General Chat

Morning AnnG and all,

Once again we have sunshine out the back and grey clouds to the north front facing and a rainbow. There's a bit of wind so it should soon blow it away.

The cones were a bit fiddley to do with me lining the insides with card as you had to get it just right so they would fold up. Being three sided too they were a bit hard to find the best place to attach the ribbon hangings.

The egg did have a shell of sorts as I said it was in the nest a little way from the egg with a sort of slimy skin attached.

Enjoy shopping day AnnG. I have done mine for the week!!....

Will probably start something else today after a bit of housework.

Oh has just turned the heating on fo the first time this year to make sure its all working properly. It will take the chill off the house. We shall only have it on for about half an hour.

Thanks for the photos Mel. What a strange thing that egg was, perfectly formed without the shell. do you know which girl laid it? Not getting her share of grit do you think?
The sky almost looked like a mackrel sky in the first photo, more ominous in the second.

Love all the bits you have made, hope they sell. the coned tree hangings look fiddly to make. love the little hat too. you have busy fingers!

dull and drizzly here this morning, we have the joys of the Tesco shop, would do it tomorrow but hopefully it will be dry so OH can get a game of golf in. Looks like the best day this week.

Evening all

Oh dear Frank, your poor foot. What can you have done to it? Fingers crossed it will be better after a night’s rest.

Jane, it’s a horrible job clearing up after a cat has been ill, but to have to do it at 4 am must have been miserable. We were very mean to our cats and shut them in the utility at night. It wasn’t that mean really. The boiler kept the room warm and OH made a little shelf a few inches off the floor and they had nice comfy beds on that and they had litter trays, food and water but at least they didn’t disturb us in the middle of the night. You seem to be doing well after your hip op and I am sure the physio must be helping, even if you do ache afterwards. OH is still doing his exercises and rolling around on a tennis ball. Keeping up the exercises is the only way to full recovery.

It sounds as though Daisy and May are getting used to Hotel Mel if they are starting to venture out a bit. You will have to send us a photo of them.

It’s a shame you can’t get on with Sandra’s planter Gill but it’s given you a bit more time to spend on your tree. I am not surprised your contact has made a few mistakes - we’ve all done it. It’s frustrating when you can’t find the right information isn’t it, particularly if you are looking for a common name. My grandmother was a Smith so I know all about common names.

I’ve had one of those days when I don’t seem to have achieved anything. I was up by 8 am but faffed around till 11 when I decided to go into town to buy a birthday present and do a bit of shopping. Couldn’t find anything I wanted and didn’t see a suitable present. As I couldn’t get to the doctors’ on the days they were doing flu jabs I had put my name down at the pharmacy. They had said they would ring to give me a date but I had heard nothing, so I called in to enquire. I was told they were working their way through the list and would definitely ring in due course.

I got home at 1.30 only to be told by OH that they had rung and given me an appointment for 3 pm today! So I had to go all the way back again. I wasn’t best pleased but at least I have had the jab now.

I had one bit of luck. I popped into M & Co. and they were selling off the last of their summer stock. I found a pair of bright red lightweight trousers in my size. They are a bit big on the waist but I have lost a bit of weight this summer and will probably put it back by next spring/summer when I’ll want to wear them. If not I’ll move some buttons over. OH’s comment was “They’re a bit lairy (sp)”. He liked them better when I told him the price - £5 :-D. They were originally £28.

I am on the iPad but am getting a bit of a headache so I think I am going to close it down for tonight. Sleep well everyone.

Ann I don’t think we are particularly self controlled. Often I couldn’t eat a whole piece of cake to myself especially the one this morning that was very rich but beside that one not very big piece was £3.60.
Oh I get acid reflux no way would I eat one mince pie in the evening let alone two. Hope he is ok tonight.
Jane I only have one coffee a day, daughter drinks loads, doesn’t drink tea and has coffee black.
Mandy I don’t think it will hurt if you cut off a lot of the Rose.

Frank do you think you might have laid on your foot last night and your arm as well?

Gill did you get on Ok with the tree? You do work hard on it.

Evening All,

Another mix of sun and showers today but not cold enough for heating. I'm hoping the sunny forecast for tomorrow is right as the first load is in the washer now.

Still no Downton Abbey as OH had a really bad night with the acid reflux he gets and this time was the worst ever. Needless to say doing all the wrong things like eating too much and in the evening, including 2 of the mince pies Mandy hasn't helped! After a night spent sitting up, he only fancied a tiny lunch with a bit of turkey today.

AnnG I wish we were as disciplined as you and could share a piece of cake! :-0 These posh coffee places are springing up round here too and all of them seem to be busy all day. We've noticed that the garden centre cafes have crammed in more tables too and a few have extended their car parks to cope.

I wonder what you did to hurt your foot Frank? I hope it feels better with a bit of rest. I have had a quiet day too as OH is at his second meeting now. It will be nice to have Biggles keep you company again soon. :-D

I'm glad you liked the little tree I made and Sandra guessed the little beads are meant to look like lights! I have a small tree covered in icicles I put on the drawers in the hall at Christmas and thought it would look nice next to that.It's good you keep finding things to add to your FH tree. I must make a start again soon. :-)

Good your visits to the dentist are over Mandy. I've said it before, but you can't beat that feeling as you walk out of the door! lol.

It's good progress Jane if you are ok without your stick now. I know I would find one quite cumbersome as I do with a walking pole. Has Hannah started her new job yet and, if so, is she enjoying it?

It sounds like the new girls are settling in Mel. You have got a lot done with your crafts.

Better pack my wool felting stuff for tomorrow now. I think we may be getting a visit from the education co-ordinator but it isn't certain.

You have reminded me I really need to make a dental appointment Mandy. I have already had 2 reminders :-S :-S. At least you are both sorted now until 2020 !!!

I'm not too stiff now but if I have been sat down for too long it takes a while to get moving. I think Chris's knees are not too sore but he did give them a bit of a bashing .

Nothing takes my fancy on TV tonight other than Eastenders so I think it iwll be an early one for me. I was up at 4am today clearing up cat sick in the bedroom :-S :-S
Thomas sat looking at it as though to say "what the heck is all that" !! That was my thought too. There had better not be a repeat performance tonight.

Evening all,

It's been quite a nice day ,got two lots of washing dry as there was a nice blow ,just had a little shower of rain but stopped at the moment .
We both had our six month check up at the dentist this morning all fine for another six months ,Colin just had to have a tooth filled ,he had the filling come out a couple of weeks ago but decided to wait ashe knew we had an appointment and it wasn't painful.

Shame you couldn't do anything on Sandra's garden today Gill with it being a nice sunny day ,have you looked on Pinterest for some ideas ? i bet Sandra carn't wait to get it all done and looking pretty .

Sounds as if your new girls are getting braver Mel with them coming out into the run ,if they are hungry they'll come out .

I wonder what you've done to your foot Frank ,can you remember if you had knocked it the day before ,i hope it soon feels better .
I love fried up new potatoes ,i bet they went down a treat with the Scallops .

So OH managed to get a little done in the garden AnnG ,i pruned my yellow climbing rose last week it had got so lanky so i cut it back quite a bit so i hope i haven't over done it .

Jane i hope your not to stiff today after your bout of physio .
How is Chris's leg after his fall through the bench ?

So OH has found the Mince pies then Ann :-D is he good and only has one at a time or like us and have to have two :-D

Evening All

Ooh Frank your poor foot sounds really painful. I wonder what has caused it. Fingers crossed it will be ok by tomorrow and that it doesnt keep you awake tonight.
I hope Ros enjoys Calendar Girls. We go to see it on Thursday afternoon.

Mel the dumplings I have are Aunt Bessies. Straight from the freezer and plopped onto the top of the casserole :-D. I can't really see me making them somehow.

AnnG that was nice to find a nice new coffee shop and you enjoyed it plus the nice cake :-D. I rarely have coffee . I might have a mug at coffee time at home sometimes,but prefer Tea or even just water.

I hope you managed to make some headway today with your tree today Gill. Shame you couldnt make a start on the planter.Maybe tomorrow.

Deboned Chicken ,tray of mixed peppers, mushrooms and red onions and sweet potato wedges for dinner tonight.
Frank, I think as AnnG said fries potatoes would go nicely with your scallops
:-D

Frank the new potatoes fried would go down well with the scallops I think, especially with the cheesy sauce. Maybe some peas for veg?

Very cold here today with heavy showers. We managed to avoid the rain when we nipped out this morning. Went to a retail park in Cheltenham for a look round Hobbycraft and noticed that where Patisserie valerie used to be in the Next shop there is another up market coffee shop called 'Ground Coffee'. quite expensive but really nice coffee and delicious cake which we shared. we then got a few bits in Sainsburys that we needed to tide us over until the big shop Thursday OH attempted a bit of climbing rose pruning but got rained off so is disgruntled indoors now.

Still trying to hobble around the bungalow.Very uncomfortable to do so. I thought trying to walk around, might help to free up whatever it is that's hurting my foot. but so far without much success.

I have been watching Nat. Geo. It's all about the UPABANGO RIVER.(ap) Very, very interesting, it just shows how nature manages to survive in such conditions.

Nice to see the new girls are settling in Mwl, even if they are not venturing out of the house. I'm sure they will mix in when they are ready. xx

Still very windy here, but it seems to be keeping the rain away. Forecast doesn't seem that good for the rest of the week.

What can I have with my SCALLOPS tonight. ?? They are in their shells with the sauce all around them. I have some cold new potato's that I could either fry or warm up. !!

I wonder what goodies Ros will bring me back today, if any. She usually finds some fishy bits, that she knows I like. BLESS HER. <3 <3 <3

Enjoy your scallops tonight Frank.

The two new hens were out in the run this morning when I went to feed them but they soon went back in the house. I did feed them in the house again today but I may leave it out tomorrow so they have to come out to feed. I have the water container by the house door so they can see it and get to it easily.

I have taken a pic of the three Fairy sleepover sets I made and yesterday I finished 5 paper cones that hang on a tree with Christmas past pictures on them. I downloaded them from the internet as a free pattern but I lined them in cardboard to make them stronger so it took quite a while to make a pattern and then cut out 15 peices of card.

Good morning Gill, Mel, and all,

It's Calendar Girls that Ros is going see tonight. Where I got the other from I just don't know. lol lol Ros and I never seem to go anywhere together, apart if I go to Tesco with her, and our weekly trip for a meal out.

Something has happened to my right foot during the night, !! I woke up with pains in the outside of my right foot. This morning, I can hardly walk on it. I can wiggle my BIG TOE, but the others don't move. PLUS my right arm is very sore.

Pity you can't get on with Sandra's garden Gill. As they say, THERE IS ALWAYS TOMORROW. xxx

Yes Mel, Your Donkey day comes round every week the same as everybody else's. But of course for you, it's move difficult, as you are so far from the BIG SHOPS, where as most of us can get to the supermarkets on a daily basis if we need to.

Glad you are showing signs of improvement Jane. I tried PHYSIO but it seemed to play my up. The last time was in Devon, the guy said, I am throwing money away by having treatment. He put it down to my arthritis, and general wear and tear. The BIOFREEZE that I use, seems to give me a bit of relief, and with my pain killers, I manage. I have to accept that after over 30 years walking around Car sales sites, my body is telling me to slow down.

Where have all the years gone. On the 3rd Oct. I would have been married 60 years. and yesterday, would have been my ex's 79th Birthday. !!!!

Windy old day here, with the promise of showers and heavy rain. I'm not feeling that warm either, I have got the heating on, and sitting in a fleece.

Ros is out on her Tuesday ROMP around the Shops with Carolyn. so I don't expect to see her before 3.30/4.00 pm. Then she's out again for 5.00 pm. So we won't see each other again today. !!! no arguments this end, today. lol lol

"BIGGLES" is coming to stay from the 4th Nov (monday) until Friday. Anne and Alan are off somewhere for a few days. As we love to have him, it's no big deal. ;-) ;-) ; ;-)

No breakfast this morning so I will get myself something now with a coffee. Tonight with Ros out, I am having scollops in a Champaigne and cheese sauce. (POSH or what) lol lol

Will try to catch up later. xxxx

Morning all,

Cloudy this morning with some bright spells whic woke me up shining onthe window and in my eyes. Then low grey clouds came over which was strange because above them was blue sky with those little puffy white clouds close together like a flock of sheep. Dashed for my camera and could'nt find it but by the time I had the sky had changed. I'd left the camera in the utti room where I took a pic of my latest project as oh was in the bedroom where I usually take pics as the lights good in there.

Donkey Day again. Why does it come around so quickly?

Morning all

Lovely and sunny here today, typical as OH had made plans to go and see his friend so we can't get on with Sandra's little garden. Hopefully they'll be another nice day soon so we can crack on with it for her.

I'm looking forward to seeing a picture of your latest project Mel, you do make some lovely things. What have you made this time?

How are you feeling today Jane. Not so achy I hope? Have you got many more physio appointments to go to?

How is your knee today Frank? Hope it's not clicking to much and you can get around alright.

The fella who was helping me with OH's family tree is back from being away for a month, so he's helping me again. He made a tree up for me to copy but when I looked at the part I'm on now, he's made a few mistakes. Neither of us can find the correct information so I might have to leave that person with no marriage or children. Hopefully I'll find his marriage at some point, but for now there doesn't seem to be anything that fits. He's one of 4 children and these 4 are taking me longer to do than any other part of OH's tree. I'm going to take another look today, in the hope I finally have a break through, if not I'll see what I can find for his 3 siblings.

Poor Jane aching with your physio but it must be doing you good. Do you not use the stick at all now? You should try making your own dumplings. Its easy. With all the complecated recipes you do you should be able to dumplings easily. Do you use a mix?

All the washings done then Gill. It is nice when you can open the linen bin and see nothing in there.

AnnG. I think oh's ankles were'nt so swollen whenthe meds were lowered. It will be interesting to see if yours are the same. Please let us know.

Poor Frank home alone again. Don't you ever go to a show with Ros?

I finished my latest project today but hav'nt taken a pic yet as if I do it when the lights are on I get a shadow in the pic.

Evening All,

A very mixed and showery day here today. We decided not to go to the cinema this morning as it is cheaper on Mondays and so likely to be both busier and noisier which we don't like. Maybe tomorrow although OH has 2 meetings.

That's interesting AnnG as I get swollen ankles, more so in summer, and have just read that the thyroid medication I take can cause it plus being overweight doesn't help! I also looked at my last BP reading which was 101/64 and about the same as yours. Mine was never high like my father's BP was and was usually around 130/ 85, but after what I now think was a panic attack in my sleep when my heart wouldn't stop racing, the cardiologist put me on a beta blocker to slow it down. I did ask my GP if my BP was too low now and he said it was fine as long as I felt alright and didn't feel faint.

We did a big shop this morning and then had a coffee at the village tearoom. OH bought his first mince pies and I looked for the Milton anti bacterial and I found all the others but they didn't have the Milton one! Looks like it will be Tesco next where Vera found it.

We've just seen on the local news that a schoolboy was stabbed just round the corner from where MIL lived. I sometimes used to meet OH at the Milestone pub for a meal before he retired and then go home while he went to watch his local team play. It seems these things can happen anywhere and everywhere now, not just in city centres.

Jane it seems like your surgery is getting like ours for getting an appointment! I hope your maximus gluteus is coping with the physio okay! :-D

I know what you mean about your knee Frank, but I think sitting down exercises can help to keep the muscles strong around the knee so it is more stable and clicks less and is a bit less painful.

Vera it was good of your OH to give some guidance to your acquaintance. We wanted a double garage when we moved here, but there are less bungalows than houses that have them so we had to make do with a single. They are useful for other things/storage as you say, but the way the future may be with cars I'm not sure any will be needed for them. Ours is part of the bungalow and we have considered converting it to one or two rooms as it's too small for either of our cars, but I worry that the resale value might be affected if we did..

The physio is to strengthen the muscles Ann .All those that were cut through in the op.
It is the gluteus muscle that needs the most work .(for me anyway) to stop me leaning to one side when I walk.I'm getting there though and no need for my stick :-D

Evening all

Another cold wet day here. I've been busy sorting out a pile of washing today, it took me ages to get through it all but it's all done now. This is the first sit down I've had all day.

I'm so sorry AnnG, I did see your post about the Michaelmas Daisies and thought I'd answered you. Thank you for your advice, I'll take a look when I have the time to go to the garden centre. We haven't got any further with Sandra's planter with the weather being against us, so we might just buy the plants and put them together so she can see them until we have a break in the rain, we can then sort out the planter for her.

Love the little blanket and pillow you made Mandy, you are very clever, it looks like it was quite tricky to do.

I love the pictures you sent to Ann, Sandra loves the squirrel and your little Christmas tree, she asked me to make her one but I don't do beading so wouldn't have a clue where to start, she likes all the white on it and said they look like lights........bless her.

Hope you're not so achy now Jane after your Physio. At least it'll do you good even if it doesn't feel like it right now. So James is all clean shaven now and has a new look. That's a long time to wait for an appointment, maybe it would be a good idea to ring them and get an earlier one.

So you've been busy with your washing today to Vera, it's a nice feeling when it's all done and out of the way isn't it? That was nice of your OH to help your friend like that.

Going to watch Emmerdale now and relax for the evening, I feel like I've been rushing around all day. I bet I'll sleep well tonight.

It is better to be low than high. I do know that. However nurse specialist did tell me that they prefer it not to drop quite so low so halving the amlodopine might just bring it up a bit. If it comes up too much I go back on the 10mg. It is the swollen ankles that have always concerned me.

Sounds as though the physio is working. How long do you have to have it for? Is it to strengthen your hip or improve mobility.

We were only saying how lucky we are with our surgery. We can make appointments on line if not urgent but most people wanting immediate appointments seem able to get them.

Afternoon Everyone
It is a horrible day today. Dark,dreary and wet. Physio this morning and now I am aching so I must have been doing something right :-D

Frank,I wonder if physio might help you a bit with your mobility . maybe that is a question youcould ask the Dr. Mind you if your old knee does need replacing there wont be much that will help that one.

That is a nice low BP AnnG.Especially for your age.(I know that sounds rude but its not :-D ) Beter to be on the low side rather than the other way around.

I have a Beef Casserole cooking away in the oven. It has been in for 4 hours now so should be nice and tender. Dumplings have just gone on the top(not my own) .I have never made dumplings !!.

After Physio this morning I went to the surgery to pick up a prescription and wanted to make an appointment but the queue at the desk was so long and only one receptionist I decided to go back this afternoon. The first appointment I could get for a GP I havent seen before is 7th Nov !!!!. But if I either ring at 8 in the morning or drive in for 8 I might be lucky to get an appointment with the GP I want to see next week .Either way there is still no guarantee.

Frank Is Ros going to the Derngate ? I wonder if Ann has been to see Downton Abbey today?