General Chat

Well, I had my sleep. I have no idea where the mouse is. I just hope it (and the cat) doesnt wake me tonight as I need a good sleep.

I must get ready soon to go and visit Phil.

Huia.

Just as I was about to leave to visit Phil I got a phone call to say that he appears to have some pain when walking and his ankles are very swollen (I had noticed that before), and the doctor had suggested an xray, since he had a fall about 2 or 3 weeks ago.

He was half asleep when I visited so I stayed only half an hour and as I left a mobile xray van arrived. I am now waiting to hear the results. Dont know when that will be.

Huia.

Oh Huia, it never gets any easier for you both, does it?

I do hope there nothing was damaged when Phil had his fall some weeks ago, surely he should have been better checked at the time - it would be awful if he has been in pain and discomfort all that while and maybe couldn't tell the staff what was wrong. Just as you thought he was settling down and seeming a little more himself, as much as could be of course.
Let us know how he gets on, bless him.

Hope the mouse has left the house and the cat doesn't bring in any more gifts!
Would love a cat but not while I am living here. In all the years of having cats, they never brought in mice altho did have a bird on the stairs a couple of times and one or two dead bodies (birds) outside.

You take care love, and hope we hear better news soon

love
Lizxx

Thanks, Liz. I dont know when I will get the results. The hospital will ring me, but I will be out tomorrow so they will need to keep trying if they get the results while I am out. I am wondering if it is a hairline fracture which has been aggravated by walking and perhaps become inflamed or some such. Not that I know anything about such things. I will just have to wait and see.

Huia.

Hello Everyone ,I have just caught up with all the posts, and you certianly are very busy ladies, with all your Xmas gifts. I am only just here, still not very well the bug has upset my digestive system and I am having reflux constantly it is very uncomfortable and makes me feell ill.
Huia mentioned the white tailed spider, they dont bite but they do sting and spray if I remember correctly and it casuses very bad blistering & ulceration it takes many months to heal ,that is in the worse cases.
Aussies are very aware of all spiders and snakes but we keep our lawns mowed & most of us keep rubbish to a minimum, of course some people dont ,but we dont seem to have many snake bites a year and the same goes for spiders. All hospital emergency dept.'s keep anti /venom for such emergencies. I might add we are always careful when we pick up timber or bricks lying on the ground, one is always careful.
Well folks I am worn out just doing this there is a lot more I wished to tell you but I will keep for another time. Love to you all, & thank you for thinking of me. MARIE **** the Red Nosed Reindeer******

Hello All,

Huia, you think the hospital would have checked Phil's foot when they noticed that it was swollen, knowing that he had suffered a fall. I hope that they will be able to sort it out soon, so that he won't be in any discomfort and pain. Hope your eyes are getting better and not causing you too much trouble.

Marie, nice to see you back, hope you'll feel a lot better soon. I'll reply to your pm soon, I don't want you to think that I have forgotten. At the moment
I can only get my head around posting on here, but I'll get there.

Liz, it's also nice to see you on here. I hope all is well with you.
Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet?

Mo and Ann, thank you both for the encouragement you give me. In one way I'm looking forward to going to Richard's, but in another way I'm dreading being away from home, I'm just trying to keep calm. I'm just trying to pack a few more presents, I've done most of them, but I still have some more to buy. Mostly the ones I don't know what to buy for.

Mo, hope all is well with Roly and the family. Is it this Sunday you have your grandchildren for the day?

Ann, is your hubby's foot better now? Just wondering if have done anymore to the Scrapbook you are making? As soon as I can get Alun to do it , I'll e'mail both you and Jean photos of some of the pages I've done.

Jean, how are things with you and yours today? I expect your house is looking lovely now, freshly painted, all in time for Christmas. Alun is off for a few days next Thursday, Friday and the following Monday, so that he can get the living room decorated, before we put up the tree and Christmas decorations. Although we don't put up as many decorations as we did when the kids were younger, I don't know if it's idleness or old age.

Debbie, hope things are okay with you and the family. I expect you are busy preparing for Christmas, and sure the children are getting excited, especially the little ones.

Marilyn, hope you are still enjoying yourself in Florida, in the lovely sunshine. It's horrible and cold here in the UK, but what else should I expect at this time of the year.

Hope all is well with Sue and Grace, it's been ages since we heard from them both.

I'll be in touch when I get home. Hope you all enjoy your weekend and take care.

Love and best wishes to you all.

Sallie.xxx

Sallie have a nice time at Richard's. I find it is better when we go away if I take with me all the things that make me feel at home, like slippers, a little make up mirror I use, a torch for by the bed in case I need the loo in the night, and I drink peppermint tea so I take those tea bags with me, any pills I am likely to need etc etc. Saves worrying about not having them, and I make a list before I pack so I don't forget.
OH's foot is better thanks, he actually hasn't played golf this week because of the weather so that has helped, but it is definitely better. Not done any scrapbooking, having the windows done etc with the man here for the past 3 days has been a bit difficult to concentrate. still have scaffolding up and a conservatory roof that is covered in brick dust and muck and he still has the brick r-pointing to do, couldn't do it today because the forecast was rain so he did the barge boards, then it didn't rain!!!!!

Hello everyone,it's good to hear from you all.
I cannot understand how they missed Phils foot Huia. You actually said to them about it being swollen,if I remember rightly. Why oh why have they left him this long,it's not fair is it. Unfortunately you cannot be there 24/7,and after all we do trust these places with our family.
I do hope they sort Phil out soon love.
Hi Liz hows you keeping. Are you nearly ready for christmas.? Will there be just the three off you for christmas day.
Sallie,enjoy yourself,don't worry about a thing. If you forget anything,you can always go and buy it when you get there.
As Ann said,make a list off the things you are going to need,ie tablets,reading matter to take your mind off the journey,sweets yummy,to
keep your mouth moist,anything else it doesn't matter about. As long as you take your winter knickers,and your vest to keep you warm,and a change of clothing off course.
We are looking forward to hearing all about it,when you get back. All the gossip,is what we need.LOL
Hellooo Marie. It's so good to see you posting again.
I think you need a holiday over here,to kill off all the germs you are picking up lately. It's getting so cold here,that it is bound to kill them off for you.
I am sure that the heat over there is not helping you get over this problem.
I don't suppose you have been out with your quartet lately,have you.
You made me shudder,talking about the snakes and spiders. You do have to be so careful dont you.
I wonder where our Jean is. Cooeeee Jean we are missing you,come and talk to us.
Bye for now. Take care off yourselves. Love Moxxx

I havent heard the results of Phils xray yet but then I have been out all day today. I went to Matamata (aka Hobbitland) for a Christmas BBQ lunch. We mostly talked politics, after all we are part of a political party, our leader and deputy were there. I left about 2.30 and took a longer route home through Te Aroha, up to Kopu then across the Hauraki plains, stopping at the Pipiroa Kitchen for a slice of B & E pie and a couple of cuppas. I wanted to see if they still had my dads 2 photos up on the wall, which they did. About 20 yrs ago I saw he had a lot of old photos but none of the ferry which used to go across the river until it capsized in 1951 and was eventually replaced with a bridge. I asked why no photos of the ferry and he said everybody spoke of it but nobody had photos of it. I told him I had some so I had 3 enlarged for him (not sure where he has put the 3rd). They were taken at Easter 1939, over 70 yrs ago. One of them is magnificent - you can see every drop of water in the river.

When I got home I finished the last of the Chocolate Bavarian that I took to the BBQ, Yummy, but now I am full.

Rain has set in, but I dont think it will last too long.

Huia.

Good morning, everyone, lot cooler here. and wet ... Marie so good to hear from you,Hope you are feeling better, and look forward to hearing all your news when you are up to it,,, take care.... little by little, ..... but so glad you are back with us...

Sallie have a lovely time at Richards, bit of pampering......lol....I make lists for everything, we take quite a few tabs between us, so I have a box that goes on holiday with us, with all the tabs in....we are still trying to get everything back ln cupboards and boxes, but the kitchen is up and running, although we have a small leak under the sink, so having that looked at,....

Ann, dust is a pain to finally get rid of, seems to settle forever, but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel so the saying goes...hope the shiny new teeth are doing what they are supposed to do.my turn to go to the dentist on Tues , nervous already, I am such a wimp...

Huia, you are such a busy lady, wish I had a bit of your energy.. the cake sounded lovely , I am going to make Weetabix cake later on, its along time since I did one , so easy, I lost the recipe ,but came across it on another site, and also a soda bread, again another very easy but so good recipe...hope you hear what is causing Phils problem, dont the medical people take their time? just the same here...

big waves to Marilyn, Sue, Grace, Debbie,


I was telling Mo, we have a lifelong friend who is not expected to live much longer, it came as a big shock to us, as we were with him and is lovely wife at the golden wedding party in July he is 80 yrears of age, but he danced the night away, so energetic and full of life, J used to work with him 50+ years , we saw them every week until they wen to live in Litchfield some time ago...

Have a good weekend everyone, wrap up well going to be a bit chilly.

Love Jean xx

Huia,the photo's off the ferry,are a part off local history,how lucky that you had some to enlarge. At least now,when people talk off it,they can see what it was actually like.
It sounds like you did not stop eating all day, yes I am jealous. LOL.
Especially the cake,ooooh I love cake,I would rather that than proper food.

Jean I have never heard off Weetabix cake. How on earth do you make that.? It is obviously full off fibre,so would be good for you.

Ann,have they actually sorted your new teeth out for then. As I can recall your saying that they felt lose,and that you would not sleep in them,for fear off swallowing them.
I do hope they are a lot better now for you.

Good luck at the dentist's on Tuesday Jean. Try not to be to afraid,you will be fine.
Are they going to make you a new set off dentures.
If,like me,nerves affect the bladder,take an extra pair off Tena pants with you.LOL.

Hi, yes, teeth sorted now, also had new teeth attached to the old brace so have two sets now, both OK.

Been to town this morning, minor panic as I have lost my bus pass (think it is £5 to replace it which is a pain). Can't do anything until Monday. Anyway cost me £1.60 one way but on the way back the driver wouldn't take my money, lovely man!!! Monday I will have to Phone Stagecoach to see if it was handed in, then the Borough Council. I bet somebody is using it somewhere!!!! Drivers never check the photos.

Oh Ann,what are you like,losing your bus pass like that.
The trouble is,if you are like me,I always put it in my pocket after using it.
Then I tend to get a runny nose,and fish in my pocket for a tissue,and thats how easily it could be lost.

Actually I am a creature of habit and always put it back in the same place in my purse, but it was chucking it down with rain when we got on the bus and everything was wet I must have tucked it in my top zip pocket (side pocket it is a walking rain coat) but not put it in properly. I seem to remember the zip jammed at one stage so maybe I missed the actual pocket. have to wait now until Monday to see if it was handed in. Going to cost £5 to replace if not!

I phoned the hospital this morning before going to visit Phil, asked if they had the results of the xray. He has a fracture, but I had trouble hearing what the girl/woman said. Not sure which side and whether it is his leg or hip. I visited but he was sleeping. I was told that their doc wants him to be seen by an orthodpedic doc. I didnt stay long, no point when he is sleeping. I managed to look at a few shops on the way home for ideas for Christmas presents. I havent bought any yet. I'm just not in the mood.

Huia.

Hi Everyone........remember me . ?.LOL

Well I am still in the States lording it !!

Went Christmas shopping today and bought lots of goodies, so I think I'm pretty much sorted now for presents.if I buy anymore I will get charged for heavy baggage from the Air line.

Its lovely and warm ,not too hot 78 degrees a lot cooler than its been,and loads better than back home in the UK.
I have another 2 weeks left then I'll face the horrible weather back home.

I must say I do miss home, I want to put my Christmas decs up and light my lovely Log fire.
And of course to see my Grandchildren....most important.

I do hope you are all keeping well wherever you live .

Huia I haven't heard anymore from Maria, But maybe I will soon.

Take care I hope you are all looking forward to Christmas !!

Marilyn xxxx

Hello, Marilyn,we missed hearing from you. it must be lovely in the sun and warmth, its getting colder and still wet, so when you get home get your thermals on....I would have loved to be in the states at christmas time, I believe the decorations are fantastic... are the things in the shop still cheaper than here? see you soon....

Huia, poor Phil he must have been in agony all this time, hope they sort it quickly , have you any singing planned for the christmas season? at least you have something else to concentrate on...sending you love and hugs
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( X ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

love to all Jean xx

Huia hope they can get Phil sorted out it must be painful for him. Marilyn, lucky you to be in the warmth, you will certainly notice it when you come home, I envy you the opportunity to get away to the sun, only wish we had thought ahead and bought something there when we went in the 90s.
Mo hope you are having a good weekend, and hope Sallie is enjoying her time with Richard, she will be going home today I expect.

Hi Jean,

The prices are up from our previous visits, and so is the food,
but its the different things that I like to buy here ,brand name clothes are much cheaper than UK, I only buy for the grandchildren & my two boys .

Ann, I rent an apartment on the beach for 2mths in the winter but this year its only 6 weeks as the boys want me home for
Christmas.....wonder why ? LOL

But Property's are really cheap at the moment ,the only snag of owning your own is the Taxes are so high , my friend pays 6 thousands pounds a year taxes.and then you have to pay someone (Real Estate Lettings) to look after it while you are not there , that's if you do let it while you are in England , otherwise you could not afford not to .

So here I am just got back from Church...its 11-30am I'm having a nice cool drink on the balcony .
Thinking it would be nice to all join me ......Marilyn xx

Lucky Marilyn,still enjoying all the nice weather,whilst we are having to put up with the cold and rain. But you have got it to come back to,and by golly will you notice the difference then.
Huia,poor Phil hs really been through the mill lately. I do hope they can make their minds up soon,exactly what the heck is wrong.
I can understand your not really feeling in the mood for christmas though.
You have both had so many christmases together,it is bound to feel strange.
And as for buying gifts,I often wish that they would start the sales in November,rather than January. Because what you may pay £20.00 in december,will go down to £10.00 in january.
It would enable families who are on limited incomes,to be able to give their children better gifts.
Hello Ann,I hope you have had a nice day today. Have you had the family around.
I wonder if Sallie has had a nice time away. I do hope so. Hellooo Sallie.
Jean,where are you,I missed you earlier. Hows you my lovely lady. And J+
D are they well.
Is D still running round with her feather duster,and threatening to put you in the dishwasher. LOL
BIG~~~~~~~~and xxxxxxxx to Marie in OZ,take care of yourself sweetheart.
Liz,Debbie,Sue,Grace come back and see us soon.
Love to you all. Mo xxx