General Chat

Morning Gill and all,

I am outside in a very cloudy patio. In fact the breeze is quite chilly. So I won't be out here long.

Conrad has gone to see a client, then coming back to take the girls somewhere. I will be quite happy sitting in doors reading.

Lola and the pubs are doing very well. The LITTLE ones are both dark coloured where as the BIG one is white nd a boy. He is a brute pushing th others out of the way, when Lola gets in to feed them. Lola clamped her JAW round both Jan's and Ros's hand last night, when they went to move the pups who had crawled out of the bed. She didn't leave any marks, but just warned them who was the MOTHER> lol lol
Conrad said he will forward me some photo's when he does I will pass them on.

I am off in doors as I am felling quite chilly.

See you when the sun comes out. xxxx

Morning all

A bit cloudy today but still very warm, I've just been sitting outside having my morning cuppa and watching all the birds feeding on the feeder, it was so peaceful and relaxing. I've taken the bedding off our bed, Sandra is still asleep so I'll do her's later, so that's in the washing machine. I need to do some hoovering and dusting today. OH is going to his mates for a few hours then on to the charity shop to take the piece of furniture that is to big for our place, I think he might clean out the gutters this afternoon and wash down the fascia boards, they are filthy after all the work next door. So that's our day planned.

Yes, mum was very pleased with all the help we've given her lately and is looking forward to me doing the wallpapering in the alcoves when she's away for a few days next month. I would of done it now but with her coming out of hospital there wasn't any time to do it after OH had finished the painting. Mum's wants her doors and skirting boards painting in her hall next, so no doubt OH will do that at the same time I do the wallpapering, then it'll look good for when she returns from her holiday. We'd rather do the work when she's not there, it's quicker and easier on her with all the furniture having to be moved around, it'll be less stressful for her to.

Pleased to see your brother is improving Vera, shame it's taking a little longer than last time, but I'm sure he'll get there in the end and at least he's keeping positive which is a good sign.

Has Thomas turned up yet Jane? Don't worry if he hasn't, he managed to look after himself before you had him, so I'm sure he'll be okay, enjoy your holiday and try not to worry. Having food and water in the summerhouse will mean he won't go hungry, and I'm sure there's plenty of bunnies around for him to.

OH said you can adopt me if you'd like Ann lol :-D :-D Yes, we try to help both our mum's as they live on their own so some jobs they can't manage, we do the same for OH's mum when we go around there, cleaning her gutters and cutting her lawns, plus other jobs that need doing, it's what we're here for, after all they looked after us when we were younger, so now it's our turn to help them. It sounds like you've been to another lovely place, I can't wait to see all the pictures you've taken.

How's life in Spain Frank, give Lola and her pups a hug from Sandra and I. It'd be nice to see some pictures if you can get some. How's the bump on your head today, hope it's not to sore. The Villa sound divine, it must be so relaxing sitting in the sun by the pool.

Did you get any further with your water leak Mel? Hope it's sorted soon for you and doesn't cost the earth.

I'm going to have another look at OH's tree now while the washing machine's on, I can't do the hoovering just yet as Sandra's still sleep, so it'll give me something to do while OH is at his mates and I have a bit of peace and quiet.

Good evening everyone

Lots of long posts for me to catch up with tonight. You've all been very busy.

Frank, what are you like; fancy walking into the plate glass. You will have to take more water with it :-). We can't have you knocking yourself about like that. It's great that Lola and the pups let you make a fuss of them. They obviously trust you.

Jane, I hope Thomas has put in an appearance. That cat definitely has a mind of his own. If he doesn't appear don't let it spoil your holiday. Cats are pretty good at fending for themselves and if James or a neighbour can check that there is food down for him, he will be fine. How lovely that you and Fitz will be having your operations at the same time. You'll be able to encourage each other and there'll be lots of laughter. Those poor nurses.... :-D :-D

Isn't it lovely when the little ones get so excited when they go somewhere new? Somehow you start to see the world around you through their eyes. I bet you had a lovely day Gwyn and if you managed to get through the day without one getting lost for a few minutes and another one being sick or stung by a bee you will have done very well.

I'm glad you had a good journey home AnninG and that your garden is still looking good. I look forward to seeing your photos on the blog.

My goodness Gill, you have had a busy day. I wish I had your energy. Your mum must be so pleased with all the decorating and cleaning you and your OH have done for her. It must have cheered her up to come home from hospital to a "new" room. I'm glad your mum is doing well.

I'm glad Jake's birthday went well Mandy. His cake sounds delicious. Belated happy birthday to him. They grow up so quickly don't they. They're babies, you blink and suddenly they're nearly grown up.

Any news of your water leak yet Mel? I hope it can be easily found and fixed and doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

Ann, we went to that garden in Cornwall last July. Isn't it a lovely place? It's so quiet and tucked away that I don't think many people find it. When we went there were 4 of us and there were 2 other ladies walking around and no-one else there at all. We didn't have tea but I loved the idea that you could just make yourself some tea or coffee, help yourself to some cake and put the money in the honesty box.

Talking of gardens, on Tuesday we went with a group to Stody Lodge Gardens which are not far from Holt in Norfolk. These are only open for about 15 days between the end of April and end of May. They are not huge, about 14 acres, but they specialise in Rhodadendrons and Azaleas and the colour is amazing. In one area they apparently have 2000 different azaleas. OH took several photos. If he ever gets around to putting them on the computer I'll email a couple round.

Yesterday, as you know, I had all the neighbours in for tea and cake. I invited them for 3 pm and thought they would probably go by about 5, not 8.30!! But it was a lovely afternoon/evening with lots of laughter and I was flattered that people felt comfortable enough to stay a long while.

Today we have been to see my brother. He has got more colour than last time I saw him and seems a bit better but he still seems very frail and weak and not recovering nearly as quickly from this last operation as from the previous ones. He is also not eating very much. However he seemed less tired and his concentration levels are getting back to normal and he remains positive and looking to the future so it's not all doom and gloom.

I think that is more than enough for one night. Sleep well everyone.

Evening All,

Yet another nice day for us all. Plenty of sun here but it took a while to come through this morning.

My word Gill, you have been busy. I would love to have had a daughter like you, you are so kind and helpful to your mum. I hope the silicon treatment stops any damp and it was a good idea to to use it in the holes. Your mum will be so pleased with her room with everything spick and span and clean with all you and your OH have done. :-)

Jane, can't James feed Thomas while you are away if he doesn't make an appearance soon......or maybe he will be off to see Jess? He's a little tinker isn't he (not James!) and seems to know the signs of you getting ready to go! How lucky were you to get that special, new Gin! I had to laugh at the thought of you and Fitz in hospital together. I hope laughing won't affect your new hips as I expect there will be plenty of that! At least you won't need to visit each other in there now and it will mean less weeks shipping you both around for Chris!! I bet you feel better now most is packed for your holiday. I hope you have a good journey and nice relaxing time to recharge your batteries.

I was quite good Mel as they weren't big helpings of chips and I gave OH some. I also left half of the fish batter (which I love) even though it was very tasty. I've had a few extras, but stuck to decaff americanos instead of lattes and will have my second icecream tomorrow, then will start in earnest again when I get home

AnnG you find some interesting places while you are away and it sounds like you had a good journey home. We have decided to come away this same week before the Bank Holiday next year. We've decided with a lot of people going away the Bank Holiday week, especially families with children, that this is a quiet week! We usually go away earlier in May. I hope our pots etc have survived as well as yours when we get back on Saturday.

We thought we'd have an easier day so had a roast lunch at a place about 3 miles away. Gawd, neither of us could manage to eat more than half of it there was so much! Then we went towards Liskeard and stopped to look at the most southern church in the country. When we got out of the car under some tall trees it was deafening with the sound of Crows. We have never heard anything like it!! lol Closer looking revealed lots and lots of their nests in the trees above and it was mostly noisy babies demanding food making the noise. I said to OH that you'd think they'd get sore throats and his reply was that they sounded as if they already had! You'd never get a lie in with all that racket if you lived in the nearby houses. The church is quite tiny and has a cosy feel to it and some pretty stained window patterns I liked and a nice little churchyard. OH was up in the pulpit again which seems to be a habit now.

We then tried to find our way to some lake thing on the Penrose estate (where that chap has been in the papers this week for proving he was an illegitimate son and so inheriting the estate), but we seemed to miss the turn and ended up on a tiny coast road one car width between the houses......nerve wracking but a very picturesque drive though. We stopped by one of the wheelhouses on the way home where they used to mine black tin so I could take photos.

Frank, the villa sounds lovely with having a pool as well to cool off in. Hopefully all that sunshine will help the aches and pains.......I think I need to join you! I can see Lola and her pups loving you to bits! That white one sounds a bit of a bruiser.

Vera, what a long time to have your guests, but they must have enjoyed themselves to stay so long. I hope you had a good sleep and feel refreshed now.

Did Jake enjoy his birthday and the BBQ Mandy? Does he have plans for his birthday money? Oops, I took ages to post this .....I see he had a nice chocolate cake....yum yum! Yes, I've done the pendant and am starting the chain bits each sides next. :-) I never thought about painting, but you are right, and with it quiet and peaceful it would have been ideal. When I get home I'll have to see if any of the photos are good enough to paint from. :-)

Heavens Gill what a busy day you have had!!!! I dont know how you manage it.
Glad Mum is ok now and no stents needed.

AnnG. We get fed up with Chips sometimes when we are away. It must feel nice to be home again and see all is well in the garden (except the lawn :-D)

Gwyn, what a lovely day for the Children to visit the castle and climb to the top and see France too :-D. They will remember this day :-D I expect you might be ready for a bit of a rest over the Half term :-D

No Thomas is still not here.I rang the Cattery to explain and she is fine for me to go in the morning (assuming he is home!). I will hate to have to go away and just leave him even though I know he will no doubt be fine. Yes I can leave plenty of dry food and water in the summerhouse Gill. I could also ask my neighbour (2 doors down ) if she would pop in to top up his dish and put fresh water in. James will be home on Monday
Chris is getting himself all stressed out now :-S. I can do without that thank you very much :-D He is now giving the garden a good watering with his earphones on listening to music.
Frank I think the villa with the pool sounds just lovely .Little Lola and her pups are going to miss you when you come home.

Vera I hope you have had a good day with your Brother and that he is getting better now.

I seem to be missing everyone's posts today. I've just noticed I missed yours Mandy.

Pleased to hear Jake's birthday went well, the chocolate cake sounds nice, we always have a chocolate cake for Sandra's birthday, it's her favorite. You've been busy in your garden I bet it looks nice and tidy now you've cut things back. Yes, putting shopping away isn't a very nice job, at least you didn't have much to put away today, so that's good.

I'm glad half term has been mentioned on here as we were going to take Sandra to Chester Zoo next week, I think we'll wait until the children are back in school, it can be very busy at the best of times so it might be a bit quieter then and she'll be able to see the animals better.

The new neighbours are starting to move some of their things in on Saturday, with the rest of the moving being done on Tuesday, the gates are being done next week now, so by the time the children go back to school everything should be finished and the new neighbours moved in to, so we can enjoy our day out with Sandra without worrying about workmen, she wants to go shopping to and visit her Nan. We haven't had the chance to see OH's mum lately with helping my mum, so it'll be nice to see her again. I just hope the weather stays nice for Sandra's trip to the Zoo, it rained the other week when we were going to take her and it had to be cancelled.

How lovely to see the little ones faces on their first school trip Gwyn and how lucky you all were to see France. It sounds like you had the lovely weather we've had all day.

Glad to see you're home safe and sounds AnnG, what a pleasant journey home through all the country roads, much better than hours stuck on a motorway. When we went to Cornwall we got on at the beginning of the M5 all the way to the end of it and it was such a boring long journey. When we went to Bristol we went via Wales and it was a beautiful way to travel, the only thing I didn't like was going over the Clifton Suspension Bridge. I'm terrified of heights so I shut my eyes while OH drove over it. He thought it would be funny not to let me know when we had got to the end and left me with my eyes shut longer than I needed to.....the cheeky man lol ;-) I'm looking forward to seeing all your pics on your blog when you put them on there. Pleased to hear all your plants survived and you only have the lawns to cut. That's the down side to going away, all the washing you have to do when you return home. At least you have the nice weather so it should dry quickly on the line.

Just watching the Chelsea Flower Show, I recorded earlier, there's lots of beautiful flowers on there, some I've never heard of or seen before. I meant to say before Jane, how nice for the company to win a silver at Chelsea, they must of been thrilled. Ouch a sting on the eye, good on her for soldering on, it must of been quite sore. So you're the first one in the world to have the new Gin, lucky you. :-) I hope you're feeling a little better today.

Evening all,

It's been really warm today ,this morning i cut a shrub back a bit in the front garden as it was hanging over the path and we pulled the white rose up a bit as it was hanging over the lawn ,then we cut the grass .
We took all the garden rubbish to the tip and then this afternoon we went to Aldi ,didn't want much so it was an easy put away today ,that's a job i hate doing but if Colin does it i then carn't find any thing when i want it .
Jakes BBQ went well it was lovely weather for it ,everyone enjoyed it ,no i didn't make his cake son made a nice chocolate sponge cake ,i didn't have any but it did look good.

Have a lovely holiday Jane and i wouldn't worry about Thomas as i'm sure he can fend for his self and wont go hungry if you leave the dry food in the summer house .
Is James going to be about in the evenings ? maybe he would top the dry food up if needed .

Oh no Frank in the wars on the first day there ,maybe you should have taken your secretary with you to keep an eye on you ;-) ;-) :-D :-D
I could have rubbed the sun cream in LOL
That's lovely that Lola has taken to you ,i bet she loved the walk out on the lead .

Any news on the leak problem Mel ? what a pity you don't know where the rods are .
Nice to see you home safe and sound AnnG sounds as if you came home a pretty route and missed the M5/6
So no chips for you for a while then . :-D

Ann the garden sounds lovely that you visited yesterday ,if you had the time it sounds just the right spot to sit and paint .
How is the beading going now ?have you got over the tricky bit ?

Oh Vera i bet you didn't expect everyone to stay that long ,i hope you didn't run out of tea LOL
How is your brother now ? i hope he's recovering well.

You've been busy Gwen taking the little ones out ,i bet they all loved the castle ,did they all travel ok ,with no sick bucket needed :-S
Yes half term here to next week .

Glad mums doing well Gill ,you've had a busy day too ,i think you'll sleep well tonight .

Hi all

What a busy day we've had, first we went to vote then called in at mum's, she doing fine so that's good. While we were there we took her old furniture out which came to ours and replaced it with some new bits she had in the back room, I then took her curtains home and washed them and did a couple of loads of my own washing, OH painted the dining room as there was a bit of damp in the corner, so he cleaned that up and freshened up the paint, he then took the brackets off the down pipe from the gutter to the grid and took the raw plugs out I filled the holes with some silicon and put some new raw plugs in then OH put the brackets back on, I then sealed around it all with more silicon, hopefully that'll stop any rain water coming through as we think that might be causing the damp in the corner of the dining room. I then cleaned up the furniture off mum and put that in it's place, but one piece is to big so OH's taking it to the charity shop in the morning. I then watered everything in the greenhouse while OH cut the lawns, took the curtains back to mum's and now we going to have something to eat and settle down for the evening. I think I might sleep well tonight after such a busy day ;-) ;-)

I had the error page to the other day Mel, but it seems to be okay now. How did you get on with the water leak, I hope it's been sorted now or if not then it won't take to long for you.

Has Thomas come home yet Jane, it looks like you might have to leave him to fend for himself while you're away, I think he'll manage and it's not cold at night so that's good. Don't let it spoil your time away, I'm sure Thomas will cope, maybe you could put some dry food and water in your summer house for him. So you and Fitz are having your operations together that'll be fun the the nurses lol ;-)

Safe journey home AnnG, can't wait to see your photo's on your blog. It sounds like you've had a great time away.

I think you need a padded suit and a crash helmet Frank, fancy walking into the glass, I hope the bump on your head isn't to sore and you're enjoying your time away. I'm pleased Lola likes you and lets you cuddle her puppies.

How did Jake's birthday go Mandy, I hope the weather was nice for his BBQ.

Five and a half hours was a long time for people to stay Vera I'm not surprised you were shattered, I hope you managed a good nights sleep and feel more refreshed today.

It sounds like you had another nice day out Ann, you do seem to find some interesting places to visit.

Yes, OH has to have a hernia operation, he see the doctor next Wednesday then he'll get the date for his op. His ear is still a bit sore but it's getting better so that's good there doesn't seem to be any signs of an infection.

Well, I'd better go and dish up dinner, Sandra had a sandwich but OH and I have had nothing all day so we're eating early tonight, then I'm going to watch the Chelsea flower show I recorded, before our soaps start, followed by an early night. I'm shattered. OH is going to water the garden later then I think he'll be having an early night to.

we got home around 3.30pm. We came all across country, left at 0930 and only stopped about 30 minutes at most. We came vis Snowdonia right the way across to Shrewesbury and then back across country from there. Took longer than when we go to daughter's but no traumatic driving and no M5/6, in Wales the roads were very quiet and all very pretty through Llangollen etc.

One load of washing in. Pizza for the meal tonight. At the moment don't want to see another chip!!!

garden looks great, lawn is like a jungle but the hanging baskets all look lovely and everything planted out has survived.

Good to hear that all the holiday makers are enjoying themselves and those at home are enjoying the busyness of working in the lovely weather and making preparations for coming events.
Gill, I hope your mother feels a lot better after her hospital stay.

I've been busy in school a lot lately and yesterday had a wonderful day out helping with Reception class for their 1st school trip. For many it was also their first time on a coach and 1st time to Dover Castle..... They were super-excited.
Their faces were a picture as we explored many parts of the castle, including climbing to the top of the keep and going into the darkly lit medieval tunnels.
The sun shone all day, so we could even see France.
They were so good, so it was a pleasure to be with them.
Half term next week, which for most schools is one week off.

Afternoon All
Thomas has just 25 minutes to come home and if he doesn't I wont be able to get him to the Catter today :-S :-S :-S.I wish I knew where he was going these days.He hasnt been in the house for over 2 days now..The names he will be called when he does show up !!!!!(not repeatable here)
I have packed my case (mostly) still a few things to chuck in in the morning .I dont know what to do if Thomas isnt back before we go .

I better go and have one last call around the garden and do my loudest whistles.
Hopefully I will be back later .

Its good you slept well Frank and are enjoying sitting in the sun and the G & T's and those pups sound lovely. Do you think Lola has a favorite with the white one so he/she gets more milk? How old are they now please? Was that the first time Lola has had a collar on? It must have been nice for her to stretch her legs in the park.

Still having trouble with the Error Page..........

Good morning to you all, I am having difficulty with writing this, I am sitting outside trying to stay in a shadow, but not that easy.

Another brilliant morning here, with a nice cooling breeze.we both slept like logs last night. I woke around 6.00 m and just laid and enjoyed my thoughts. I got up around 7.00 made my tea and had my tablets. I let Ros sleep in, she arose like the queen around 9.00 am. All showered and dressed in shorts and a sun top. We have just had lost an coffee, which will see me through until this evening. We will eat out tonight at "LILLY'S" a very pleasant place with very friendly staff, and their G & Ts are to me, seem very large, but who's complaining. I'm not driving lol lol.

The villa is three bedroom two bathrooms, with a lovely pool area, plenty of loungers, and the sun on it most of the day.

Conrad tells me that the beech is about one and a half mile walk from here, so I might give it a try one of these days. They have their bikes in the garage, but I don't think I dare try riding on of those. ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) I can just imagine what difficulties I would get in trying that.

I see there are plenty of coming and goings, for you holiday people. PLEASE have a great break and ENJOY your time away from your everyday chores. xxx

Mel, I will get Conrad to post the photo's of the pups to me, and I will forward them on. The WHITE ONE is the size of both The others put together. Gawd only knows what type of dog Fathered him. Lola lets me pick them up for a cuddle. She is such a lovely natured dog. Eos managed to get a collar on her this morning, so Jane put her lead on and walked her round the little park area, opposite the Villa.

I trust all those aches nd pains are being coped with. I wish my shoulders and neck would, I keep putting that cream on which is suppose to work into the joints. but doesn't seem to be working. So it will be SUN for me, and hope that works.

Enjoy your day everyone. Jane when do you and Fitz go into hospital. I can just imagine the poor nurses coping with you two.??

Ready for a sun bath now, so I will get stripped off and grab a lounger.

Morning all,

Just had the Error page again and hope its not going to cause problems once again.

Nice morning here and should be just right for Anng and T's drive home.

I don't ache too much from being up the border yesterday and I did a lot of digging.

Is it today that Jane goes away or tomorrow?

Vera it will be nice to see your brother tomorrow. Have a good nights sleep after that really busy day you have had. You posted as I was typing. :-D

Fancy them letting you have one of those bottles of gin Jane. It will be very special now. Did you get a taste of that one? I had a look at the distillary and it looks a very nice place and I see they use the flavoured tonics. I like the elderflower one best.

Fancy you and Fitzy having your ops about the same time and being on the same ward. At least you will keep each other company. You're bound to have some good laughs...... :-D :-D :-D

Ann I hope you did'nt eat too many chips you have to watch your weight remember but you are on holiday......... ;-) The place you visited sounds lovely and I hope you have taken lots of pics for us to see.

Frank what are you like? I told you to be careful and you go and walk into a glass door. Hope the bump is'nt too big. I see you have a new best friend and I am pleased she comes to you for a fuss. Have you got some treats for her? Bet the pups have grown now and we would all like some more pictures please.

AnnG you have had some lovely weather to enjoy your time away and lots of lovely memories to keep forever. Can't wait to see your pics on your blog. Safe journey home tomorrow.

The waterboard rang this evening but I did'nt manage to get the call and they hung up. Not sure if they know what to do when it is answered. They have to press the hash key to get through. Perhaps they will ring in the morning.

Mandy how did the party go? I can'r believe Jake is 14 it only seems a little while ago he was a little boy now he is a young man. Did he have a cake?

Evening all

A short post tonight. I just wanted to wish safe journey to all who are travelling, happy holiday to those already away and to say I hope all those under the weather will feel better soon.

I am too exhausted to cook a meal now so we are just having a sandwich. Everyone in our Close (10 people) came for tea and cakes as a goodbye for our neighbour who is moving Friday. I thought they would stay about 2 hours. The moving man stayed for 3 and most of the others for five and a half hours! I am shattered so am going to bed soon. Going to see my brother tomorrow but will try and post when we get back.

Night night

Evening one and All
<3 <3 Happy Birthday to the Birthday boy <3 <3. What a perfect day for a Birthday BBQ :-D . I hope you are not in too much pain to enjoy it Mandy.

Gill, glad to know Mum is ok and that you didnt have to worry about her yesterday .I too didnt realise OH is waiting for an op on his stomach.I hope it is not something serious .

I see our 2 Anns are still having a lovely holiday. I bet the F&Cs were good Ann in Falmouth .

So Lola is your new best friend Frank :-D :-D :-D. I just knew she would. You have the knack with dogs.I bet the puppies are so cute.

Mel I really hope this water leak is not going to cost you an arm and a leg. Who will you have to get out to do the digging down and sorting it if it is not the responsibility of the water company?

I ` am not long in as we have been to the Gin distillery over in Harrowden (nr Rothwell)
What an interesting tour ,talk and tasting we had.Came away with 2 bottles of Gin.One is a brand new one which hasnt actually been launched yet but the young lad there had put some bottles up on the shelf so they were ot actaully able to sell it. BUT they spoke to the BOSS and we got one. The first people in the world to have one of these :-D The lady who did the tour and talk was excellent ,unfortunatley she got stung on her eye by a Bee from one othe hives and had to get someone ot come and pull the sting out.OUCH. But she soldiered on after having sting cream applied and an antihistamine tablet. The company is tiny but they have won a Siver award at Chelsea flower show today.

Fitz popped in late this morning to say his hip op has been put back a week . So he will have his the day before me now !!!!!!!. We shall be on the same ward(god help them) . Double trouble :-D :-D

I have got most of my clothes layed out now ready for packing tomorrow. Once I get Thomas to the Cattery. He was out all night again last night :-S :-S and I havent seen him yet today . I think he is delberatley trying to wind me up now :-S

Must go as I have done nothing about dinner yet .James is going to be late in tonight so we will all be eating later than usual.