General Chat

Gill it sounds like your oh is going to go through what I did having that many teeth out. Will he have to have a plate?

I looked in the washing bin to put a load in the machine and there was only a few bits to do and a boil wash which I like to do over night as it takes my machine two hours something. I took the thin quilt thing off our bed this morning and I have that washing now. Its the thing oh lays on when he has his forty winks and it protects the bedding from the bits of grass he has on him etc.

Oh is out taking down the old chicken run fencing to start cleaning it up and digging it over with the digger then he will seed it so it will look much better than the bald mud patch it is now. I shall have to make him a coffee.

One of the last cats I had in Suffolk had her kittens under the dining room chair IN my sons jacket which she had pulled off the back of the chair. I did move her and the kittens to the bathroom in her bed in Martin's jacket and then took it away a few days later. She was ok with that and then I had to wash the jacket so he had it back again.
The kittens were sold in the pet shop we had at the time and the cat came down here to Devon with us with her brother Pudwood who was ginger. She was white with tabby patches and her name was Pusswoose.

No abscess on OH's tooth Jane, he's just got back from the dentist and told me she said he had sensitive teeth, he has to go back next week and have some x-rays and he also needs a six teeth taking out. That'll teach us not to go to the dentist more regularly, we have both suffered with our teeth lately. I gave my teeth and gum a good brush this morning and it feels much better now, although still a bit sore, OH thinks it might be bruising from when it was lanced, I think he might be right as there is no swelling, but I'll still keep an eye on it just in case. No workmen next door and no headache for me.......I'm one happy lady right now.

The new neighbour did say the workmen will be here tomorrow setting up the wiring for the security camera, OH told him about replacing the bulb in our security light which he seemed pleased about. The neighbour bought a cheap shed, (didn't listen to us when we told him the best place to buy one) and now he's having to strengthen it as the roof is only made of hardboard which is very flimsy. At this rate he'll of spent the same amount on wood to strengthen it as it would of been if he'd bought a decent shed in the first place. I can see he's one of those men who just doesn't listen to advice. Oh well, maybe he'll learnt to listen in the future as he's the only one to suffer isn't he?

That was a cute story about Mitzi Frank, she certainly told you didn't she? So your wardrobe ended up a home for a while for the little kittens and their mum. She must of felt safer there. Nice of you to offer some money towards the gear box, I'm sure Simon appreciated it even if he said it wasn't necessary. I wished I lived closer to you, I'd of loved some of your snowdrops. We only have a few as they were only planted last year, but hopefully in time they'll spread along the border.

We had to do a wash with no clothes in AnnG when we bought our new washing machine, it does seem like a waste of electric and water, but it has to be done doesn't it? I hope there are no leaks and you can do all your washing today. Hope it wasn't to noisy at the hub when you went for your coffee.

It sounds like you had a great nights sleep Mel, like you said you must of needed it. We have lots of sun now but it's still quite cold, so I'm not going to make a start on the gardening today. Sandra wants to watch Masterchef I recorded last night and a few more films as they're mounting up, so that's our day sorted. I don't mind as the planner is becoming quite full, so we need to clear some space on there and OH is feeling uncomfortable with his sensitive teeth so doesn't feel like doing anything today. Well, I'd better go as they are waiting for me.

Morning All
Cloudy morning here and not a sign of any sun.I just have Bath Mats to hang out today.
Fingers crossed you can get your washing in when you get back later AnnG.
That was quite an early night for you Mel !. I was asleep before Vera even finished!!

Glad your tooth is ok so far this morning Gill and I do hope OH hasnt developed an Abscess now.

I am just off to Rushden Lakes to take back one pair of the trousers I got on Sunday.I just dont think they suit me. I hope I can get out of the drive as there are Temporary traffic a few doors along again :-S

Good morning to you all,

So the washing machine is going to take a bashing now AnneG. How longed your last one last ??

Gill, I am at a complete loss that the police haven't looked into the fire. IT WAS ARSON after all said and done, and someone should be bought to book over it.

Mel, they are big tanks you have to hold that amount of petrol. How many litres/gallons was in them. I still talk old money !! lol lol

So spring rabbit is on the menu for Thomas Jane, ;-) ;-) ;-) I suppose it's like us humans with our SPRING LAMB. Thinking about cats, when I lived on Barton Road, we had a cat called "Mitzi" she got pregnant and made her birthing place in the bottom of MY WARDROBE. When she had had the kittens, I moved her bed down into the kitchen, with the babies in situ. She was right behind me, and as I put the bed down she picked up a kitten. and went straight back to the bedroom. I had no option but to carry her bed, and kittens, back up stairs and put them back. They stated there until they were ready to leave their "HOME" I often think about her, and that episode.

Nothing sort of day here again, lots of cloud. Not been out yet, so don't know if it's cold.

I will try to get some seeds in today. Ros dug up loads of Snowdrops yesterday and Martines called over and picked them up. We have so many, they seem to multiply every year. I will offer them to anyone in the village who would like to come and dig them up. We just haven't got room for them, and all Ros's other plants and shrubs.

We offered a little help to Simon towards the cost of his Gearbox, but he refused.

I think I will have a coffee, then get down the garden for an hour or so. Take care xxx

Morning Mel, gill and all


We are obeying instructions and running the new machine empty at 60. Thinking of all the power it is using for no washing :-(

We are just about to go out to local shops, need to change a dentist appointment and make an opticians one, get the paper and have a coffee at the hub. It will be noisy, it is baby day in the coffee shop.

Then, when we come back I have to catch up with the washing if all has gone well with this first run of the machine (no leaks etc).

Morning Gill and all,

Another sunny morning here and I think we are getting spoilt with all this light and blue sky. There are a few big white clouds but only a few.

Slept like log last night. I went to bed at five past twelve and got up once for the bathroom and then woke at twenty five past nine. I must have needed it. I shall have to try and go to bed earlier with the approaching spring forward of the clocks or I shall lose all my daytime.

Morning all

Cloudy and cold here, I'm pleased OH cut the lawns yesterday, just incase it rains today. They look so much better once they've been cut and the edges tidied up. All my Tulips are flowering now, they look so nice dotted about the two borders. My tooth isn't so sore so far today, but I'll keep an eye on it and if it gets worse I'll pop back to the dentist and see what she has to say. OH said he thinks he's starting with an abscess now, luckily he has a check up with the dentist today so he'll have it checked out.

I'm so pleased your washing machine fit into the space and you didn't need a plumber after all AnnG, I bet that was a relief.

Yes, we thought anyone of the builders could of had a key cut Mel. We're just hoping there isn't another fire, although we don't think anyone would be so daft as to do the same thing twice, the police would definitely want to look into it then. Your flowers sound really nice, I love this time of year when everything's coming into flower. We noticed the other day that our apple tree is starting to get lots of buds on it, so we're hoping we have some apples this year, it didn't do much last year after we re-planted it into a larger pot, so we're pleased it's come back and not died. We've also noticed the plum tree has lots of blossom on it, we bought it almost 8 years ago and have never had any fruit off it yet. We were told it can take up to 7 years to produce fruit. We got one very small plum last year which got blown off in the wind, so hopefully this year we'll have more on it.

Thanks for letting me know about the meds I can take for migraines Ann. I only seem to get them when I'm under stress and with everything that's been going on lately it's no wonder I've had so many of them. I've noticed when the workmen aren't here I'm fine. I do try to ignore them next door but with the fire and it being so scary I ended up with one migraine after another for a few days. I'm okay now, so that's good. I didn't know you could have migraines without pain, it must of been scary for you having to go to hospital, thinking you'd had a stroke.
It sounds like you've been very busy in your garden. We have a few things to do but I'm just not in the mood at the moment. I'm sure once the weather improves and it's a bit warmer they'll be no stopping me.

I wish we could clean all our windows Jane, but it's not worth it with all the dust around. Your's sound lovely and clean now, I hope your hip held up and it's not hurting again. So Thomas is on the hunt again, good idea not to put wet food out, I found when we had cats the food smelt especially if it was hot and they wouldn't eat it. My mum used to put a small amount out then the rest of the pouch when the cat was ready, she doesn't have cats anymore but there are a few strays that she gives dried food to. She said it's great feeding them as she has the fun of cuddling them without the vet bills lol as they're not her cats. Best of both worlds that way ;-)

The new owner has just turned up so OH has nipped round to see what's going on and if the workmen are going to come back. Apart from one workmen the other day putting the rubbish in the skip, we haven't seen anyone here. OH put a new bulb in our outside security light yesterday so that's up and running again and will shine on next doors drive as well as ours if anyone walks down them at night. I really hope the workmen come back soon as the jobs have gone on long enough, without anymore delays happening. All the neighbours, including us, are getting really fed up of it now and just want it finished.

Wow Jane those sculptures are amazing. I like the first one and the big silver globdule second from last. The pigs were good too in fact they are all good but it makes you wonder where they are made and by whome.

Not tried it yet Mel, I decided to wait until tomorrow as I didn’t want to be supervising the tumble drier all evening.

That naughty Thomas probably likes his meat blood heat!!!

Jane I have never had a runny scotch egg.

Anning so glad there was'nt any trouble getting the new washing machine in by the skin of its teeth. Lets just hope it dos'nt have an uneven load when someone is at the sink. Have you tried it yet? I hate having to get used to new kitchen things like cookers and washing machines.

So much for going early again. I got stuck behind a flat back small lorry just up the road when I turn off about half a mile away from home. I thought I would go to Lild first and I was behind that truck all the way into Bideford and even up towards Lidl where it turned off the road just before Lidl about 25 yards before on the right.

Frank your right about the petrol for the mower we came home £54 lighter with two nice big tanks.

Back again. I just read you now are all plumbed in AnnG with the new washing machine :-D. That was so lucky it fitted in . So all up and running now :-D

I hope your knees held out in the garden today Ann and they wont give you gip later.
I get so cheesed off these days with lots of fresh foods not having dates on. It means I have to do a lot more prodding of the packs just to check things are still good and firm.
Finding grotty slimy things especially in the salad drawer is just so gross. Asparagus is one veg I really check before I buy as if there are any tips that look a bit wet and soft then they go back on the shelf .Asparagus Tips smell really fishy once one tip has gone over.

I think Thomas has found a source of food somewhere .It has to be rabbits. As he is gone all day these days and has not touched any of his own food for 2 days.Not even his cat milk. I have stopped putting wet food down now during the daytime. He hopped over the neighbours fence just now and I thought he was going to come in but no ,off he has gone again.

Afternoon All

Gill if your gum doesn't settle now you have finished the antibiotics do keep an eye on it.Sometimes after a realy nasty abscess like you had it make take another course of pills.You just dont want to risk it flaring up again.

It all sounds very odd that the Police are not interested in trying to find out who set that fire.Something as serious as that you wouldhave thought that they would at least be doing house to house enquiries. I am not suprised that you are getting so many bad heads at the moment. You have had so much stress for ages now . I am sorry to hear about your Cousin .He is so young. And Ann's neighbour too passing away and having a young son.Hopefully there is a Mum there for him.Hopefully he will still be able ot enjoy walking his Bengal Cat.

Mel I bet you get through a fair amount of petrol .Are you all topped up again now?You could do with your own petrol pump :-D

When I was a Nanny in Cornwall and worked at the BIG House I had a car provided and they had their own pump .I would just fill the tank whenever I needed :-D It was great :-D I made sure I made the most of it(especially when I was going home for the weekend and out gadding about :-D).I dont think I ever had to give an account of how much petrol I used .That was a good perk of the job.About the only one too!.

Frank,I bet Simon had a bit of a gulp finding out the cost of the new gearbox for the boat !!!!. Its a fair old whack isnt it. But he cant be without one . Does he know how long it will take to install?

My hip was feeling a lot easier this morning so I have been on step ladder cleaning the big bay windows and the UVPCin the study Now I can harldy move LOL Still it was a job desperately in need of doing and as Chris was out for lunch I got him to pull out the heavy desk and got it done while he was out. My word the difference!!!!!! It all looks really white now and the windows gleaming :-D The skirting board and radiator under the windows are clean and dust free too.The COBWEBS!
So I have actually had a whole day at home today . Not even a quick trip to Tesco :-D


Ann what a silly old moo you are :-D (was that a saying of Alf Garnet?) not undoing your safety belt.You must have been putting quite an effort into trying to get out of the car !!!!! I remember Fitz doing that once . I was driving and he was in the front passenger seat. I just thought he was struggling because of his hip and back etc so was trying to help by pushing him from behind whilst he was trying to haul himself out by hanging onto the door frame.It was then that I noticed he was still buckled in :-S :-S So the new electric gates are really mucked up now after being bashed by the van. I can see that one causing all sorts of fun and games. :-D It seemed a crazy idea in the first place. Ideas of grandeur maybe?

I am not sure that I will be that hungry this evening. Chris had lunch out and I remembered that there were 2 Runny Egg Scotch eggs in the fridge.I heated them up and had both!!!. Miss Piggy I hear you all say. You are right :-D. They were blomming delicious though.

That's good news then AnnG. :-D I can just imagine you holding your breath when it was being slid into position.

I have just pruned the rest of the height of the Bottle Brush down to 6 foot so it is even across the top now. I had to leave it part done last year as I hurt my back doing it. I also did the tiny Red Robin that only grows a couple of feet high as it was crawling over the footpath. There's lots more to prune but a little each day will get it done. OH has piled all the plastic sacks of garden rubbish down the side of the bungalow ready for a trip to the tip tomorrow. I also went through one of the food drawers in the kitchen and chucked out some very old things! The time seems to pass so quickly judging by the dates on things!

That's good news that your washing machine fitted into the space AnnG We had the same concerns when ordering a new cooker that's the downside of fitted kitchens.

Haven't read any other posts yet but hope to be back later

Washing machine delivery van was here by 2.50 and gone by 305 after loading and unloading machines. And..... It is now in the space with roughly 2mm to spare, so close, but it is in there. Phew!

Afternoon All,

It was dull here earlier, but now we have sunshine. :-D

I had a chuckle at that quote Gill......no wonder it made you think of me. :-D :-D

I was surprised the police didn't seem interested as well Gill as someone I knew of set fire to his house and because it was a semi-detached they said he could have caused the neighbour to be injured or killed. He got a prison sentence for arson. It sounds as if it would be very easy for anyone taking the key home to get it copied. It's a mystery isn't it, but someone had a reason for doing it. Your migraines sound like the ones I used to get as the florescent lights at work would drive me mad. I think stress and lack of sleep and hormones mostly caused mine, as once I retired and went through the menopause they almost stopped. The last one I had 3 years ago was one without a headache that caused a temporary vision problem. The doctor thought it may be a stroke and sent me to hospital to be checked out. It was the hospital that told me it was another kind of Migraine. OH has always had migraines too, but for many years he hasn't had a headache with them, he gets zig zags of light in his vision instead and has to lie down for a while. We have both taken Migraleve you get from the chemist over the years and found them to stop the worst symptoms if you take them as soon as you have one coming on. You start with 2 pink tablets and then take the yellow ones if symptoms persist, but we found the pink ones were enough.

That was very sad news about your cousin too. The special needs boy is a lovely boy and always smiles and waves when you see him or says hello. It will be just he and his mum at the bungalow now. We think he has a little job as he goes off on his bike somewhere most evenings. Sainsbury's is only just over half a mile away and there is a cycle path all the way so we wonder if he perhaps does something like replenishing the shelves? We don't know exactly what his disability is.

You had a lovely day yesterday Frank rounded off with the trip to the pub and are getting on well with the garden. We haven't done a thing in ours yet, but need to soon as some of the weeds are starting to flower! I noticed all kinds of veg plants for sale plus tomato plants in our old Wyvale store today, but it's a bit early to put things like beans outside.

How nice that the hogs are back Mel. Now they know your cafe is open again they wil be bringing their mates! That pic of the longtailed tit was so good, you did well to get it! I have tried times but they have always been too quick for me. :-)

AnnG I hope you are lucky with getting your new washer in the gap. We had similar trouble with our new fridge freezer and there was only just room. You get everything fitting nicely around your appliances, then when you change them, they have changed the sizes!

Vera that was a nasty migraine to put you in hospital for 5 days! It must have been a relief to know it was a migraine rather than the alternative though. I'm like Jane with trouser length. I find cropped trousers are full length on me! LOL. I think M&S seem to stock mostly the 'average' lengths which doesn't help those of us at either end of the scale!

Well all my good intentions went out of the window. I felt so STIFF in my shoulder this morning, I decided not to aggravate it, by doing any work today. So I have been sitting reading. I have got a chicken casserole ready for the oven. I can't do the potatoes as we have run out. Ros will bring some home from shopping, I have also prepared everything for a leek pie tomorrow.

You can't be without petrol Mel, with all the mowing your OH does. lol. When I had a petrol mower, I always had a spare can of petrol in the garage, so never run out.

I am being pestered by a women that keeps popping up in my JUNK MAIL. I keep deleting her messages, BUT how the hell she got my email address I just don't know. Is there anywhere I can report this, as I am getting fed up to my high teeth with it. !!!

A few weeks ago Ros was searching for a drawing pin. Carolyn bought her a few round. I have just been going through a pot of JUNK in the conservatory and found a plastic pot full of them, together with two box's of them. She has enough now to last a life time. lol lol

Oh how nice it is, sitting in the sun in the conservatory. I have been out there with my book, the only trouble is my eyes keep wanting to shut. I don't really want to drop of now, as I won't sleep tonight, so I am going down the garden to get some fresh air. ;-) ;-) ;-).

If the key was left somewhere by the front door anyone could have seen what went on and found the key. Also any one of the workmen could have had another key cut. I hope they have had the locks changed now back and front.

We have been to Hatherleigh this morning for petrol for the mowers as oh said he had about an egg cup full in each mower. They are both the ride on ones.

My Magnollia is now at its best and the Forsythia and the Camelias too and even the Japonica has bright red flowers on it. Its a wonder the deer hav'nt eaten the flowers on that.

I had two hogs in the feeding ring last night just before I went to bed. My tablet ran out of battery so I was peering out the back door and spotted one there and then another came and joned it and we had a bit of push and shove with huffs and puffs so I now know that I have at least two that have survived the winter somewhere in the garden. I have only been feeding dried food so I may start on the tin stuff tonight too.

That's a lot of money Frank for the gear box, good job he has savings. I see you had a good nights sleep and a nice time out with the lads last night. Maybe the walk and fresh air helped you sleep.

Has your washing machine arrived yet AnnG? I'll keep my fingers crossed it fits in the gap and you don't need a plumber. Go on treat yourselves to an Easter egg, it's only once a year ;-) ;-) Maybe you could share one if you both need to keep an eye on your sugar levels.

OH has just been chatting with the neighbour across the road, who used to be a police detective, his son is in the police force so he's going to ask him if he can find out what's going on, as the police didn't go over to him either. We all think it's very strange. Apparently the new neighbour Kevin, was talking with the neighbour across the road and told him that the workmen all used one key between them, which was hidden somewhere by the front door, but on the night of the fire the kitchen fitter, who had been working there in the evenings, took the key home as he thought it was unsafe to leave it in the garden. I hope he's not to blame for the fire, or being blamed for it if he didn't do it. The neighbour over the road said what happened would be classed as endangering lives or even attempted murder. If the fire did take hold the place would of blown up with the gas being connected, the property attached and our property would have been blown up as well, so we're all very very lucky. We're just waiting to hear what the neighbours son can find out as we all think it's very strange the police didn't want to talk to any of us. I really wish they'd hurry up and finish the job, it's becoming quite scary living here at the moment.

I decided not to watch the TV in the end, I didn't really feel like it and the programmes aren't going anywhere. I was doing a bit more of my family tree and having a look around the Internet when I came across this and thought of you Ann.

"Sometimes I shock myself with the smart things I say and do
Then there are times when I try to get out of the car with my seat belt on" . :-D :-D :-D


Sorry, but I had to show you lol.