General Chat

There isn't any felt on the roof Mandy, the bungalows were build in the 1920's so they used nails and mortar. The workman just ripped the bottom couple of layers of slates off so there is a big hole all around the edges of the roof and we noticed that they've taken two of the ridge tiles off where the old roof meets the new roof of the extension, so water can get in there to. It's going to ruin the plaster on the inside tomorrow when it rains. Sorry to hear about your son's FIL, hope all goes well with the monitor when he goes back tomorrow.

We couldn't believe our eyes earlier, the silly boss had only sent the brickies around to finish building the last layer of breeze blocks to the top of the new extension, IN THE DARK the poor fella's had one lamp to work by, so OH put our back light on, the bulb is a 500 watt bulb, so they were pleased with that and it helped them finish the job. They didn't turn up until 5pm to start the job. Apparently they had to do it so the mortar would be dry for Saturday so the men doing the fascias and guttering could do their job.

They've moved the plaster board and wood around the back Ann but it's still outdoors on the ground with a bit of plastic over the top, so it'll be soaked by the morning. It's more like a comedy show than a build at the moment. I wouldn't employ this firm. The workmen on their own are brilliant at what they do, it's just the boss asking them to do their jobs in the wrong order and not storing the materials properly and of course expecting them to do jobs in the dark. He is such a silly boss.
The DNA sounds great, I assume you are given contact details of any match's who don't have trees? I hope you find out lots of new information, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that you find other match's to.

So you'll see Hannah and Gareth tomorrow Jane, I bet you can't wait. You'll have a lovely time going through all the photo's and hearing all about their travels.

Sandra's been waiting all day for snow, but we didn't get any in the end, she was so disappointed.

We had a little snow this morning with quite big flakes but it hardly lasted and it wouldn't have laid because the ground being so wet.

Good to hear that you had a good night's sleep Frank and hope you soon manage to shower again.

Hope the new girls settle in well Mel and give you some lovely eggs, I would love to be able to keep chickens, when Mum and I lived with her widowed Aunt she had a small holding nr Tenterden in Kent she had a lot of chickens and I was allowed to help collect their eggs, .She also kept geese ,Ducks,geese pet rabbits and goats We stayed there through out the war as Dad was a Desert Rat tin the eighth army
I didn't know him when he came home which was sad. but our little Jack Russell knew him straight away

Thank you for Cleo's photo Ann what a sweet little cat she is.

You must be feeling really excited Jane to be seeing Hannah and Gareth to hear all their news and see the all photographs they have taken.

Had the Sainsbury delivery today so fully stocked up again. I cooked a fresh salmon and courgettes dish with a double cream.lemon juice and dry vermouth plus seasoning one of our favourites and so easy to do.

Bet you can't wait for H & G to arrive. Its a long while since you have seen them and they will have so much to tell you and all the photos to see too. I can see we won't be hearing much from you over the weekend Jane. Have a lovely time with your daughter and new son.

Evening all,

We had a little snow today but if you blinked you would have missed it :-D

Son had to take his FIL to hospital today as he has had tingling down the side of his face and his eye went blurry ,he took him last week and today he had to go back for some more tests ,the outcome was they think he had a stroke , he now has a heart monitor on and has to go back to the hospital tomorrow for them to see the results of wearing the monitor .

Oh i see your going to have two new girls Mel ,do you pick them or do they pick
you :-D looking forward to seeing them and finding out their names .

That's good your getting a decent nights sleep Frank .
Am i right in thinking you have a shower cubicle ?is there room for a seat in there it would be much easier for you to sit and shower .

Sounds as if it's all go in the bungalow next door Gill ,i expect the flat pack kitchen has been stored in one of the rooms until later ,i shouldn't think they will fit that until all the plastering is done ,as for the roof Colin says there shouldn't be any water go in with any tiles off so long as there is still the old felt on ,when he use to do roofing they would strip one bit of the old felt off at a time and replace with new ,it keeps it water tight that way.

We have done a few jobs today and finished off the Jig Saw this afternoon .

I can't beleive it is Friday again tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where do the weeks go?

I got them two new girls and they are both Black Rocks which means I think that I shall have four of those now. Loraine told me they are both laying and they are not bald!! just a bit moth eaten around thier tails. I'll see if I can get a pic in the morning. I popped them in when the others were all in and it was nearly dark.

It stayed sunny here all day but its been very cold out there even in the sun. The air is so chilly.

I did'nt do the cobwebs in the end as I got side tracked by the ironing pile which is now a lot lower. I was right into it when I suddenly thought it must be getting near the time to collect the new girls and it was, 5 to 5pm. I said I would be there at 5pm. When I got in the car it was all misted up so I went up the top and stayed on our road for a few mins so as it would clear but it did'nt so I had to wipe the windscreen which I don't like doing. One thing I can hardly reach it in my car and you get bobbles of water form on the screen when you wipe it. Anyway off I set up to the crossroads and turned right and there was a big torridge valley bus coming up and not enough room for me to get through I pulled right over but still he would'nt move so I had to back up with misted up windows back to the crossroads. Not a good place to be at the best of times. It was a school bus and I don't think they are aloud to reverse which would have been easier for him as he did'nt have too far to go to get to a wider place. Loraine was at the big chicken house when I got there waiting for the straggler to go in. There's always a few who leave it till the last moment to go in. Not funny when its windy cold and raining as I have known in the past.

I have just put the chicken in the oven. I am doing a lemon chicken tonight and shall do some new pots and brocc with it. Can't be bothered to do any other veg.

Evening All
Just a quick post now as I have lterally just got in from having my haircut.
Oh Mel I bet the new girls are home now :-D. I hope they settle in really well and love their new home. I hope your old girls are nice to them too :-D

Frank you sound much more like your old self today :-D Just having a really good nights sleep will have done wonders.

Its blooming freezing .I dont think the ice thawed at all today on the drive . I did hear that you might have had a bit of snow your way Frank. But nothing here.
I wonder if Mandy had any in Norfolk.
I have made the filling for a lovely Chicken Pie (for tomorrow). I add extra bits other than just mushrooms and Leeks ,so there are thin sliced carrots, asparagus ,baby spinach and fresh Tarragon. I only need ot put the Filo Pastry on .H&G wont be here until gone 8 tomorrow evening so it will be ready and keeping hot for them if we have had ours . I took a topside joint out from the freezer and the Turkey Crown has been defrosting in the fridge since yesterday(for Xmas Dinner on Saturday). I am going to cook the Beef tomorrow. So one less thing to roast on Saturday.
Chris has had his dinner, James will have a Curry and I think I will just have a couple of eggs and some oven chips .

That's good you had a better night Frank.......any rainbow colours from the bruising yet? I would have thought you could shower your bottom half by holding the handset to spray yourself wet and then rinse after you soaped yourself, but maybe you have one of those overhead rain things if it's a wet room. I don't blame Ros staying in with you tomorrow.......she can make sure you don't do anything silly!! LOL. :-D

That's lovely that you are giving 2 old birds a home Mel.....can I come too? Seriously it is great that they are going to have a happy life with you now and give you some nice eggs in return hopefully. As you say though, you don't want any more now or it will be more of a chore. I can't believe you are nearly 70!! Still I can't believe I've passed that goalpost either.

You are right Gill it won't do the plasterboard any good lying on a wet lawn. I suppose they can put the assembled kitchen units in the other rooms till they are ready to fit them.......unless they have already fitted them!!!

You asked about the DNA and how it works. I did mine through Ancestry and they send you a container to return with some spit in it as it will have your DNA in it which they check and compare with their huge database of people in different areas of the world they have tested and also other Ancestry members who have been tested. Other tested members will have some of their DNA match yours if you are related and the more DNA you have matching with someone, the closer they are related to you. By comparing your results with the samples from different parts of the world they can give you a rough idea of where your distant ancestors might be from as a percentage of your own DNA. Eg they now show I have a small percentage of Swedish ancestry in my make up. Any ancestry DNA tests of others that match some of your DNA are flagged up for you and whether they have a tree and if so what surnames they have in their tree and their likely relationship with you. If they have no ancestry tree like me and this chap who contacted me, then you have to start asking each other about surnames in each others tree as a starting point.

It can open up a can of worms in families where there have been lies and coverups about parentage, for whatever reason. I read today where a sibling was found to be the product of a father and cousin. It is a good way for someone who doesn't know who their father (usually) is to start to narrow down possibilities.

You are lucky seeing the Long Tailed tits in your garden as well Anne. Food for them must be getting short if they are coming into gardens now.

I'd better sort out what to do at beading tomorrow. Something else to finish I think, but not anything complicated or I will go wrong once I start nattering with the others. :-D :-D

I forgot to say that was interesting and thanks for that about the wet and forget and tiles Mandy.......I will have a google too.

Fascinating programme about Anne Boleyn Anne. I watched that and the prog about Henry V11th's palace of Eltham this afternoon, both brilliant! OH will have to watch them on his computer on catchup! Quite a lot of interesting historical progs at the moment, well worth keeping on eye out for.

I see the get well card arrived safely Frank, I've given Sandra another hug off you and she's thrilled you like her card. It took her ages choosing exactly what she wanted to use and she showed it to OH and I asking if we liked it, of course we did and told her she'd done a smashing job. Pleased to hear you had a better nights sleep last night and that the pain killers are doing their job. Could Ros help you in the shower, like you said a hot wash would make you feel a lot better, at least you've managed a shave now so that'll make you feel better as well.

We didn't get the snow in the end, it's been sunny all day but boy is it cold. I think we might have some frost once the sun goes down.

So you're ready for your new girls now then Mel? I hope they settle in okay and get on with the others. I use a big feather duster to get rid of the cobwebs I find it's quite quick. As for the leggy spiders, I pick them up and put them outside.

I'm sitting here trying to type but every now and then there's a bang from next door which makes me jump, I keep hitting the wrong keys so have to go back and change it. There's been a massive delivery of plaster boards and wood which have been left on the lawn next door, it's going to get ruined there. I don't know if anyone is going to take it into the bungalow or not. There's only one lad there today, the electrician, he has to do the electrics in the kitchen and we think he's putting the kitchen units together as they are flat pack, so if he's got to move the wood and plaster boards as well he's going to be working in the dark, all that work for one person is going to take hours. If it's left on the lawn it's going to be very tempting to anyone walking past to just take. The skip was emptied before so I should imagine they'll be more workmen here soon. At least it's been dry today so hopefully the plaster from yesterday will have dried now.

Going to watch the Red Arrows I recorded the other day with OH now, it's the last one of two. It's very interesting.

Its good you have managed to have a nice shave Frank and I bet you feel a lot better after that. A good nights sleep too which was just the ticket.

So you had a little snow this morning. We have sunshine since quite early this morning so I got the chickens cleaned out ready for the new arrivals. I wonder if they will be bald like the last lot? Remember Mandy knitting me a coat for one before?

I am just about to go cobwebbing while the suns still out and I can see them. I know there's a big one in the bathroom but that has one of those leggy spiders there up ubder the blind so that a hoover job.

Good morning to you lovely people,

Had a very comfortable night last night. Ros only had to get up once to help me to the loo. I had some medication then (about 3.30) which lasted me through the rest of the night. I got up on my own at 7.00 for the loo, and went back to bed until 9.30.

Oh how I would love to get in the shower and have a good wash down, under HOT WATER. I did have a wet shave last night, which made me feel a little more human.

Gill, Sandra's card has arrived and sits in pride of place on the Mantle Piece. What a great job she has made of it. More HUGS for her please. xxxx

I have skimmed over the posts, and pleased you are all well. Sorry about the bump on Chris's car. How old are the NEW GIRLS Mel. ?? and what Breed. ?? It does sound silly fitting the kitchen, when they haven't finished building. It will get ruined in the rain.

I must get in the bathroom for a wash down and get fresh cloths on. I think that'll make me feel a little better.

We had a lot of rain last night, and snow this morning, only a little but it settled on the grass and roofs. A taste of what's to come. I HOPE NOT.

Will love and leave you for now. Take care. xxxx

Thank you for your email Frank, but unfortunately it didn't come through!! :-( it was very appreciated and thank you anyway.
So glad you are feeling a bit better. Today is very sunny although cold, but great for OH and our 'little maid' who have gone beating! I'm going to be making a Venison stew in the slow cooker for supper which should go down well with them both!!
Gill, our birds are VERY busy as I put out the remain of a syrup sponge pudding that I made when son came on Tuesday. As you can imagine, they absolutely love it!!
Two teeth Gill! I certainly don't envy your OH and fingers crossed it goes well. I have the Dentist next week (check up) and the Hygienist the week after! Hopefully all will be ok!

Good luck Mel. So you gave in and are having two new girls today. Do you have names for them? I hope they settle in nicely with your other hens.

Well, I've seen it all now THE KITCHEN HAS JUST BEEN DELIVERED NEXT DOOR talk about daft, the roof isn't done yet, but they're starting on the inside. At least it's given OH and I something to laugh about......how daft are some men????

Apparently the plasterers have put up most of the ceilings, but that's not going to stop the rain coming in. They were plastering while it was raining yesterday Ann. I know silly or what?.

Sorry to hear about the dogs, the noise is bad enough during the day but to have it before 7am and midnight must be terrible. Can't you have a word with your neighbours, you can't carry on like that, it's not fair on your both and for your OH to have to work elsewhere just isn't on, he should be able to work in peace in his study. I hope it improves for you both soon. Oh having two teeth out, I'm not one for dentists and neither is Sandra. Hope all goes well for him when he has it done.

I didn't know the younger birds helped feed the babies either Mel, you learn something new every day :-) :-)

I can hear a bit of banging so the fella doing the electrics must be doing the flat pack kitchen too. At least it's not wet weather so far today and the sun is out, although it's still very cold out there.

Morning Gill and all,

I have just got up. Had a lie in today as I did'nt feel too good yesterday and perhaps that why I did'nt get a lot done.

I relented yesterday........ I am going to pick up two new girls tonight at five o'clock. I don't want anymore becasue it will mean a lot more cleaning out and as I am 70 in a couple of weeks I am keeping the numbers down.

Quite bright out there this morning and we have a little sunshine although its so low in the sky we don't get a lot of it with the trees out the back.

I must clean the girls out today and find something to get two girls in as I am not humping the great big chicken crate for just two hens. Somewhere I have a cat carrier but I think it may be up the potting sheds. I know there are two cat baskets up the loft but oh has moved everything up the far end over his study and its all piled up so not sure if I would be able to reach them. I shall have to see. Wish me luck please?

Morning Everyone,

I'm so sorry I missed you out Anne and will send you a pic when I am on the laptop later! The little cat isn't a kitten. She's a few years old now and needed a home when the lady's neighbours moved to Spain. They didn't really want a third cat, but took pity on her. They used to feed her when the neighbour was away so had got to know what a sweet girl she was. I really must get a proper list of you all set up for emails.

Gill, I hope the plaster next door had set enough before all the rain started! I'm pleased for you that they are getting on with it though. The builders here took 2 years to finish the 3 properties and workmen were often using our drive for backing into to turn around.

I feel like shouting at times too Mel. It's alright for their owners as they can stop the noise when it suits them. It's annoying the worst one is allowed right down to the side gate within feet of our bedroom window at 7.00am or earlier sometimes. It would be so easy for her to put a small gate further down the side and would stop him hearing so much of the sounds on the front that set him off and be less loud for us. She must think we are deaf not to be disturbed by it. Then when she goes out at night it can be midnight when he's let out and barking next to our bedroom. One reason OH uses the dining table the other side of the bungalow rather than the study is to be further away from the noise, but the new puppy has a fenced off area on their patio, which is right close to where he works. I doubt it will be allowed in the rest of the garden as there is just a hedge it could get through at the bottom of their garden. The puppy seems to have a less excitable temperament than the other dog at the moment, so we are hopeful!!!

Mel I never knew the youngsters helped feed the other babies! I must read up about them as to where they nest etc. I must also try some of those fatballs you mention as the birds seem to be turning their noses up at mine just now. Maybe the weather that's coming will change their minds!

Well I'd better get moving and decide what to do! OH is just back from the dentist with news he needs 2 teeth out, one a front one, but not urgent yet, and that he will most likely have to go to hospital for them to do it with him having osteoporosis!!

Morning all

Sunny here today with hardly any cloud around, so it's quite cold. They said on the weather this morning we might be in for a few snow flurries.

How lovely to have contact with a new family member Ann, how does the DNA matching work? I've always wondered. You'll be able to share all sorts now and maybe add a few more people to your tree.
So you have barking in stereo now? I had to smile when you were explaining how the puppy is taken for a walk, it sounds so funny. I'm sure they'll both learn how to do it properly in time.

I had a quick look at the post last night when I was shutting my laptop down and noticed your post Frank, so I've given Sandra a big hug from you and passed on your thanks. I hope the card arrives today for you. Yes, keep up with your painkillers they'll really help. I bet you can't wait to see your family after 20 years, that'll be something to look forward to in March. How nice that everyone is ringing to see how you are.

So all the cake's nearly gone now Mandy, I'm not surprised, it looked delicious.

Poor Chris, having a bump on his car, it's the last thing he needs right now with feeling under the weather Jane. At least the other driver didn't drive off and sorted it out with him. Hopefully now the insurance is involved it'll be fixed quickly.
OH went out early today and parked the car outside ours, you're right parking it half way down the street isn't ideal. Mind you he's just had to go out so whether they'll still be space outside when he gets back we don't know.

It's gone quiet again next door with only the electrician there so far today, he's wiring up the kitchen. I had to laugh yesterday, the plasterers were plastering the walls, but the roof hasn't been done yet so there are gaps all around the edges of the roof, it poured with rain so I dread to think what state the walls are in. They were suppose to turn up today, but so far haven't arrived.

I think I'll get a cuppa now then take another look at my family tree while OH is out and Sandra's still asleep. I've got access to a tree so that is helping. At least it's quieter next door today......well so far anyway, so I can concentrate.

Ann I have the filled coconut shells too and the Long Tailed Tits like the BIG fat balls but I can't seem to get those now and the last lot I bought went mouldy so I stick to the tablets from Morrisons which they love and at £3 for 6 I think thats the best buy. They only last my birds about two days though. They are such lovely little birds and licve in family groups and the younger ones help feed the chicks of the older ones.

Fancy that bloke hitting poor Chris's car. Now thats another job to be done. I bet Chris was really cross. Did they wash your car for you in the end Jane?

Sterio dog barking is awful. I do get it here sometimes if Nicola's dog and her mums dog are out and the ones down the big house start up. You feel like yelling out "shut those dogs up". Oh would have a fit if I did that.

Well I am signing out now so saying night night and see you all in the morning.

Hav'nt read the last two posts yet but ust wanted to say it has just poured down here and there were hailstones in it.

Love the cake Mandy. You make some smashing cakes for the children.

In the end I washed out two bird feeders I use for the sunflower seeds as they get very greasy and cleaned all the sink, bowl and drainer after doing the feeders. You can't be too careful with wild birds and your sponges or cleaning cloths must be ones used for only that.

Good evening All

It's been raining here all day too, first heavy rain we've had in ages, I even had to top up the ponds the other day.

That cake looked good with all the sweetie toppings Mandy, Lewis sounds a lovely boy wanting to look after his Mum who I hope is now feeling better.

Frank I'm pleased you managed to get a reasonable night's sleep, glad the tablets are helping you. Your family show how much they care about you by phoning to see how you are The invite from Sally & Simon will be something to look forward to.

Poor Chris having his car damaged especially when he is still feeling under the weather Jane.

How sweet of Sandra making Frank a Get Well card, because she made it herself it will mean so much more to him I'm sure.

We have had a lot of long tailed tits suddenly appear in the garden in the last few days, I have put a lot of filled coconut shells on the free standing bird feeder and they love these as do the sparrows and a little robin, the blackbirds aren't interested but they do like to bathe in the waterfall between the two ponds.

Ann, I would love to see the photo of the little kitten ,please I am like you with having so many unread books, I also use to read in bed but can't keep awake long enough, having Ruby stops me reading much during the day most of the time.