General Chat

Hi everyone, I thought I had better make an appearance in case you thought I had disappeared for good. We had a great time in Cornwall, We stayed in a holiday flat in Porth Navas. It was a lovely flat but the best bit to those of us interested in gardening was the wonderful garden. The flat was one of six in a converted mansion and the garden was very large. There is also a lodge to the large house and a couple bought it 7 years ago when they moved from Coventry quite a different style of living to move from a busy area to this small village with no shops, pub, church or doctors etc and only approached via lanes as wide as our car for about 3 miles. This couple are interested in gardening and they do the garden voluntarily with just £100 a year from the owner of each flat towards fuel for the mower etc. it is a typical Cornish woodland garden with many mature trees in it and rolling lawns but the piece de resistance is in the centre. When jean was clearing the scrub in the garden when she first went there (it had been allowed to get overgrown), she uncovered an old Japanese garden. In the centre is a huge green Acer and a smaller red one plus many mature bamboos which is why she started to look under the scrub. She found stone ornaments and the bones of the garden with large rocks etc and smaller Acers and a small pond. She has added to this and they have put down gravel, planted more Acers and bamboos, it is really wonderful to sit on the terrace overlooking all this. Then in the evenings we had a bonus, about 10pm first we would see a large male fox passing through the garden, then we would wait and sure enough, each evening we would be treated to a sight of two badgers who would come right up onto the terrace under our window (we were upstairs). We spent ages watching them, what a treat, pure magic. the flat itself was very nice, one of six in an old house and one time small hotel, big rooms well decorated, smallish kitchen but well equipped. The only disadvantage was that we didn't really fancy venturing back out in the evenings to eat because of the hassle of the narrow lanes. So we cooked in and a few days we actually ate our main meal at lunch time. Since we've been back we have got the garden back to looking tidy again, it is very colourful now with all the hanging baskets and mases of hardy geraniums, honeysuckle, roses, clematis all in flower. the trouble is that today it is windy and a lot of the flowers are shedding their petals. We have made a new area at the end of the garden, dug up a small corner rockery and put in a slate feature, also covered the hosta bed with slate instead of the pinkish pebbles that were there. The slate shows up the Hostas veryw ell. we have a water feature in that area and it is our favourite evening sitting place (when it it warm enough). We sat out there Monday evening and are hoping for warm weather this wekend (well it has been promised let's hope they are right). good to read all your news, well I only read back a page or two I have to admit. Hope you are all well. I have a physio appointment next tuesday for my back and an appointment to have a cyst removed from the back of my head - just above the hair line - on 30th June. Can't say i look forward to the latter, I am such a coward! Take care everyone Ann Glos

Good evening ,I really must find this thread before reading the others that catch my eye ,its taken ages to get here.!!! Ann glad you had a good holiday,the place you stayed sounds wonderful especially that garden. Hope you are looking after yourself Sylvia ,and enjoy your greek meal.Hope Johann does as well. Judy NZ thanks for the advise ,I do sometimes take just warmwaterfor indegestion,nothing more uncomfortable is there.You would think we had just gone into winter at the minute ,not summer,its that wet and miserable.The weekend is supposed to be good.!! Haven't seen a few people for a while,Kathleen,Jude.Fred Bill, June where are you.??? Take care Brenda

Hi everyone A coolish cloudy day, no rain. Judy, the choir is in recess until November - we only regroup for Easter and Christmas. John

Fred has been digging out the battle bowler, shin pads and flack jacket.Yes peeps ,it's time for the picnic season at the beach,and i think the first one is this weekend. Rumour has it that the authorities at tynemouth are on full alert ,and there will even be a bear patrol lurking about in case the two twins and friends get out of hand. As well as the marmalade sandwiches for twinkles sister[wonder where she got that from]i have to take a pot of honey ,for the other one, dog chews for their friend Duke, [blame maz] and a tin of fish for the cat Garfield [not the real one] and that's before we start on us humans,i think it might be an idea to take the trailer to put all the gear in. we will need room for the two beach tents ,the two beach mats ,a couple of folding chairs for the oldies he he,and a couple of beach windbreaks ,and then ,we start on the packets of this and that for the hungry young ones. so that's one reason i have been missing for a couple of days ,another reason being that Liz and i have been getting on with family research ,which is what it's all about ,it would seem i have now to look at a rellie who wen't to the states in the late 1800's ,so that should be a lot of fun ,heeeeeeelp.i don't even know what year he wen't yet no more than i know where to ,fun for winter days maybe. well i'm off for a while while i takethe son over to Byker for a new bit for his car ,he was supposed to pick it up at A.V.Taylors yesterday ,but they got in the wrong bit ,which for them is unusual ,but my lad is'nt a happy bunny cause he wanted to be back on he road last night.see you all later.Fred.PtfA&G&G&S.

Hope the trip to the beach goes well Fred,you seem to have it under control,hope the part was in when you got there. John,would have loved to have a voice good enougth for a choir ,but seem to be tone/pitch deaf,and no singing voice at all. Hope you have a good time with what ever is keeping you busy,Take care Brenda

Hi all, Promises, promises, promises - yes, our weathermen keep promising us sun and everyday it's overcast and today drizzle. We were supposed to have 30 degrees the weekend, but I here tonight they've changed their minds again. I went to the market as usual on Friday, and for the rest of the day pottered around. My ex son in law came this afternoon to give Johan a bottle of whisky for Fathers Day. He never forgets Mothers and Fathers Days even though we are not family anymore. He has no mother and father himself, and sees us as his family I suppose. I hope having the cyst taken away was not too painful Ann and that it heals quickly. I had one taken from my eyelid many years ago. Where do these things come from? We have a large area here where there is heather brushland and a puma has been sighted. It has already killed a deer, but when they can the authorities say they will shoot to kill and not take chances. This is an area where there are lots of campings. Ah well, I've had my say, so have a nice evening and see you tomorrow. Sylvia xxx

see you later

Where is everybody?

Hi everyone, Sorry I have been missing, I dont know where the time goes. Friday, I was here there and everywhere, ferrying people around in the morning, then we had to go with Samantha to the airport in the late afternoon.We decided to go with her on the train, so that in future she is independent and not relying on us taking her by car. The computers were down, so the poor staff were having to register everyone manually, it took us over 2 hours to get her registered, then it was a case of dashing to the boarding gate, as the plane was already late taking off. So we had missed the train back that we had hoped to catch, then the next train was cancelled. we eventually got home nearly 3 hours late. Samantha had already landed at Copenhagen before we got home! Then today I have been to the Liverpool Meetup, it was a lovely sunny day and very hot. It was nice to meet old friends and make new ones. I will speak again tomorrow, take care everyone. June xx

Almost bedtime - but I thought I would pop in as I managed to get the page to load! We are all fine but have just been very busy. (My husband has now retired - but starts work again next week on a part-time basis, so he won't be under my feet all the time.) It was 10% off day at Homebase today, so we bought the laminate floor for this room and the paint to freshen it all up. I am now sitting in a study with just the computers on two tables and a few shelves left on one wall. From tomorrow I will be off line for a few days while we give the room a much needed spring clean. (It is several years since it was painted.) I would not have believed just how much stuff was crammed into the room, but the dining room is now full of boxes and files and all the clutter that migrates into here. We have found mice - not the furry variety - for every computer from the year dot I think. They had all been stored away in a filing cabinet, by David who never threw anything away. The filing cabinet is now going into the garage for small tools. We went to the local auction sale on Thursday and bought a beautiful beech wood, locking, four drawer filing cabinet for....£15.56! It was an absolute bargain and looks new! I hope everyone is well and not wilting in this heat - we are never satisfied are we? Has anyone seen Kathleen recently - I do hope Susan is progressing well. Enjoy the sun everyone - or the cooler weather for the upside down people. Don't forget the suncream. Elisabeth x

Happy Fathers Day - and mothers too of course. Nice to see June and Elisabeth haven't deserted this thread! Last night I said to Johan that if he woke up early again (he's been waking up at 5 - 6 o'clock) then he could lay the table for breakfast. Well I was awake early too with Johan walking backwards and forwards laying the table! I know it is Fathers Day, but mothers like a Sunday lie in sometimes! I can never lie in too long, just not me! So we had had breakfast by 8.30 and then what? My daughter is taking us out to dinner, so no dinner to prepare - Johan doesn't know this yet, it is a Fathers Day surprise. He will be wondering why I am doing nothing. As the weather is so nice I think I'll go and sit on the balcony. I made a chocolate cake yesterday, so we'll have coffee and cake on the balcony. No tales recently on Beckham, Madoc and Fat Cat. I miss our Fred too, the one and only male who dares join us I think. Now, have a nice day everybody, and see you all tomorrow. Sylvia xxx

good morning Elizabeth ,Sylvia ect,it's a lovely morning ,and i am going to spend a few minutes on here before i get the mower out and wakethe neighbours lol..Elizabeth knows a bargain ,i think i will send her twenty quid down and ask her to find me one of those posh ,old looking computer desks iv,e fancied for ages ,mind you i wouldn't class a filing cabinet as a small tool drawer more a BIg,tool drawer, he he,only joking of course. Looks as though you have your day all planned out Sylvia ,what a lovely suprise for your hubby ,you spoil him you know ,i'm jealous [in a nice way] i should be so lucky he he. where is everyone lately ,i know i was away all day yesterday with the picnic ,and all but i reckon everyone else was away too by the looks of it. Anyway ,it all wen't very well ,and i did'nt need the armour after all ,maybe the bairns are getting more genteel after last year[ i wish lol.] must go and get the lawns done. Fred.PtfA&G&G&S.

Hi, I have to go shopping now, Tony is waiting but I thought that I would just put a short message on to say I'm still here, this is the first time I have managed to get this thread to download, I keep getting an error message. I guess it doesn't like it if the site is busy because it is so big. Ann Glos

Hi All Not much to report, I have just had a look back a few messages and sounds like everyone is happy and going along ok. We are now into cooler temperatures and are only getting around 10 degrees during the day and around 0 of a night time. We have had rain for a few days apart from today, more rain expected tomorrow and Wednesday. I have got over my bout of Pneumonia and now my partner David has got a few days off work with Bronchitus (spelling). Well I will leave it at that for now and I will check back in later when i have some more news.

Hi everyone. Its another lovely sunny morning, we managed to miss the thunderstorm yesterday, we had a short 5 minute shower and heard the thunder in the distance. Gaynor's yorkie Bonny is 14 years old and she has really been struggling with the heat, so we have 2 fans on so that she can lie in the draught. This is what happened with one of my yorkies a few years back just before her heart packed up, so we are taking all precautions. Elisabeth, I know you probably wont see this message if you are off line for a couple of days but it is nice to hear from you again. I knew you were alright because Peter had heard from you. You did get a bargain with the desk didn't you? Sylvia v O, I hope Johan enjoyed his surprise lunch. Beckham is still doing his little tricks, when I got back from Liverpool on Saturday, Gaynor and John were excited that Beckham had been singing for them, he only does it when opera ( or sometimes hymns) is on, he still goes to everyone and stands in front of them, waiting for them to say goodnight, when we are going to bed. He is a very bossy little dog, he supervises the feeding of the budgies and the tortoise, sometimes runs off with the tortie's lettuce or the budgie's apple. Fred, I bet you have the best gardens in the neighbourhood. Hope you didn't get anything thrown at you when you wakened the beighbours,lol Hi Ann, Glos. I too sometimes have trouble getting on, I was blaming my mouse. Sue, I hope you and David are feeling better now. At least when it is cooler it is easier to breathe. Forgot to tell you all, Ann from Belfast was at the meet in Liverpool, her and her hubby had gone for the weekend, unfortuneately I didn't have the chance to have a good talk with her, thats the trouble when there are nearly 50 people there. I hope Kathleen and Susie are ok, it seems ages since she was on here. Well I had better get on with some jobs, all this gallivanting, nothing gets done. Take care everyone. June xx

Hi all, Yes, mum had a lovely Fathers Day. My youngest daughter came around 12.00 noon and stayed until about 4.00 pm and then my eldest daughter came around 5.00 pm and we went out to dinner 6.30 pm. About 4.00 pm Johan kept asking me about dinner, wanting to know what I was going to do as time was marching on and I was relaxing. I had to keep putting him off with 'I'll see later' and him getting annoyed but as I told him later 'have you ever known me to forget dinner'. 'No' of course. Because the weather was so nice we were able to have a table outside by the Greek. The Greek restaurant faces the harbour so its quite picturesque with all the boats there. We have a real choice of restaurants, Chinese, Argentinian, Indonesian, Italian, Greek, Japanese, all in a half circle facing the harbour. When we had finished our meal we came back here for coffee. My granddaughter Linda came round to see her mother as she is going on holiday on Wednesday. The weather is so nice now and I'm going to sit on the balcony in a minute. Have a nice day everybody, till tomorrow Sylvia xxx p.s. Cannot remember all your names - that's me!

come on out of the sun

Twice yesterday I came on here and just could not get on to this thread,so gave up each time.I was busy getting up early to go out at 8.45am to pick my Dad up and take him to my neices sons first holy communion,it was at my dads old church so he wanted to go.dad was raised a catholic ,but non of his children are,but has not been practising for over fifty years.My neices partner is a practising catholic and wants their son raised as a catholic,hence the first holy communion. It was all really very nice,and later thay had a reception near where they live so it was along day. June we got the full force of the thunder storm and had to sit waiting for it to subside , Glad you both enjoyed fathers day Sylvia, Fred ,hope the rain has done your garden some good. Elizabeth ,nice to see you again,please drop in anytime, It was good to see you as well Anne,we haveabout 12 weeks til our holiday in Tenerife,I have friends and relations who have just come back ,saying they had great times. Sus ,hope you and hubbie are both feeling a lot better now, Must go ,my son has made a brew and then wants to put some pics on here ,sp I had better go Take care ,Brenda

I wonder if it will let me post this. The site is really bad these last few days, getting very fed up with it. Brenda, it is four months before we go to Tenerife - 30th october. but we go to Lanzarote in September. I shall be envying you when you go, although i think it might be a bit hot, is it August you go? Sylvia, pleased you and Johan enjoyed Fathers day, your Greek restaurant sound lovely. hope everyone is well No storms/rain here yet Ann glos

Hi Brenda & FNW Well today marks our shortest day and it is very cold and bleak but just to prove how quirky nature can be I have a beautiful yellow rose flowering in the garden ! Glad to hear you are feeling better Sue and hope your David is well on the road to recovery. June,lovely to hear news of Beckham and Bonny,Anna and Ripley send their love. Sylvia,'your' Fathers Day sounded great and I envy your choice of so many ethnic restaurants,living in a small rural town our choices are very limited,not even a McDonalds. I note some have had difficulty re posting,I've had trouble only a couple of times but that is probably because of our time factor and most of you are all nye nyes,and we down unders are talking to ourselves. he he. Fred,are you keeping up with the Lion's tour ? Too many early mornings perhaps. My husband has a split personality during these tours,one minute he is very English but when the actual tests are played, oh dear, decisions,decisions, pom or kiwi !! Well enough nonsense from me, regards to you All JudyNZ