in the boat. Sylvia, Have you settled down again after your trip? I hope you enjoyed your meal the other evening. I have missed your talks about going to the market on your scooter, the warmer weather will soon be here for you to go out and about again. This is no good, I cant delay it any longer I have to start stripping that wallpaper off again. My daughter has gone away for a couple of days, Rellie hunting in Dorset and made up my mind that I would finish taking this wallpaper off while she was away. These days I have to set myself targets, I dont always achieve them thougjh,lol See you soon. June xx

was just writing aquick note will be back later, brenda

Hi all, Well I started off yesterday with a sore throat so I immediately took some paracetamol tablets. I woke up at 4.00 am with wobbly legs, but got up again at 7.00 am. I have done lots in the house today, such as changing the beds, cleaning the bathroom and toilet, kitchen and sitting room. I want to go shopping tomorrow as Johan's birthday is on Wednesday so will have a house full again. I've no time to be ill! My help is away for 3 weeks and do I miss her! I will keep this short. Sylvia xxx

Have been trying to get back on here all night but had lots of phone calls and then had to sort out some washing and other hosehold chores. Fred hope youare better ,have tried to send you the census images but think you may have sent wrong addaey?? Mavis we are still have comfort food here due to the cold,sausage and mash,beef casserole,hotpot etc. roll on salad ,with tuna or chicken !! June ,got the dates mixed up for next meeting thought you had sais Sept not Aug but bad news again,its not my saturday off.will send you email to eplain. Sylvia hope Johann has a good day.Brenda

Hi everyone, The washing is on line, so now I have to get back to the decorating, well actually stripping wallpaper. I was getting very annoyed yesterday, it took ages to get the paper off, in some places there were 3 layers. So I went and bought a steamer, I was so amazed, the paper practically fell off the wall. So I have just one corner to finish now, so hopefully I will get that done today. I have set myself a target to have the walls stripped and the paintwork glossed before my daughter gets back tomorrow. Sylvia, I too woke up with a sore throat, as the day wore on, it was in my ears and the side of my face, so obviously the cold wind had got to me. I hope yours is better now in time for Johan's visitors. Brenda, The next Meet is August 26th, Carol goes back on the 28th, I do hope you are able to be there.If the Brittania have special offers on again, some of us may stay over. well this is no good, I really will have to get on with this stripping, lol see you soon. June xx

Hi everyone, I've still got a sick computer; it keeps shutting down, is so slow, and takes so many tries to start it, but hopefully it'll let me put a quick message in. Windows XP has to be un - and then re-installed. Now I'm sick too; have been in bed for 4 days with bronchitis, and have a sore head and bones from perpetual hacking cough. Think I need to be un- and re-installed too!!! Everytime I fall asleep, too, I make groaning noises which just woke both of us up, and annoyed John, so here I am till he falls asleep again. Don't know if this is caused by some kind of spores we released into the air when we took up the carpet, as I've been feeling rotten for weeks. It's so annoying too because I'm missing some beautiful sunny days when I coulud have been outside gardening. Hope your sore throats go soon Sylvia and Brenda. And June, glad to hear you found an easy way to remove your wallpaper; now you can get on with the fun part. I think I read somewhere that Fred has been ill too; hope he's fully recovered. Well, I'd better switch this monster off before it does it for me. I've been keeping it off except for a couple of brief calls in. I'll be glad when Steve can get to it for me. Hi to Mavis and John and other friends. See you soon. Have to get up tomorrow as I have my mammography at the hospital. Take care all. Love, Di.xxx

Sorry this is just a quick message again,the fridg freezer is about to pack in ,it's been playing up for weeks,so I have to find another one,we have a very slim model and the kitchen came after the fridge !!!!! so I have to make sure it is the same size or it will not fit, John does not fancy altering the work top to make it fit !! i want another frost free model so don't think I will have much choice Diana,nice to hear from you ,hope both you and the pc are healthy soon June,those steam strippers are brilliant we have to strip the living room soon and then the rest of downstairs to get the walls and ceilings replastered. hope Fred and sylvia are ok and that Mavis hasn't wilted in the heat yet. Love to all and speak to you all soon take care ,Brenda

Hi all,'tis okay ol' Fred is still in the land of the living but still feeling the after effects of this tummy bug and can't sit still long ,if you know what i mean lol. If i remembner rightly ,our Mavis is away for a few days.so no wonder that there are no messages here.and Di is still having puter trouble,and she isnt the only one ,i have even had bother getting on to the net today grrrrrr. Ooooops ,time to go ,see ya later peeps Fred.

Hi everybody, Well the sore throat has now eased, and now it is headaches, coughing etc. but am keeping up as it is Johan's birthday tomorrow and I have a house full. I went out today to do the shopping and there was an icy wind blowing. I should have stayed indoors, but like to do my own shopping. Linda, my granddaughter phoned today and asked if she could eat here tomorrow but had to tell her I am not cooking. I usually do, but have opted for a large pan of soup and fresh bread rolls filled with cheese etc.etc. I have enough titbits to keep 'the wolf from the door' too, not to mention home baked cakes etc. This sore throat business seems to be pretty widespread. I think I have the flu but because I have had an injection only get it lightly. Now, will probably miss tomorrow, so until Thursday. Sylvia xxx

Hi everyone. The tummy bug and sore throats must be 'world wide'. They are are around here too. Pip had a bug on Thursday, Friday and Saturday - is good again now. Fortunately I seem to have mssed it. Had our Flu jabs on Tuesday - my arm is quite swollen and sore. Made me feel very tired too. Went to Mah Jong today - didn't play too well. But had a fun afternoon and lovely afternoon tea. Marmite and Mint Sandwiches, Egg and chive sandwiches, Date and Walnut slice and Louise cake. Yummy. Our friend Blair went to Hospital in the night on Monday - had bad Angina. Still in Hos. trying to settle his heart. All out of rythym. Wednt to visit him today after Mah Jong - very cheerful and looking better. He accidently pulled the lure out of his arm while we were there. As he is on Warfarin he bled badly. Soaked his dressing gown sleeve. He panicked a little but the Nurse soon stopped the bleeding. It is still hot here but little sunshine. Very overcast. We put the clocks back last weekend so that is a sign of winter on the way!!! We are waiting to see New Zealand Silver Ferns and England play Netball in Melbourne. Should be on in a minute or two. Should be a good match. We are having too many late nights watching the games. Must go now - make a drink before the Netball comes on. Goodnight Mavis NZ

Hiya all,nice to see a few more messages,but knowing how busy everyone is ,I am pleased with what we do get. Might be missing for a few days ,am working all day Friday and saturday,doing mine and dads shopping in the morning then working in the evening,and somewhere inbetween have to go with John to look at these fridge freezers. Might be out Friday night and so will be shatterd on saturday. Take care ,Brenda

Hi everybody, Well I am the first today. Didn't get on here yesterday as Johan had his 81st birthday. I'm glad no commitments for a few days, I need a rest. My sore throat has turned into a nasty cough which makes me tired. The weather is sunny but still a nasty biting wind. I may go to the market tomorrow, depending on the weather. Rain is forecast! My granddaughter is moving out of her father's house as she has been offered a house which she wants to share with her girl friend. Although she has had a boy friend for some two and a half years she wants to live on her own first. Her boyfriend is also 24 so they seem to know what they want. I hope he finishes his studies this year too. Now have a nice evening everyone. Sylvia xxx

Hiya all,and Sylvia,overdoing it again i see? Hope johan had a nice day yesterday,and you too, Well this is the first real day of spring up here ,the sun has been out all day,and i have been in the garden for a couple of hours ,planning a few bits and pieces as well as planting one tree and one bush.but as soon as weather improves bit more ,i have some rose bushes to go in ,a load of bulbs and the christmas tatties to get ready for planting,so Fred is well happy that the old tum bug is clearing in time for the start of the season. Looks as though Mary will be back any time now [wahay]with lots of stories and maybe a for recipies in time for the b.b.q's which are already being planned for as soon as i get this garden straightened out . I reckon by the time i get down the sons this weekend the house will look like a scene out of thre3ads,this being a sign that the dreaded Lewis has figured how to walk on his own,nothing will be safe after that..I,m off to see to the tea now,fish chips and mushy peas. See ya all later.fred.

Where is everyone today then,i knew a few where on holiday but this looks more like a mass exodus lol. I hope our other sylvia is feeling a bit better[ it wasn't me that gave you the smit,honest]and i hope the tablets will do you good ,i know the feeling ,i thought mine was never going to go away. It's great to see our Mary back too,so i'm hoping she will pop in once she has rested up a little,cor ,that lady does get around lol. Not much to do today i'm afraid,the promised drizzle has arrived ,so the garden is out,and i still have two rosesd to put out front yet[drat],but i am going to asda this morning where i will pick up the lawn food and spare myself further blushes,i'm really going to pick up the rest of the kids eggsat a reasonable price,i had hoped to get them all at tescos yesterday but they hadn't one white egg in for toddlers ,so i am off them at the minute.comon Tesco,toddlers want some eggs too,you know,the ones with the white buttons in,made by Nestle[ doh ] i think your buyer screwed up big time,we will be seeing demonstrations in the isles by irate bairns if you don't watch out. Besides ,i don't fancy a mad oz lady called Mary hammering at my door wanting to know why our Lewis has put chocolate down his kiwi front ,[shudders at the thought ]lol,anyway ,i bet Asda will have catered a bit better for the young ones. i was driving home yesterday and nearly had a dunch[geordie for an accident]when i spotted the sign on top of a driving school car which read [Kiwi driving academy] ? Is this a Kiwi living in this country i ask myself,or is this a pupil plus tutor who has gotten lost on the a1 hee hee, I was gobsmacked,my jaw dropped open and i nearly ran the car up the kerb .i intend seeing what i can find out on the net lol..,it could be a rellie of that oz fella that lives up the road,the one i used to deliver pizzas to a few years ago,the one who always complained when i took him the free cans of Fosters lager ,and wanted carlsberg instead[so much for suporting your own country lol] Well ,iv'e seen one of the door mice again early this morning so they should be safe from the cats now,since putting up the cat scarer i don't have a problem any more,they do work,after a week of noise every time they come into the garden the ears get that sensitive to it that they steer clear altogether,which will do me,the only other option was to get a catapault and lie in wait with some little pebbles which would sting their butts,but that was only an idea as a last resort.which,i won't need to consider anymore. I'm off now ,to go do some egg hunting ,see ya later,Fred

Hi Everybody, Well, son finally managed to get to my computer last night, and removed all the fluff insulating the inside of the computer, (well, noone told me you have to clean inside the computer!), and hopes that will do the trick. he thinks it was overheating and therefore switching itself off. If that doesn't work he's going to take it into his comp tech to have it checked out. So far so good! I've been in bed for over a week with the worst bronchitis I've ever had, and I'm still not right, no energy, no appetite, and coughing so hard everything aches, and my chest is so wheezy, it's even scarinf the cat! Had to get up yesterday for my annual mammogram and today have to accompany John to hospital in Vancouver for his annual cancer check, otherwise I'd still be in bed. Hope you're all feeling well again by now. Won't stop for more now; just wanted to check in and say hi. By the way Brenda, I wasn't getting all formal when I used my full name Diana on the board. I changed my title for a message on 'Trying to find' and forgot to change it back! Be back soon. Love, Di.xxx

Hi everybody, Nice to see Di and Fred again. Sorry you're not well Di. I know just what it is like as I've not been too good for a week either, but am now on the mend. My doctor phoned me this afternoon and asked how many Ibuprofen tablets I was taking. I knew I shouldn't take too many. She has now prescribed another tablet to protect my stomach. I had been planning to go to see her because I couldn't swallow very well and had a lot of heartburn. Now I know it is probably from the Ibuprofen tablets I have been taken for the artrose pain. This morning the weather was dry and looked ok so decided to get the scootmobile out. I was sorry that I didn't put my thicker coat on as it was bitterly cold. I didn't really need anything on the market, but I cannot stay in too long, love to get out. I am having the neighbours in for coffee and a drink on Sunday evening. My neighbour on the third floor is off on Wednesday next to her holiday home in Hungary so will not see her for a couple of months. I always make a nice card and send to her for when she arrives in Hungary. I posted this today so will be in plenty of time. I have made one with pictures of Holland, windmills, clogs, dancing girls etc. This afternoon the weather changed and the rain came and this has brought us milder weather - thank goodness. Talk about global warming, I think they should say global freezing! We should have temperatures this weekend higher than 10 degrees. Soon be sitting outside on the balcony (when it has been cleaned as the Xmas tree needles are still lying there). Have a nice eveningl. Sylvia xxx

have done something to my shoulder and once again am not able to sleep.Have taken painkillers and waiting for them to woork. had a lovelly birthday on friday and John took me out for a great meal,but was in some discomfort with my shoulder,which has just gotten worse. Sylvia hope you are well again soon,you have been in the wars, Di glad your pc seems ok now,you look after yourself,hope the mammagramme was ok and Johns check up as well.My sister loved Vancover ,she went there the other week when they visited my nephew in Whislter.Shame she wasn't there now ,perhaps you could have had coffe/ Fred,we also had two smashing spring days then it went all miserable again,was all set to start sorting out the garden and got rained off.!! Hope everyone else is fine and we will hear lots of good things from them soon, brenda