General Chat

I agree about the garden centres Frank, well the ones in the big groups anyway. I used to grow a lot from seed till my knees got too bad to be able to plant them all. OH doesn't mind weeding, or helping or watering but I think he prefers sitting in the garden to doing it and has never grown veg or plants like I used to.

I'd forgotten Clarissa wasn't a ride-on mower Mel. Are there names for any other mowers? I love your description of your OH walking like a gorilla! I've just planted what I bought and the greenhouse was like a furnace!!! I soon came out of there when the tomato was planted. I've cut some large circles out of some ripped compost bags. I thought they would do to fit round the tomato plants when we are away and would help stop the moisture evaporating. I used to use the supermarket plastic bags tucked in the pots but this idea should be better.

I had a call a while ago wanting OH to clerk a meeting at midday tomorrow, but after taking me to my hospital appointment in the morning, he already has 3 meetings in the afternoon and evening so that was a no. He suggested we eat somewhere before going to the hospital, but I told him 'no chance' as they will be weighing me! He's got 3 meetings today as well. Amazing how they all want him when I could do with him here to help get ready for going away. Still they will be on their summer hols soon and he can catch up with things then.

I love seeing the new calves in the field at the back. They look so happy after being shut in. Mind you, the flies arrive with them and I have been shooing the bluebottles out today.

I wonder if Gill has any news about her mum yet.

I agree about the garden centres Frank, well the ones in the big groups anyway. I used to grow a lot from seed till my knees got too bad to be able to plant them all. OH doesn't mind weeding, or helping or watering but I think he prefers sitting in the garden to doing it and has never grown veg or plants like I used to.

I'd forgotten Clarissa wasn't a ride-on mower Mel. Are there names for any other mowers? I love your description of your OH walking like a gorilla! I've just planted what I bought and the greenhouse was like a furnace!!! I soon came out of there when the tomato was planted. I've cut some large circles out of some ripped compost bags. I thought they would do to fit round the tomato plants when we are away and would help stop the moisture evaporating. I used to use the supermarket plastic bags tucked in the pots but this idea should be better.

I had a call a while ago wanting OH to clerk a meeting at midday tomorrow, but after taking me to my hospital appointment in the morning, he already has 3 meetings in the afternoon and evening so that was a no. He suggested we eat somewhere before going to the hospital, but I told him 'no chance' as they will be weighing me! He's got 3 meetings today as well. Amazing how they all want him when I could do with him here to help get ready for going away. Still they will be on their summer hols soon and he can catch up with things then.

I love seeing the new calves in the field at the back. They look so happy after being shut in. Mind you, the flies arrive with them and I have been shooing the bluebottles out today.

14 May After breakfast we walked to the end of Marine Drive to a little memorial garden on the cliff. So sad it commemorates a teacher and three boys lost at sea in 2006. Three other boys were saved. We sat in the sun for half an hour then went into Criccieth castle from where there are lovely views. Spent an hour and a half in there and in the exhibition which was all about take overs by various unpronounceable Welsh kings ending with Owen Glendower. Came out of the castle and found a rooftop cafe for coffee, this looked over the beach where there were suddenly close to 100 teenagers and their teachers.they were surveying parts of the beach. We later saw a double decker coach parked which strangely came from Cheltenham. We sat on a seat elevated above the promenade road to eat our bananas in the sun before walking up to find a cash machine. Unfortunately in a shady part my varifocal glasses let me down a bit and I missed a curb and sort of folded down on to the ground. Wasn’t at all hurt except I ricked my ankle or actually foot.which is never good at the best of times but which has been fine this week so far. It is quite painful and I have been limping around since. No swelling so hopefully just a strain. Called in to the Lion hotel and had cheesy chips and a glass of wine in the garden. Then walked (limped) back to our B&B for a rest.

Much against my bodies wishes, I have cleaned the front lounge window, both the kitchen windows and the patio doors.Not forgetting the porch window and front door.

Sorry Gill, I didn't mention your MUM earlier. I hope you find her well this morning, and she was able to come home. If she has to stay, she will be in the best place, they will keep an eye on her at regular intervals. <3 <3 <3 As they did with Ros. Who would believe that you can go shopping, and end up in hospital with a Heart attach.

Anne, these garden centres seem to see you coming, the way they put their prices up. SUPPLY AND DEMAND as they say. In my mind they are just RIP OFF ARTISTS :-| :-| :-| Ros fortunately, sets many packets of seeds, and pricks them out into small pots, to bring them on. She seems to keep Val, Martine and Pam in plants, as there are so many. We aught to have a stall outside the front, selling plants. I know she wouldn't do that, but many do.

Enjoyed your shopping this Mel, I hope you didn't forget anything. Ros has taken a very small list with her. I told her, DON't forget we are going away next Tuesday. I don't want to have to give a FRIDGE full of VEG away to the neighbours, like we usually do. !!! I know it's better than wasting it, but why buy it if we don't need it :-P :-P

AnninG, you have certainly picked the right week to go away, I do hope your weather is as nice as ours, and that you are enjoying the Welsh Countryside, xx

I had an Email from my friend in Australia, thanking me for my LIFE STORY. She thought, I must have spend ages putting that together, where in fact, it just rolled out of my brain (yes I have one) onto paper.

The sun is quite warm but that breeze has an edge to it, so no sitting on the patio.I have started another book this morning. What would I do without this tablet. It must have over 100 books to choose from. In fact I have now decided to start from the top left hand side, and work through them. If after a few pages, I don't like the read, I can go on to the next book.

I sent Conrad an Emil yesterday asking if there was anything he wanted us to bring to Spain. HIS REPLY WAS, JUST YOU AND YOUR CLOTHS, We have everything else.

I have been thinking of Jabe and Hannah, I go hope that H is feeling a bit better, and may be would enjoy a little walk out to that nice restaurant close to her for a bite to eat. Hugs to you both, if you are looking in Jane.

Chicken casserole for this evening, all made and sitting in the oven to go on later. Potatoes all done. This last lot Ros got from Morrison's, are very difficult to peel and hard to cut. I hope they cook alright.

Enjoy this beautiful weather, see you later. xxxx

Much against my bodies wishes, I have cleaned the front lounge window, both the kitchen windows and the patio doors.Not forgetting the porch window and front door.

Sorry Gill, I didn't mention your MUM earlier. I hope you find her well this morning, and she was able to come home. If she has to stay, she will be in the best place, they will keep an eye on her at regular intervals. <3 <3 <3 As they did with Ros. Who would believe that you can go shopping, and end up in hospital with a Heart attach.

Anne, these garden centres seem to see you coming, the way they put their prices up. SUPPLY AND DEMAND as they say. In my mind they are just RIP OFF ARTISTS :-| :-| :-| Ros fortunately, sets many packets of seeds, and pricks them out into small pots, to bring them on. She seems to keep Val, Martine and Pam in plants, as there are so many. We aught to have a stall outside the front, selling plants. I know she wouldn't do that, but many do.

Enjoyed your shopping this Mel, I hope you didn't forget anything. Ros has taken a very small list with her. I told her, DON't forget we are going away next Tuesday. I don't want to have to give a FRIDGE full of VEG away to the neighbours, like we usually do. !!! I know it's better than wasting it, but why buy it if we don't need it :-P :-P

AnninG, you have certainly picked the right week to go away, I do hope your weather is as nice as ours, and that you are enjoying the Welsh Countryside, xx

I had an Email from my friend in Australia, thanking me for my LIFE STORY. She thought, I must have spend ages putting that together, where in fact, it just rolled out of my brain (yes I have one) onto paper.

The sun is quite warm but that breeze has an edge to it, so no sitting on the patio.I have started another book this morning. What would I do without this tablet. It must have over 100 books to choose from. In fact I have now decided to start from the top left hand side, and work through them. If after a few pages, I don't like the read, I can go on to the next book.

I sent Conrad an Emil yesterday asking if there was anything he wanted us to bring to Spain. HIS REPLY WAS, JUST YOU AND YOUR CLOTHS, We have everything else.

I have been thinking of Jabe and Hannah, I go hope that H is feeling a bit better, and may be would enjoy a little walk out to that nice restaurant close to her for a bite to eat. Hugs to you both, if you are looking in Jane.

Chicken casserole for this evening, all made and sitting in the oven to go on later. Potatoes all done. This last lot Ros got from Morrison's, are very difficult to peel and hard to cut. I hope they cook alright.

Enjoy this beautiful weather, see you later. xxxx

I bought one of those Million Bells plants Ann. They are so florifalas (sp).

You asked about the mower, if it was Clarrisa and no it was'nt she was retired a long while ago when oh could'nt walk the lawns anymore.

Can't really give you the details of Gill's rellies today as I hav'nt much time with going out soon but will do it perhaps tomorrow. As you say two heads are better than one. Thank you.

Morning all,

Another lovely day here but its a bit windy today.

This morning we had a Swallow on the wires over oh's pond. I tried to take a pic but the wind was blowing the trees behind so it has'nt come out too well.

Oh is out on the mower. Not sure what he is up to with it but its running. Yesterday he could'nt get the deck to work and thinks the clutch has gone. More expensense.

Shopping day today.

Love to Hannah and Jane <3 <3 <3.

Love and wishes also to Gill's mum and I hope she is better this morning.

Morning All,

Another glorious sunny one!

So sorry to hear about your mum Gill, but hopefully it won't be serious and the tests will soon find out what's going on. You have certainly had more than your share of troubles this past couple of years. Best wishes to your mum and try and keep your spirits up . <3 <3 <3

Mel, I've just been to the village nursery which was taken over by another garden centre near us last year. Already the prices are going up and they have stopped selling trays of seedlings for pricking out that were so cheap. So now a single snapdragon in a pot is £1.50!!! I got a tomato plant, but just hope it is what the label says!! lol It doesn't look as good as my other tomato plant, but a lot of them were too leggy, so I just picked a small one. I also got a multicoloured coleus for a pot and 3 Calibrochoa? to go round a fuschia in a pot. I did wonder whether to get a squash or a melon for in the greenhouse as there is some room left, but couldn't decide so left it for now. By the time I left, people were pouring in and the carpark nearly full so I was glad I went early. If you get really stuck with any searches for Gill, I could have a look too if you send me the details as 2 heads are better than 1 sometimes. Not suggesting I would do any better though as I probably wouldn't!! lol. I rarely eat sausages but like the sound of those Morrisons ones with mozzarella and tomato and I would like the ratat thing too.

Your sister doesn't sound like she has much of a life Frank and when things are like that you do think it is a blessing for them to go, sad as it is. We we worried about FIL getting worse, especially if he'd got to the point of not knowing us, which he would have done and were glad he didn't reach that point.

I've heard a strange bird call the past couple of days from somewhere in the field and trees at the back of our garden. A bit like a Pigeon sound, but much louder and a whoop, whoop noise, nothing else? Whenever I hear something strange in bird sounds I wonder if it is an escapee from the tropical bird place about 4 miles away.

I just went to shoo a fat Pigeon off our island beds as he was trampling over the rock plants with his size 10s, but noticed he was meandering too and fro pecking at the soil. I think he was pecking up the ants so left him alone.

Good morning AnninGlos, Good morning to all you others.

I must say that last night I just couldn't rest and sleep. To the point I got up at THREE am, made tea, and finished my book. WhenI went to get another COT the SUN was just rising, what a wonderful sight, and I should have had mt Camera handy, but didn't. Went back to bed at 5.30 Ros was just getting out to the loo. We said our hallo's and I did drop off until 7.30. Ros got up and bought me in a COT. Can't remember the last time that happened.

Mandy I haven't given you your notice yet. ;-) ;-) ;-) So don't start looking for another job YET. !!!! You and Colin seem to busy in the garden, as is Ros. She was out there again all afternoon. I did go out snd feed all the pots and Baskets, and the front borders. All my veg are poking through, I wonder if they will be big enough to prick out before I go away. If not I expect they will be bolting by the time we get back.

I spoke with my Nephew last night. My sister is no better. She just lies there day and night. They try to get a little food and drink into her, but it seems it isn't easy. I know I shouldn't say it, BUT it would be a blessing is she just went off to sleep and didn't wake up. I just hope that nothing happens while we are away. Which happened to my TWIN SISTER. NO WONDER I CAN'T SLEEP ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-)

Now going to have Eggs and Bacon, fried cold Jersey Royals and a couple of sausages. I doubt I will want any dinner to night. !!!

See you all later. xxxx Hope our JANE and Hannah are well. <3 <3 <3 to them.

Good morning all from sunny zwales. Sorry to hear about your mum Gill, as Mel says she is in the best place. Hope she gets well soon.

Thanks Mel

I'm signing out now
Night Night

O Gill I do hope mum will be ok. She's in the best place and I am sure they will look after her well. Sending love and wishes and a (((hug))) for you. <3

Ann your like me and I like to get plants in bud but thats happened to me in the past. The worse one I had was a tom plant that shoudl have been my favorite Sungold which turned out to be a plum tom and a yellow courgette which turned out top be a green one. Both had lables in them.

He's walking around like a gorilla. His back is giving him gyp. I was lucky to get my goodnight kisses.

I think I am going cross eyed with these rellies of Gill's. There is some I can't find births for or marriages.

We had those nice sausages again tonight with a sort of ratat thing with pasta in it and tin toms, mushrooms, onions, garlic and courget and a chicken stock cube and tom puree and some basil. Mandy if you see the sausages in Morrisons they are Pork, Tomato and mozzarella. We like them and I shall have to put them on the list for tomorrow.

I've not caught up with the posts, my mum has been taken to hospital with heart problems, they are keeping her in overnight and doing more test tomorrow.

I'll try and catch up with the posts tomorrow.

Thanks Mel for the emails I'll take a proper look at them tomorrow.

I'm going to get something to eat now then go to bed, I'm shattered.

Evening All,

What a lovely day again. Ideal for you on holiday AnnG. The verges do look so pretty this time of year don't they. We see lots of wild garlic in Cornwall too. I don't understand why our verges here in the Midlands can't look the same! They are getting full of rapeseed this year. The cottage sounds interesting as did the unusually coloured geraniums.

Yes Mandy, the cakes were all home made and about 8 different kinds........I could have easily gone back for seconds, but didn't!! If you don't get redudancy I should claim 'unfair dismissal!! lol. Your garden will look smart with the new posts and panels. My bent over tomato had wilted this morning so I took it out and will try to get a replacement tomorrow. There were quite a few ants in the soil round it so they have been treated to some scalding water from the kettle!!

The Hall grounds were really manicured and everything well cared for. There was a chapel that OH went and had a look at and there were gardens round the back but a bit far for my knees so I didn't see them. I told the car park attendant about my knees, but he wouldn't let us park closer to the house or let hubby drop me off closer, yet we later saw others being allowed to park nearer in a field. This is the first time the Hall has been open to the public, so it isn't a regular thing yet Vera and we couldn't go inside which I would like to have done!

I planted up the rest of the containers this morning and was disappointed to find the red geraniums I bought are most definitely pink and some maroon and white petunias are plain purple and not double! I should know better and buy ones already in flower really. I need about 4 more plants, so will get something to go with what I have. OH planted the runners, so all that's needed is a final weed now.

Mel is it Clarissa that your OH is trying to fix? It is frustrating when you think you have sorted out one thing and then it still won't work. It would be nice to have a gardener do some of the hard work wouldn't it, although your garden looks lovely with the striped lawn when it's just been mowed.

That sounds a different kind of book Frank!! Your description of lolling in your chair outside in Spain with a cool drink and book is very appealing! ;-) Will you be keeping an eye on those puppies as well? :-D

Fancy the Auntie putting your dad's apple pie on the place mat Vera. Her head must have been miles away at the time! Which part of Austria are you going too? I've been twice many years ago and loved the cleanliness, friendliness and fresh air. Such beautiful scenery too.

Gill, not long before your new neighbours move in now then. I expect they will have plenty to do in the garden as it must be a bit overgrown after all this time. It will be nice that the place is occupied again as you say, but I hope you don't end up with any black paint runs onto your side of the fence. We had that happen with our neighbour once. The worst thing though was when the neighbour the other side decided to spray paint the fence between us and the spray went all over 4 of our windows and white window frames and back door and the white meter boxes. What a game that was to fetch off and there is still some on the meter boxes.

Evening all,

It's been a beautiful day here ,really warm in the sun but a bit chilly this afternoon in the shade .

Ann lovely photo's of the Hall and it's grounds ,naughty naughty eating the cake :-D but you couldn't let OH eat cake on his own could you LOL

Oh well done Frank glad you managed to sort it ..... so does that mean i'm now being made redundant :-0 :-D now what can i spend my redundancy money
on ;-) :-D

We have been out in the garden ,Colin has painted the new panels and posts and i have planted my cucumber plants and had a good sweep up round the front door ,i also gave the door a good wash as it was so dusty , i went to get our tablets from boots and they weren't ready so i'll have to go tomorrow as she said they would be ready after two o'clock but i didn't want to go up again this afternoon .

AnnG how nice to be able to help yourself to cake and fruit from the B&B it will keep you going until you have your evening meal .

Oh dear so OH is not in a very good mind then Mel ,it can be annoying when things keep going wrong ,hope it's all sorted now .
Yes i saw that Doris Day had died she as a good age .

Hope Jane arrived ok with her case of meat and veg :-D

Monday 13 May A drive out in the car today taking the road to Pwthwelli and then the country lanes through beautiful scenery to Abersoch. All along the lanes the verges were covered with wild flowers, bluebells, red campion and cow parsley, so pretty. Abersoch is a beautiful bay with a lovely sandy beach and colourful beach huts. We sat outside the beach cafe in the sun overlooking g the beach for quite a while before we drove on to Plas Yn Rhiw a small country cottage (NT). The house is shown as it would have been in the thirties when two sister, the Keatings Eileen and Lorna bought it deselected and restored it in 1938. They then gave it to the.NT in 1952 as long as they could live in it. The last sister died not long ago. This was near Aberdaron. We enjoyed a cup of tea and share a scone after walking round the beautiful garden, the flowers were much advanced to ours with some really unusual purple blue geraniums, and lovely aquilegia. We drove back to Criccieth, managed to find a parking place. Took my book and our bananas and cake and sat on a seat in the sun

Well that mucked my afternoon up as oh said he needed petrol so we have been to Hatherleigh.

Doris Day has died aged 97.

Afternoon all,

I was so busy this morning I forgot to come on here!!!!!

Its a beautiful day but the winds up quite a bit and thats cold.

Oh is working on the old mower and getting grumpier by the minuet. He can't get it to mow now. Its just one thing after another.

I did look up some births for Gill this morning and then I hoovered right through and did two lots of washing which now needs to come in as its dry.

We had lunch and I have washed up so I think its back out in the garden as I need to pot on some fuschia cuttings I took last year. They have been in small pots on the windowsill in the kitchen all year. They got greenfly so I bunged them out on the patio about a week agao and there they have stayed!!