General Chat

Morning girls,

Its 10 degrees here and very grey such a difference from yesterays lovely bright sunshine and its a bit windy here too this morning o feels colder.

I think I must have missed out on the photo of Vera's great granddaughter as I did'nt recieve it.

Stu's for dinner tonight so no cooking this evening.

Hope you have a great meeting Anng and a nice chat with your friends this afternoon.

Good morning all 9 degrees, it was sunny when I woke finally at around 7am but is grey sky now.

Vera chuckling at all those suits, I don't think T ever had that many all at once even when working. Although after he died and I was left having to dispose of all his clothes, I was amazes at how much there was. and they say it is women who buy lots of clothes.

Mel that was annoying that you have to make a second trip for the inhaler, as Ann says, can you phone before you go to collect it just to make sure it is there?

Ann Yes I was chuckling to myself after I wrote about the legless fairy. So far she is sitting soberly by her little pool, which has no water in it because it is still in the conservatory. Where I guess it will stay until Jake and Dad can fix the water feature, by which she usually sits.

Have to get on now as I need to sort the room for our garden interests meeting this afternoon. 9 of us due to attend I think.

Reading through my email with the photo I can see I didn't word it very well. For those of you who were a bit confused, our grandson is the adult Daddy. It's his little girl (our great granddaughter) who is dressed up as The Gruffalo. My fault for not explaining it clearly.

I started on sorting out wardrobes but it is not easy getting OH to agree to get rid of anything. Why does he need 5 suits when he only ever wears a suit for weddings or funerals? 3 of them were suits he used to wear to work and he's been retired 25 years. He eventually agreed to me taking 3 pairs of shorts to the charity shop as he never wears shorts these days and they are in good condition. I am not looking forward to the arguments we will have when I start on the rest of his clothes.

I'm now going to check the fridge to see what shopping I need to get tomorrow. I know we are nearly out of salad stuff again and expect there are other things running low.

Evening All,

Another sunny day here but it turned a bit chilly by teatime. It's another day I haven't done anything outside, but I did sort something a bit complicated needing quite a few sums and a calculator but it's all sorted out now. Then there always seem to be bills to pay and papers to shred. I popped to the shop and despite checking my little shopping list when I went in I still forgot the main thing I went for! They told me that people are not liking the self service tills. They have 3 tills they stand behind and 3 new self service ones are attached to the front of the old tills where you queue. They are good if you only want one or two things, but there's nowhere to put things out of yiour basket or even to pack your bag if anyone is being served by the staff as they put their shopping in the only space.

Mel our patio badly needs washing as it is like a skating rink when it's wet so I know what you mean about your decking being lethal. I have to warn the windowcleaner. That was a nuisance having to make a second journey for the inhaler. Would it be worth phoning the chemist before you go tomorrow to make sure they have it before you set off?

I had a little chuckle at the thought of your legless fairy AnnG, but well done for sorting her out and you got quite a few things done as well. I must look at my pots first I think when I go out in the garden as they are mostly tall so will save my back from bending too much.

It's good you had a better night last night Vera. I keep waking too hot and having to shove the throw off to the bottom of the bed and OH says he is the same as well. You've been busy today and your OH has done wonders! Tell him OH and I want some of hils pills!!! Those choisias get thick at the bottom don't they. I remember OH digging ours up a few years ago. I still miss it and am tempted to get another but ours grew much bigger than the label said. That's another similarity your OH has with his twin here........not pacing himself and doing things at speed!! Thank you for the photo which is lovely with your little grandson in his outfit. He'll probably want to put it on again tomorrow. :-D

Back from the docs now after seeing the nurse and she took bloods and was going to give me an inhailer and showed me how to load it on the pc with a video not too sure how to do it but she said theredss good instructions in pictures etc. Its a powder inhailer and when I came out to get it from the pharmacy they had'nt got one so now I have to go all the way back there tomorrow to pick it up.

Going to make myself a drink now and have another piece of bread, butter and cherry jam. Stewed steak tonight with new pots and broccoli and a dough boy.

Iv'e just come in from the garden!! been out there since I put the washing on the line.

Not eaten yet and felt hungry which is why I came in and I could'nt believe what the time was. Its right what they say "time flies when you're having fun".

I have taken down all the canes out of the little greenhouse as I hav'nt been able to get on the decking with it being so wet I dar'nt walk on it its lethal. cut off dead stalks off the verbena THATS IN POTS OUTSIDE THE SHED AND PICKKED UP MANY STICK OFF THE ASH TREE AND THERE STILL MASSES ALL OVER THE GRAS UNDE RTHE TREE.

Just lost a lot but I had copied this bit.

Divided a lupin thats been in its pot for about eight years and got four plants from it if they survive. potted up a gerainum that was shooting and had rotted off a bit so that went in a bigger pot. I also undid all the Advent Ring and put that away for next year.


Cut off the dead stalks of my favourite grass as there's signs of new growth and I must look at the ones on the patio and rockery.

Done more too, beddings on the line. and now I am going to post this as Iv'e lost it twice now.

Those little jobs add up Vera. I think your OH is saying 'there is life in the old dog yet'. Maybe being in hospital made him feel as if life was writing him off. Well done to him though and I too hope he doesn't put his back out again.

I had a morning of little joba. I spent quite a while getting the bathroom sink to be more enthusiastic when it comes to emptying, then I mended a garden pond ornament, a sort of miniature solar water ornament of a fairy. her legs got detached from her body. I am hoping I have fixed it now. then I moves a couple of empty hanging baskets from the top patio to the end of the garden, planted a thyme I bought last week in the space left by the Bay tree that died I was going to plant the heuchera that I also bought last week, in a pot but the soild felt very cold so I have just placed it in its little pot on top of the one it will go in. I also pulled a few more weeds from pots, printed off a list for one of the ladies coming to the meeting tomorrow and dusted the lounge and dining room

Not a lot done really but being up later than usual and then showering and washing hair.time seems to have gone quickly, it is cloudy sun and 11 degrees, but there is a chilly wind.

Afternoon ladies

It's been a partly sunny, partly cloudy day. It's nice when the sun is out but there is still a sharp nip in the wind. I don't know what was in the tablets OH got from the hospital but they seem to have kicked him into top gear. He was out for his walk just after 7.30 this morning and he has been working in the garden, apart from a short break for lunch, ever since. He has taken out a large choisya that was obviously dying. I don't know how he managed to get the roots out and the main stems were like tree trunks. He's now out there breaking the earth up with one of those pronged, twisty-turny tools if you know what I mean. I'm just a bit worried that he'll end up putting his back out again. He's not good at pacing himself. He just goes at everything 110%.

I feel a bit lazy by comparison with OH as I've had another odd job day. I've descaled the kettle, cleaned some mirrors, sowed some seeds, chatted on the phone to daughter for half an hour, got lunch and prepared tonight's meal. I'm now trying to decide whether to do the ironing. There are only a few bits and it wouldn't take me very long so I suppose I had better do it.

I hope you are having a restful day Mandy. I'm sorry to hear that Mel has got lots of aches and AnnG's leg has been painful. Take care all of you.

I had a better night last night.so I am hoping tonight is going to be the same. I've just decided to start sorting OH's wardrobe rather than do the ironing so I'd better go and get on with it. OH, I have just sent a picture round related to World Book Day that Gwyn and some of us were discussing recently.

Thanks for the photo Vera what a lovely photo :-)

Morning girls,

Nice bright morning so far today and its 10 degrees and pc says partly sunny which it is at the mo.


Washing in the machine and after this load I wantt o get the bedding in.

I have achy knees, hands and hips today and have just realised I hav'nt taken my Joint Ace for about three days. Must get a pack out of the bathroom and on the table and take some today as I am sure they help a lot. I have put in a bid for some more hens and cockerels on ebay so I may be doing another one in the future. I also want to have a go at a tiny bird cage and another style of chicken cage.

Washing machine has stopped so better get that lot on the line.

Good morning all. 7 degrees again and so far it is sunny, slept ok until 4.45 but woke with a real pain in my leg, I suspect it was from the gardening but it was like cramp down my shin to my toes. walked around until it eased then slept and dozed until 0815

I am pleased I am not alone in my lack of get up and go until the last few days. maybe it is not my age as I thought but the weather. We shall see.

. Now I had better go and shower and wash my hair.

I second what AnnG has said Mandy. When you feel up to it just pop on to let us know how you are but don’t worry about commenting on posts or putting anything else. You just concentrate on getting better.

I am sure your miniature bits and pieces will sell for a good price Mel. You have a lot of skill in your fingers.

You are getting a lot done in your garden AnnG. I understand what you mean when you say you’ve lost belief in what you can do. I know I should make more of an effort but I’ve lost faith in my ability to garden without hurting my back and the endless wet winter hasn’t helped with that. I used to just grit my teeth and get on with it but I think I’ve turned into a bit of a wimp.

I am pleased OH has enjoyed his birthday Annx, and his book was a bargain. It’s nice that the sun shone for him on his birthday. A bit of the yellow stuff does a lot for morale.

Unfortunately we didn’t see any sun this morning. It stayed dry but was just very cloudy and a strong breeze was making it feel quite cool. It did brighten up this afternoon and for an hour or two in the late afternoon it was quite warm.

I had a dreadful night. First I was too hot and threw half the bedding off, then I got too cold and I just couldn’t sleep. In the end I sat up reading from 2.30 am till 5 am, then dozed off till I got up at 7.30. I managed to wake myself up a bit with a nice shower and hairwash and when my hair was dry we popped into town and got some compost and a new bird feeder at Roy’s. When we got back I decided to do all sorts of little odd jobs rather than tackle more h/w. I disposed of the last of my birthday flowers which, after 2 weeks, had gone over and washed the vases, tidied up and watered a couple of indoor plants and then repotted an orchid that has been going through a dormant period in the bathroom but has now thrown 2 flower shoots. That took me a little while as they are fiddly things to do. I’m really pleased with myself as I have never managed to keep orchids going but this will be the third time this one has bloomed.

This afternoon I had an appointment at the chiropodists and I drove for the first time in 4 or 5 months. it’s only about 3 miles there and back but it gave me a chance to find out if I felt comfortable with the glasses I have now and to see how the car felt after its repair job. I also wore a pair of shoes that I bought in November so I didn’t know if they were comfortable for driving. Everything was fine. I won’t be driving long distances but I am happy to drive around locally or take OH to hospital if the need arises.

I think I am going to have another “odd job” day tomorrow. The kettle needs descaling, I want to get some seeds sown and I want to sort out one of OH’s wardrobes before I take some stuff to a charity shop and there are plenty more jobs on my “to do” list to keep me busy.
Time to finish this post I think. I want to do a post on the book thread and then I think I’ll either watch something on iPlayer on my iPad or read in bed. My back is a lot more comfortable propped up against a couple of pillows and, if I do start to feel sleepy, I can just turn the light out and settle down. I hope you all sleep well tonight.

That's fine AnnG. I think we are all of an age when things so easily slip our minds. He had a minor panic himself today when he realised he hadn't paid his credit card bill. Luckily he had a bit more time before it was due so got it done straightaway. Anyway he has said to thank you all and say it is nice of you all to send him Happy Birthday wishes.

I find I get achey with gardening at first in the Spring AnnG and you are right as I know I don't move and bend or stretch as much in the winter, so I need to start gently with back and knees.

Yes Mandy, no cooking for two days! :-D Good idea to rest up and do some knitting and it's great you managed to do some headphones! I suppose they could easily be ear muffs too. I hope you will start feeling a bit better each day and not get those swimming heads now. Having more breaks from the PC is a good idea till you are a bit better. I enjoyed the final of the pottery programme. The finalists were all so good and they have come up with some good ideas for things for them to make. I'll miss Keith till we see him on the Chapel prog. He seems a genuinely nice person.

That's really good if you have already had a bid and there are watchers this early on too Mel. Fingers crossed for you!

Iv'e got three watchers on it now.

O I forgot to put up birthday wishes for your oh Annx so here they are.


<3 <3 <3 Many happy returns of the day G <3 <3 <3

I see you've had a great day and a bargain too.

Well I put those things on Ebay for 10 days and I have had a bid already so they will sell. :-D

Mandy don’t worry about us just pop in to say how you are, then rest. Hopefully you will soon feel an improvement. The sun will have helped I am sure.

Evening all,

Just popped in to wish your OH a Happy Birthday Ann , I see he got a good bargain on the book and two nice meals out means no cooking which is always good .
Thanks for the ideas for a few things to knit for the rabbits ,I have done a little bit of knitting and made the headphones as they are a nice size to do and I don't have to concentrate to hard .

I still feel very tired and really haven't done a lot ,I did put my jacket on and sat out in the lovely sunshine this morning so nice to feel the warmth of the sun .
I hope after a few more days I can start to do a bit more and comment more on the posts but at the moment this bit of typing is enough .

Apologies to your OH I meant to remember his birthday when I saw when it was yesterday. However this morning I forgot.

Sooo Happy birthday to your OH sounds like he has had a good day.

I think I have been pleased that I have been able to get something done on the garden that has taken quite a bit of strength and energy. Trying to rebuild some strength after so many days having to stay indoors when wet and cold. Hoping to be active when visiting son in April. And later daughter. I found I had lost the belief in myself to get out and do things such as walk and garden.

Afternoon All,

It's been nice and sunny again today, so after OH had opened his birthday cards and some pressies, we showered and went out for lunch again to Ullesthorpe Court this time where Sharon always gives us extra biscuits and teabags. We just had a brown bloomer bread sandwich of home made large fish fingers on tartare sauce and lettuce with a mixed salad and pot of red cabbage coleslaw. We called at the big Co-op on the way back and they had a few new books on a stand and one was a book OH wanted for a while but was waiting to find at a lower price. It's quite a thin book so he was hoping to see it at less than the £5 he had seen elsewhere. There was sticker on the front, but no price so he took it to the self serve tills and scanned it and it was only £1.50 so he was pleased to get it at that price!

Your makes are very realisic Mel, especially how you have done the barrel and bottle. Are the twigs and logs made with clay too? They should sell well I think.

OH said thank you for your birthday wishes anyway and appreciated them Vera. Yes it was the restaurant with the lumpy chairs we went to yesterday! They seem to have had some of them reupholstered now, but I still swapped my chair for OH's as my feet didn't touch the ground with mine and the front bar of the seat was digging in the back of my thighs. That's good your OH is finding his get up and go again and has started his morning walks again. I think you are right about them being energising as OH seems to get a few things done when he gets home from his walks too. You got some jobs done yesterday and I hope the new pharmacy turns out to be better with your tablets. I'm glad we changed our pharmacy just after the pandemic started as they have started charging at the carpark since.

AnnG I wish I had your motivation to get going in the garden. You are always ahead of me! I see it should be dry and sunny here tomorrow so will see if I can do some clearing up that I should have done last autumn. Now I need to get my list out and see if I can tick a few things off as well as add some.

Thanks for the photos Mel, what a good idea for somebody's display. Well done, hope they sell.


Just spent an hour and 20 minutes out in the garden, digging and weeding and managed to dig up a dead wegelia shrub that had really horrid roots. I think that is my lot for today. yesterday I cleared an 18 inch square of my largest border of weeds and cellandines and today I managed another 3 foot square. It is a long border but has lots of bulbs growing so is not easy to weed. I will get there It is 11 degrees here now. still sun but a bit of cloud as well