General Chat

Just to tell you that when my son came over and pulled the snake out on the path, it was already dead. I actually was going to let it live because I knew it was just a small black snake and they are not poisonous. They keep the mice and rats down. Not that I want to see them very often, but they don't give me the creeps any more. I usually see two or three each summer. If I don't know what kind of snake it is, I chop it up. This fellow had a bulge in it's belly so we opened it up, and inside was a poor little bird - a fledgling. I wish I could say it was still alive, but sadly not. I don't think the snake had been dead for long and goodness knows why it died. They climb, and can get to the nests.

I hope I sent the garden pics to everyone.

A young fellow came over and serviced my A/C today. That gas for the A/C is called Freon Anne. I think you mentioned it the other day, and I think I've got that right. Your paintings are super.

Have a good time in France Jane. Are you going on the Chunnel train?

I see Gill has been getting some good leads on her tree. I think I told you all that I had ordered some pay to view old Wills. Two of them were for the 1500's - very hard to decipher, but I understood enough of each one, to be able to put together their family. I wondered why the property wasn't mentioned, so I ordered a used book Online which has given me so much info. concerning the life of yeomen of that time. Property automatically went to the eldest son, so wasn't mentioned in the Will, but after the Reformation, land that had belonged to the Monasteries became the property of the King, and he then gave much of it to his cronies and sold land to those who could afford it. The average yeoman bought bits and pieces when it became available, but usually farmed on a leasehold. It's very interesting. In one Will, the fellow left his 'best russet gown' to his daughter. He left a sheep or two to the younger sons and a bullock to a son in law. Money was left to the church, and also for the education of poor children.

It's a great help to the Family tree.

Will be thinking of you Wednesday Mel.

Am feeling a bit better now.

Frank the garden is a credit to you and Ros as it looks so nice, colourful and tidy.

Ruby's garden is really lovely is'nt it. She can keep the snake though.

I am watching a program about after the war.

Thanks for everyones wishes. Oh seems back to normal now. I am wondering if my bad tum was the start of it and I passed it on to him before it came out in me?

After quite a nice morning the weather turned and it is now raining quite heavily. We have the heating on as I am cold.

Yes, it's just waterworks at the moment Jane. Thanks for your suggestions which are much appreciated. OH said they have some sort of pads but thinks they will have bought them so will check on that and see whether they can be prescribed. We were were talking this afternoon and think that things will probably get worse quite quickly now too. Even MIL is declining in her thinking and memory now too but the trouble is she is ok enough at the moment to resent any suggestion she isn't!! She isn't keen on OH accompanying her or being there either when she gets asked things, I expect because she can't tell any porkies!! So between her not asking the right things, not always giving the right answers and not always telling us how things are we are pretty much in the dark half the time. Yes, a worry and hard work sum it up nicely Mandy! :-) I think the travel kettle is a very good idea so I'll keep that in mind. OH got a small basics one in the end, but I'll sneak a peek in their kitchen next time and it wouldn't surprise me to see it replaced with a bigger metal one again as they have to have what they are used to!!

Ruby, that looks quite a big plot you have there to look after, so a bit of long grass is to be expected, not that I could see any.

It seems like Sunday to me too and I was surprised when OH went to put the bins out ready for tomorrow.

How long will you be away Jane? It sounds like you are all ready with just a bit of cleaning left to do. I always like to come home to a clean house after a break.....there's nothing worse than getting home to a pile of jobs staring you in the face. It's nice to just unpack and start the washer going. :-)

OH has noticed his car has these daytime running lamps ( rows of lit up dots) that are apparently compulsory in some countries, but he doesn't want them and has found out he can deactivate them so he'll be doing that in the morning. He wants me to do it with him as he's worried he might deactivate something important instead! lol :-0 He said a light came out of the wing mirror and made him jump last night when he went to unlock it in the dark

I think I'm off to bed now to watch a recording. Sleep tight everyone and I hope Mel and her OH feel back to normal tomorrow.

LOL Mandy don't get me confused with the days .We go on Thursday...I know for sure I will be a day out all week.It feels like Sunday to me today :-S

Isn't Ruby's garden lovely...Not sure about that blooming snake though :-S :-S
I seem to remember a year or so ago her Son got one on the end of a fork .It has been underneath the veranda or somewhere.

Dinner ready here

Evening all,

It's been a much better day here ,lovely warm sunshine , no Jane no coast for us today we went to sons this morning ,got to have my cuddle with Lewis :-D then this afternoon we have been in the garden ,hubby has mended the wood shed door and i have sat out in the sun supervising ;-) :-D :-D :-D

Frank the garden looks a real picture ,lots of colorful plants and snow :-D on the lawn

Glad your both feeling better Mel ,don't go and over do it .

Oh dear Ann it does sound as if your in-laws really do need help now ,if only your MIL would except it ,she sounds hard work !!! and a worry for you both .
If they find the big kettles to heavy to lift what about getting a little travel kettle they are quite light and hold enough water for two cups .

Ruby your garden is looking good too ,lots of color and salad and veg plants , not so sure i like the last photo !! :-0 :-D

This will be another funny week ,i have to keep telling myself this is Monday !!

just caught the news and the new baby's names are Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, What lovely names for a princess

Off to watch my soaps now. Just finished watching yet more programs off my planner and now have 80% free space, so we're getting there :-D :-D :-D

Ann,it sounds like a losing battle with the In Laws.Also from what you say it is sounding like things might be going downhill fairly quickly now with FIL and various problems.Its the incontinence water works? You can get the male version of Tena I think .Also to save the bed, inco pads.He could possibly get these on prescription.I know Fit'z mum did.MIL is not making life any easier for herself is she !!!..Does OH have any hair left or has he torn it all out !!!!!!!

Ruby we will ignore any long grass :-D :-D Love to see your garden again and I'm fascinated to see what Bonus one is :-D You have a lovely garden.

I have just finished a load of ironing .Even more clothes hanging on wardrobes now for me to decide what to pack :-S.Tomorrow I will have a good dust and a hoover around ,clean the bathroom and ensuite and that will be that then until we get back.

Did anyone watch the programme last night The C Word with Sheridon Smith...It was wonderful.She deserves to win an award for that.

Hello all,

Just popping in to say hello. I keep up with all your news and enjoy the pictures.

Amelia is beautiful Jane - what lovely pictures with the butterflies.

Thanks for the garden photos Frank - it looks wonderful. Isn't is lovely to just sit out there and enjoy the beauty of it all. I actually took a few pics myself this morning, so will try to send them. The last one is a bonus :-D I bet you don't have any of it in your garden Frank :-D I normally wouldn't send it because there's loads of wild grass growing there. I will have to spray because it grows faster than I can pull.
My garden is sort of higgledy piggledy. I just try to keep the large weeds at bay and let most things do pretty much whatever they want to. the birds are trying to eat me out of house and home, and the blasted rabbits won't let my bush beans alone. There's also one dahlia that they keep munching on.

Mel, I don't think I have ever seen anyone with such long hair - WOW. thanks for sending me the pic. When I was young, I thought that one day I would have my hair long and braided and pulled up around my head, but I can't stand it when it gets on my neck, so keep it short.

I must go as my son has just arrived.

Afternoon All,

Love your garden Frank and it does look like confetti on the lawn. I used to have a dark lilac like yours, the smell of the blossoms is just lovely! :-) No lunch out today for us I'm afraid, we like places when they are quiet, not like it is on a bank holiday. We went for a walk around the hall grounds this morning and enjoyed watching the dogs racing about.

As soon as we got home MIL was on the phone and saying FIL was worse but couldn't really say how he was worse. She seems to be put out at having to help him dress, yet four days ago she told the assessor that they were managing fine with that!! She also said their kettle is leaking and the old one they still have is too heavy. For peace of mind, OH decided to go and see for himself how FIL is worse as his mum makes a drama one minute then plays things down when they are serious. He said she obviously wasn't impressed when he told her he would pick up a CHEAP lightweight plastic kettle from the supermarket on the way over that would tide them over for now!!! lol. Oh......ohhh.......he just phoned and said dealing with his mum was like plaiting fog. Apparently FIL is incontinent now (news to us) and yet MIL told the assessor last Thursday he didn't have that kind of trouble!! FIL then told OH there was another problem for him to sort now........his hernia is back! He's had it a while, but they won't operate because of his age. OH asked if he wore his truss and MIL said they may have thrown it away!! I said to OH, if she won't tell the truth about things and hasn't told us either, how can they get the help they need?

Yes, itching is contagious even if you don't have the spots! My little brother, aged about 3, wouldn't come downstairs at first when he got chicken pox. He was all shy about people seeing his spots and I remember him saying to me in an upset little voice 'I don't like them on me'. I offered to crayon some spots on me too, but it was no good, he just wanted his own spots gone!! lol.

Fiona I think you are right and just thinking about it makes you itchy lol It's like is children have nits ,you find yourself scratching your head LOL

No Frank I don't really need anything else but you know what us women are like.I actually bought 3 tops BUT they are all going back tomorrow.They were just that wrong material .The one that causes static and clings..So that is no good for me.I would be getting sparks flying if I touched anything (or people).I have had some cracking ones off Janice.
Chris has his case and me mine...So he will have plenty of room for his pants ,all 6 of them..I will probably have double that :-D

Toad in the Hole Frank..You are good at making Yorkshires.Add some fresh Thyme or dried mixed herbs and a dollop of English mustard to the batter.It's good.I am doing that again tomorrow.

It is so warm now,just need the wind to drop a bit.The smell of the Rapeseed is almost overpowering .It gives me a headache. :-S.This is just the day to be by the sea..I wonder if Mandy and OH have gone off to the coast...I bet lots of people will have that idea.
The queue for Wicksteed Park was so long this morning.Everyone not going there were doing 3 point turns and going back the other way.
Hannah has just made herself and Chris a nice Omelette.I said no to one as I know if I had one I wouldn't be able to eat dinner tonight.James should be home later this afternoon .......Actually he has just walked in..He says he has work to prepare for tomorrow,so that is why he is so early.It will be nice for him and Hannah to have a bit of a Bruv and Sis time.

I have no energy at all today............................May go and do a bit of ironing.

Me to Frank,

Hi Fiona, Glad you are not SPOTTY YET LOL

All showered and shaved, been for an inspection of the "ESTATE" all tickerty bo. So no worries there.

It wasn't Valerie, it was PAM from next door to ask if we will put the bins out as they are off to the Cotswolds until Friday. I did ask if there was room in the boot for me to go along, but she just laughed.

You can see from today's photo's how the lawn is covered, hope you like the others. !!

It's turned warm out now. I have asked Ros if she would like a drive out, and have a bit of lunch, but she's not bothered, so it looks like I will be cooking again this evening. What can I do for a change ???

Glad you are better today Mel, nothing worse that keep visiting your "WHITE FRIEND" I should know :-D :-D :-D

Jane, YOU DON'T NEED ANYTHING. !!! why don't you tell yourself this before going out :-D :-D :-D Chris will have even less space for his PANTS lol

What's the odds on Ann and OH are off for lunch somewhere nice. ENJOY IT.

Has your weather improved yet Gill, so you can get on the garden ???

How's little CASSIE this morning Liz, Enjoying this warmer weather for her walks. You and Ian will be as fit as the "BUTCHERS DOG" with all this walking.

Time for a bit of lunch and a coffee, and a rummage through the freezer. I know there are some duck breasts in there, so that might be a good start.

Morning All,

Sunny here but chilly wind,
Grandkids ok still itchy waiting for the spots to scab over.
I seem so far to be fine. no spots , but yesterday kept itching probably just cos I was thinking about it.

Cleaned the cooker this morning, and my job for this afternoon is to clean big bathroom,

Thanks for pics from everyone, off to get a coffee and then hang some washing out.,

morning Jane didn't see you there, enjoy your shopping trip with Hannah

That's a bit early for visitors Frank, hope nothing's wrong.

Glad to hear you and your OH are feeling better today Mel.

Plodding though everything I've recorded today. I record a mixture of things and some of what I'd recorded I'd forgotten about. I've also recorded quite a lot of stuff on my set top box too, so plenty to keep us busy today. It's nice to just sit and relax for a change.

I had a message today off one of the tree match's I found before Michelle arrived and it contained a website all about Wolverhampton, which is where some of my family originated from. It includes some birth, death and marriage info, so as I was watching the TV I had a quick look and found four new peeps for my tree.

Unfortunately they all died before their 2nd birthday's and because they were born and died in between the census returns, if it hadn't of been for the website I would never of known about them. It's so sad how children didn't live very long in the 1800's.

Off to get another cuppa now and watch another program...... I'm making the most of it, it'll be back to all the housework tomorrow <3

Morning /Evening All

We have a lovely start to the day here.Hopefully it stays like this.

Glad you are feeling better today Mel..It really knocks the stufffing out of you .You won't feel like doing much at all today .

Frank it was just an easy dinner last night.She did Chicken Breasts with Pesto Mozzarella and wrapped with Pancetta,then loads of griddled Asparagus and Charlotte Potatoes done in the oven in a bit of Olive Oil and sprinkled with dried Basil and Oregano..Pudd was Fresh Strawberries,Raspberries,Blueberries and Vanilla Ice-Cream.It was all very nice :-(

I think those Butterflies were very big Gill,,But Amelia is a little dot so anything would look big against her LOL

Hannah and I are going off to Nex* shortly .She needs to change some jeans.I might have a little look just to see if there is anything I might need ;-)..You never know :-D

Morning all evening Kim,

Here I am I slept all day yesterday and all last night. No more trips to the loo thank goodness but I feel really drained. Just had boiled water yesterday and am having my first cuppa whilst reading your posts.

Oh is much better and I was'nt as bad as he. He did the chickens and hogs for me yesterday so I did'nt have to worry about them.

Lovely pics Jane and what a little cracker Amelia is. Such beautiful dark eyes.

Morning my sweet things, Evening Kim,

I do hope Mel and OH are feeling a little better this morning.

That must have been dodgy driving a car with a broken seat back. Good job you weren't stopped by the NICK NICKS. !!!!

Well Jane DO TELL us what you had to eat last night. It's alright saying it smells good, but that tells us northing.

Ann those pony paining is very good. Such a lot of details, and the colours are just as imagine them to be.

No plans for today, we had a lay in this morning 9.15. All fed and watered, and Ros is sorting her tablets.

The door bell has just rung. It's SID'S VALERIE. I wonder what she want at this time of the morning ??? Better go a poke my nose in. :-D :-D :-D