General Chat

Hi all, Well a bit late on here today. First of all I had my help in the house, and now that my spare part for my vacuum cleaner has come, she could do lots in the house. She is a real treasure. Then when she went Johan and I had to go upstairs to our neighbour Annemie as it was her birthday. Annemie had made bits and pieces for by the drinks. I don't like drinking during the day as I get sleepy. Anyway, I haven't had a drink for a long time due to the fact I had new medicine and took my taste away. Well tried a small sherry today, but felt tired and around 3.00 pm started to fall asleep. We then came back downstairs and Johan 'dug' out my chair and I lay on the balcony in the sun. Bliss, pure bliss!! Tomorrow I have my granddaughter to eat, which will be nice. If the sun is shining I think I'll do a bit more sunbathing, although I have to be a bit careful having had skin cancer. Oh well we have to die of something I suppose. What a morbid thought! See you all tomorrow. Sylvia xxx

Hi everyone. We are having a mixture of weather again. Today has been beautiful - blue skies all day - very warm. Tomorrow rain is forecast. Maybe the weather people have got it wrong again!! Had a busy weekend again and lots of visitors this week. Our friend Blair (had the op) is doing really well. Can now walk around the house and garden without the walking frame. Still pretty weak - but looking better each day. I have been doing a little cross stitch in my spare time. lol. It is coming along nicely. Pretty blue vase with blue, white and lavender flowers. My daughter wants it for her bedroom - will let her chose the frame - our tastes are quite different. We too enjoy Snooker but we do not have Sky so only get the odd game on TVNZ. Get lots of Rugby and Netball though! Must go - it is 10 50 p.m. Time for bed. Enjoyed all your notes. Goodnight Mavis NZ

Hi Mavis, Well, there is nobody else to greet. Where the heck are you all again? I had my granddaughter for dinner today so spent extra time in the kitchen preparing food for her. I did manage to get some time to lay in the sun on the balcony and Linda joined me later. Linda (granddaughter) had to go to the doctor as she has inherited some of my problems, asthma, allergy and the doctor has given her an inhalator (I hope the spelling is ok there). Tomorrow it is Liberation Day here. It is not a national holiday. I believe that is every five years. Today it is a sad day with sad films on tv as usual on concentration camps etc.etc. It is difficult to know exactly what some are thinking when they watch their houses burning down or a comrade being shot. Johan was in the war as a teenager and could tell many a tale. He had to be hidden under the floor towards the end of the war when Hitler wanted men to work in his munitions factories as all the German men were in the forces. Now let's hope we can have some more on the Board tomorrow, and will say goodnight. Sylvia xxx

Evening everyone,we have had two really lovelly days weatherwise,and then when it tis weekend ,guess what ,rain again,!!! Was working in the new library yesterday and it was a sauna,seems to be having lots of teething troubles with its 'green' technology ,the air conditioning doesn;t work properly there are no spare electric sockets to plug any fans into and the windows do not open manually they are controlled by computer and n one seems to know how to alter the computer. At least in our 'old' library we can open windows and doors to let fresh air in. Working agin all day tomorrow then going out in the evening,willbe a bit of a rush after work ,so will not be here until sometime Sunday. Mavis ,so pleased your friend is on the mend,hope it continues. Sorry you are not having nice weather,hope it gets better for you, sylvia,you have been busy this week,Johann must have some things he would rather not remember from the war,as well as a few good ones. Hope everyone has a good weekend,take care ,brenda

Hi all, Poor Brenda, I know exactly what you are going through as we had the same sort of thing in the building where I worked here. It was designed by a Japanese man, who, when it was finished conveniently passed away. It was supposed to be a 'garden' effect indoors. Like you we couldn't open any windows and everybody kept getting headaches. Even plants didn't survive indoors there. Well I've been sunbathing again today. To hell with the skin cancer, I love the sun. I'm not doing much these few days as it's such a pity when the sun shines. I made some bread today. Before I went to the market this morning I had the bread machine going and when I returned I could take the first bread out. Now till tomorrow. Sylvia xxx

Hello everyone, sorry I have not contributed anything for a while. It seems to have taken an age to feel my old self, it was one thing after another. However am much better now, had a few days away, by the sea and the weather was kind so got plenty of fresh air and we had a couple of nice sunny days. It was a bit windy but so peaceful. The babies we were waiting for last year are all celebrating their first birthdays - how quickly that year has gone! My sister and I went to stay at my neice's house as they needed to spend time in London so we looked after her little one the youngest of the three, her birthday is next Wednesday. She is such a happy little soul, just so contented though she did have a mischievous few moments when she decided to empty one of Daddies (rather large) files all over the floor. Driving back from Sussex we passed through some of the most wonderful scenery and the woods were full of bluebells, unfortunately it was spoilt somewhat by the impatience of drivers who seem to ignore speed limits and just want to get wherever they are going as quickly as possible. Sadly this means the wildlife can suffer, we passed several animals (including a badger) victims of these drivers. Time for me to go to bed now but just one last thing my granddaughter is studying for her GCSE's this year, the first one she takes in a few weeks. This is Health & Social and her course work has been marked, I am very proud of her as she got an A* with 100% marks - I hope she does as well in the next part. Her other subjects are Travel & Tourism and Art and these she will take later in the year. A couple of days ago she told me that she thinks she might become a Private Detective as that doesn't require academic qualifications!! It all seems so different now - a far cry from the days of Matric. Take care everyone God bless Love Kathleen

Hi everybody, Nice to see you back Kathleen. Talking about driving past fields of bluebells brings back happy memories for me. I used to cycle all round there where you mention and pick bunches of bluebells to take home to my mother. I have some nice photos of myself with bunches of bluebells. How free and easy everything seemed then. No nasty strangers lurking round the corner. I wouldn't dare go out anywhere now where it was quiet and lonely. I have been sunbathing again today. This is the third in succession that I have been able to enjoy the sun. It seems everybody else is enjoying the sun as nobody is on the Board. Have a nice evening everyone and see you tomorrow. Sylvia xxx

Hi again everyone, One of my favorite memories is of cycling up Snaky Hill in Hove, down the other side to the London Brighton Road, not much traffic to contend with then, and heading over to Newtimber Woods at bluebell time; I can still smell the bluebells every time I remember . Yes, like you Sylvia I was all alone, no fear of predators lurking, no fear of anything in fact, just appreciating being young, but yet old enough to go places on my own. Then heading home with the bike covered in bunches of bluebells, like a lot of other young people, and the blooms would all have wilted in a day or two. We also had some lovely bluebell woods in Borstal Kent where we lived when first married and I used to push Sue in her buggy though the lanes to get some. Happy days! Good to see you again Kathleen. That sounds like a very pleasant mini holiday you had with your sister; whereabouts by the sea were you? I'm just taking a coffee break before heading down to the store for a few food items and then along to the thrift store to see what interesting things they have. I usually end with an armful of books; with paperbacks at .25 cents who could refuse, and they also have hard covers for $1; but this time I'm looking for water glasses, which we seem to get through a lot of. Partly due to Pan, who likes knocking things from high places! Partly me, as I'm a bit of a klutz at times! It's been trying to rain all day, but I did manage to get outside for awhile this morning, and do a bit of tidying, and clipping back some ivy. However, when I get back from the store, think I'll stay inside and do a little sewing; finish off my jacket, and alter a pattern for my next project. Tonight it's English show night, a complete round of Morse again each Saturday, and it's good to see them again, as we get a chance to really concentrate and fully understand what it's all about. Always loved the shows, but sometimes felt a little bewildered afterwards as to 'who dunnit' and why!! Hi Brenda, June, Mavis, John and Fred. And where are you Jude? Come in and say hello sometime. Well, coffee break is over, so I'd better get moving. Love to you all, Di.xxx

Wow Fred takes three days off to see to the wifes party and everyone comes out to play [sniff] lol. It's nice to see a few old faces cropping up again,and it will give sylvia a bit of a rest ,seeing as she ,and one or two others have been keeping the thread going on their own . I have to take the wife over to the sons later this morning so i thought i had better add my two pennorth now ,befoer her upstairs finishes reading her book and comes downstairs for her coffee. The party went well and i must admit i enjoyed it all including the preperation ,but i think i am getting a bit past all this catering lark ,and we have decided that on our ruby anni' on the 16 th of july that we are off out for a day and a meal somewhere without all the hassle. Sean sent her a lovely box of flowers that he ordered in iraq to say he was sorry that he couldn't make it back,but that he would be home in august at the latest and would take us out for a meal somewhere ,so that is one bit of good news. Yesterday i had to spend some time clearing the house up which looked a bit like a battle zone where the kids had been,what with crumbs everywhere and the like. After i had done all this ,i was too tired to go anywhere else and decided to have an early night I did a load of buffet stuff ,chicken drumsticks in marinades ,pies of different sorts and a load of sweet stuff and was thankfull at least that i hadn't over catered ,and there wasn't much to throw out,and don't have to take bits and pieces that were left for the kids when i go over later. Must be off now ,hope everyone is having a good weekend.Fred.

Hi everyone ,from a rainy grey Manchester, Had a good night with all the family at my brothers 50th party. He was suitably surprised,and we all enjoyed ourselves. Glad everyone has been doing nice things,and seemingly enjoying themselves. My sister is on the phone,be back later,Brenda

Hi everyone. Just a quickie! Had lunch with the family today in Tauranga. It was free meals for Pip and myself as we both have birthdays in May. Pleased my son in law two less to pay for!! We then drove down the road to Pilot Bay, Mount Maunganui and sat on the sea front watching the yachts and then two very large cargo boats went out to sea - loaded with Kiwi Fruit. Beautiful weather today. So glad the party went off well - always a worry when you organise everything yourself but it always seems to be OK and always plenty of food. Bluebells - I can remember as a girl walking through the Bluebell Woods in Limpsfield Chart, Surrey and also in Grateley, Hampshire when I first married. The Primroses were beautiful too. We do not have the Bluebell Woods or Primroses here - but the woods are superb with beautiful native trees and ferns. No snakes in NZ - that is what I like most of all!! I can remember having picnics in the New Forest in Hampshire when my children were small and my eyes were always open for adders and grass snakes. Ugh. We do have two poisinous spiders though. I got bitten on the hand one time and had to have antibiotics. The swelling was really bad and it was very painful. Tomorrow we are off to indoor bowls again. Our friend Blair went back to hospital yesterday - had a bad Angina attack. Poor man - he was just beginning to feel good again. They are changing some of his medication. His INR reading for Warfarin was 5.8 when he arrived at the hospital. Far too high. Off I go again - bedtime. 12 mins. past midnight! Good job I do not need a lot of sleep! Bye for now. Mavis NZ

Hi everybody, Well we had another day of sunshine, so I enjoyed some time on the balcony. Di, there is one good thing. We all have happy memories of our young days. Although moneywise we were not rich, I believe that we were richer in that we were free from fear - forgetting World War II of course. Thanks for the photos Fred. I wondered what they all were at first. I though somebody was organising a party for me. Anyway, glad your missus had a nice time. Oh to be young again! Oh well the other half has just woken up, so will call this a day now. Sylvia xxx

Evening all.here i am again,nice to see some more messages . Fred,glad the party went well,there was far too much stuff at my brothers party ,I think a lot was wasted.As it was a surprise my sister il law had the caters in,but it was a nice spread. My neice is 18 in August and my sister was going to do it her self but is talking ofhaving this cater in in stead. Nice to have Di and Kathleen drop in and all those memories of blue bells ,don't remember having bluebells near us in the park when i was a girl,onlt daffs. I love bluebells now and John doesn't,so I have to watch he doesn't pull them up when they are staring to come up in the garden. Mavis,sorry about your friend ,he is certainly having a bad time lately.Glad you enjoyed your lunch,when you say 'two your soninlaw did not have to pay as you have may birthdays ,why was that do you get them free at the restaurant?. Sylvia,hope your weather as well as ours gets better over the next few days,its so dismal again, been told i have a hot cup of tea down stairs ,so I had better go and get it. Take care ,Brenda

Morning all .Brenda ,your hubby will land up in bother if you report him for destroying english bluebells ,lol.it is an offence to wantonly destroy them and carrys a heck of a fine ,i will be sneaking down there with a camera mind.p's if he dosn't want them ,send 'em up here ,i could do with some more. I was down the sons again yesterday for dinner and got some lovely photo's of the little one,and a sore finger or two [more about that anon]. I did up some more chicken drumsticks and used the last of the marinades on them for the kids,and of course i stripped the meat off the bone for lewis,and started feeding it to him,by heck ,that lad is getting fast,he took my finger as well as the first bit of chicken and it hurt,the son then told me he now has four teeth ,yeah ,tell me about it. He seems to find comfort at the miute if he chews gently on a cool can,so his dad gives him one of his cans of lager from the fridge to play with ,so i got in there with the camera lol. I have to be quick now though ,he is getting to be a bit of a poser lol,as soon as he sees me pick it up he is straight on with the smile and comes to me ,so i now have to be pretty sneaky. We also found out yesterday [i think] cor .that lager i had when i came home was strong lol,,any way ,i digress,we are to become gt grandparents later in the year ,as the son in laws son by his first marriage ,and his lass have decided to start a family. This means that we now have 15 grandkids to run round after [well,nearly],heeeeeelp all the rain over the last few days has done the bare patches on the lawn a lot of good,and the floewrs are enjoying it too,most of the veggies arre now ready to go out ,and i reckon we will do okay this year and won't have to buy a lot. Have to go now ,i have promised to go and pick up a breakfast bar for my son and deliver it for him,so i will see you all later.Fred. .

Hi everyone, I glad you are all ok, and its lovely to see so many people back with us. Brenda, I need some bluebells for my garden, we have a few conifers that they would great under. We have busy again in the garden this weekend, we have bought a lot of plants, its a lovely big garden but the previous owners hadn't much imagination or green fingers. The weather has been lovely so we have had BBQs both Saturday and Sunday. Sorry but my taxi is now needed, will try to speak again later. June xx

Hi everyone. Yes, the free meals are given by the Restaurant for customers who have a birthday in that month. Pip and I are both on the same day - he therefore is unable to forget my birthday and of course visa versa! Went to indoor bowls today and I was in the winning team. Our skip did all the hard work - we didn't do too much to help him! We are envious of you having 'little ones' around Fred - our youngest here in NZ is 13 years. Of course we enjoy the little foster boy - he is 1 year on Wednesday. He will be leaving my daughter soon - he is to be adopted. He will, I am sure, bring much pleasure to his new parents. We can look forward to great grand children of course - hopefully not yet though!!! Blair is still in hospital - changing all his medication to try and help him. Talking about perhaps having home oxygen to help the pain he gets. Saw him in hospital today and he was very cheerful. Even ate all his tea - casserole, carrots, cabbage and mashed potatoes and apple crumble and custard. The crumble looked O.K. Not too sure about the mains - but if you are hungry I suppose you will eat anything!! Off to bed now. Mavis NZ

Hi all, Well it seems we have a 'full house' again on this thread so I can have a holiday soon. The weather here is still sunny, although there is more breeze than yesterday, but there again I live near the water, so we always have a bit of a breeze. I was up far too late today so was all behind like the proverbially cow's tale. Didn't do too much housework, because my legs always swell when the weather is warm. Should wear elastic stockings, but such a bother getting them on and off. So it's my own fault really. Now to get the dinner, have a nice evening. Sylvia xxx

Just a quick hello as ai am at work ,not sure if I'll get on here later at home.Its a lovelly day today,hope it lasts all week or until I have been to Grassmere on Thursday at least. Back to work now,see you later,Brenda

Hi all, Nice of you to drop in Brenda. Yes, we too have had another glorious day of sunshine and Johan and I went to the shops. I was up early to defrost my freezer. This afternoon I was able to lap up some more sunshine. Oh what a wonderful world it is. I suppose that depends just where you are. I am thinking of Surinam at the moment with the flooding there. I suppose I will hear all about it tomorrow as my help comes from Surinam and was there a short while ago. Those poor people, they have so little as it is and now the weather has put paid to that. Hi there Fred, Di, June, Jude, Brenda, and uncle Tom Cobbly and all those names I have temporarily forgotten. Sylvia xxx

Morning peeps,another nice dawn and shaping up to be a nice sunny day again. I got tied up in the back garden yesterday afternoon ,forgot the time ,and came in the house at around nine [oooops] I got the lawn cut ,and trimmed the edges and then decided to see to the borders,turning the top soil over with a trowel to let the air in ,took a load of new viola plants out ,and spaced the remaining ones out a bit,split a few primula and put the other bits into the front garden ,and now only have to put the veggie plants in ,starting this weekend. I have the broad beans ,beetroot ,and sweetcorn to go out doors now,followed by the potatoes,with the cucumber ,and scot's bonnet to space out in the greenhouse,the tomatoes are well away now and will need the supports shortly. All in all ,Fred is happy with his garden at the minute ,and even the large damaged places on the front lawn are showing signs of recovery ,although it will be a few weeks before they recover fully. I was glad to hear that Blair is recovering Edith.it shouldn't be long now before he is home with any luck,it just shows me again how lucky i was in that i got my op soon enough ,and that there was no real damage done,my diabetes gives me more trouble than anything else with the pvd and leg pains,but that's my own fault as well as i shouild have gone to the docs lots earlier[smacks wrist] I took the boss to town yesterday to get her her old biddies bus pass heehee [ouch] i really must remember her new birthday slippers means she can sneak up behind me now,but next year i will buy her clogs instead [ouch, lol] I have bought us both gold cards too which means we can now go on the metro system any time we like for the next year,which means we can leave the car at the nearest monitored car park,and use the public transport for the day and go anywhere within the tyne and wear system. The welsh have an even better system than us though,your free buss pass there means you can go anywhere in wales free ,within the usual time limits,at least you could three years ago,so perhaps if this scheme is no longer available for the pensioners pehaps they could let me know. I will find out myself anyway because i am determined to get down there on holiday somehow at the back end of the year ,either anglesey or tenby,i do love that country so,always nice and clean ,the people .exept for a few ,nice and friendly,and a much more laid back way of doing things. I don't think i will be using the miners path up Snowdon any more because the old girl would never make it ,to be truthful i don't think old fred could either ,but we both have our memories of those days,and the photo's ,it just means that any further trips up there will have to be via the railway. Well ,thats about it for now ,it wouls seem that the new day for taking the daughter through to cramlington shopping is wednesday,so any one in the area in the shops from ten,give us a shout and we can have a coffee together ,there must be a couple more people in the area ?Take care ,and have a good day .Fred.