General Chat

Good morning all. 3 degrees here at 0745 but no frost. I slept ok but still feel tired. Age catching up with me as I seem to need to get up more in the night these days.
A H/W day today as I have a meting tomorrow. Mainly I need to sort the conservatory out I think. I have already stripped the bed and bedding is in the wash. (But I am not washed or dressed yet. that had better be next. pale blue sky and fairly bright out there.

Yes it was quick Gwyn and hopefully more efficient as you say. it's all done now, but I think he may have taken the doormat with him! He made quick progress without a break and OH was hoping he'd be finished for the day in time to move his van from blocking him in before he set off for his meeting. Then a neighbour took it upon himself to come up our drive to waylay Riley at his van without asking us if it was ok, and kept him chatting ages and hunting high and low on his van for something for him! Who did he think would be paying for the time he was holding him up? Anyway the radiator water was clean which is good after 24 years, but with our hard water there was limescale in them and he was banging all the radiators to dislodge what he could. He's put some sort of gadget on that traps the bits in future and added something that helps dissolve it too.

I don't feel I've done much today, even trying to pay a bill online and jumping through all the hoops, it ended up telling me to try later. I've deleted a lot of emails and sorted some magazines to throw out and that's about it.

Vera I see you have nearly caught up with your bulb planting. Will you remember what is planted where? I've got worse at remembering what is where.It was handy someone moving the compost into your car boot. At one of our independent garden centres, there is always a youth at the entrance where bags of things are and he always carries things to your car.

Evening all,

Its been sunny again and son and Jake came to put a tarpaulin over the shed roof ,they just haven't had time to put the new sheets on so we said leave it until the spring and we bought a huge tarpaulin to cover it ,they got it on after a bit of a struggle as some of the big nails that hold the sheets were sticking up , son nailed the tarpaulin all round with spline so we're all water tight now for the winter .

A sad day for you Anng as the others have said you've done so well , covid kept so many people apart from their loved ones <3

Ann sounds as if the boiler man has had a good day with getting the boiler in for you ,has he got to come again tomorrow .

Vera we've found that our Roys staff are very good too taking things out to the car ,we find those compost bags are a bit awkward to get hold of especially if they are a bit damp where they've been outside .

Gosh Anng is it really 4 years since your oh went into hospital. Thinking of you and sending love. <3

I don't know where the time goes lately. Its nearly half way through November already. The days seem to pass so swiftly its no sooner one weekend than its the next. Christmas is looming and I have hardly done a thing.

Just had a cuppa and a small bit of Chocolate cake. I'm having beef stew and dumpligs tonight to warm me up. Its been really cold here today even though the suns been out there is a very chilly breeze that goes right through you.

Been putting more coats on my new moulds and am doing one of the things I first made years and years ago. Yes I do cast in plaster of Paris as it takes the watercolour I use well. The polyclay won't really take watercolour but is ok with acrylic paint that I don't use much. I have both kinds of paint and loads of it but I bought some childs poster paints in tubs this year to get some of the basic colours and they are just not the same as they used to be and stay kind of sticky on the pallets and on the paster and dry with a bit of a shine too which I don't like.
Had a deer in the garden when I went to corn the girls and it was munching away in the orchard and watched me go down the steps forget the scoop and come back for it and go again and it just looked at me and then carried on eating.

It was a cold start to the day but not as cold as some of you. We didn’t have any frost. This morning was blue sky and sunshine but it’s been grey again this afternoon and there has been a bitter north-east wind all day.

I’m glad you got to the hairdresser and back without getting blown over AnnG. It’s hard to believe it’s 4 years since T went into hospital. I remember how sad I felt for you not being able to spend time with him. Thinking of you today <3

It sounds as though they are getting on well with your boiler and radiator Annx. What a nuisance the window cleaner turned up. I think I would have told him to miss me out.

This morning we decided to go into town and get several errands done. So we delivered quite a pile of stuff to one of the charity shops, did some banking, popped into a couple of shops (and couldn’t get what I wanted), and then into Boots where they had what I wanted but we had to wait an age for someone to fetch it from the storeroom. We were parked at Roy’s Store which is a council car park but very convenient for the shop so we went in and got 4 large bags of compost and asked for assistance and a very nice young man lifted them onto the trolley, wheeled it out to the car and put them in the boot for us so OH only had to lift them out when we got home.

After lunch I spent an hour outside, cleared another pot and trough and planted them up with the rest of the daffodil bulbs. There’s only a few tulips to go now and I hope I might get them done tomorrow. I also prepared our dinner for tonight. It’s a veggie meal and won’t take long to cook.

I’m now resting my back for a little while and it’s so quiet that I think OH must be resting his eyes, lol.

I hope he would think I have coped ok. I am sure he would be as proud as I am of the family

Thinking of you AnnG. <3
A sad day to remember.You have coped well. I think T would be proud too of how your family has supported you.

Annx
No sooner said than done :-0
That was very quick from mentioning needing a new boiler to getting it installed.
You will be so cosy again and hopefully the new one will be even more efficient.

A sad memory for you today then AnnG. Time does move on and faster than ever it seems as we get older. I think T would be very proud of how you have managed.

Well the boiler is in except for the covers on it and he is flushing the rads soon so it will be good to see how dirty the water is. From what I can see, the new boiler is higher up than the old boiler and we may need a taller panel under it to hide the pipes to it, unless he's raised the pipework. I could see there was some new pipework. We got the tiny fan heater out a while ago and the study is toasty, so we ordered in F&C which just hit the spot and were easy to deal with as we ate out of the boxes they came in.

Blow me, the windowcleaner has turned up, normally comes first thing in the morning and should have been here yesterday, and now he's getting in the way and holding the boilerman up having to move his stuff for him to get round the back of the bungalow.

I got a message about a relation who was a war veteran in America this morning so have been looking at the relationship, which shows he descended from my 3x gt grandfather's sister on dad's mother's side. She had 9 children. There are a few photos which are always interesting to look at and they spent some years in Utah, but some were buried here so I need to look further into that.

Hi Ann hope the boiler is going in ok or maybe already in.

We lost the sun here early on and it is really cold out so it was a brisk (ish) walk to the hairdressers.

I realised earlier that 4 years ago today T went into hospital. The last time I saw him. It doesn't seem possible that it is 4 years.

Morning All,

Chilly here but no frost and the dullness is back. The boiler arrived from the supplier first, but now there is some bumping and banging since Scott's son arrived. He covered all the floor and put a rubber cloth over the worktop under the boiler which is good. He said his dad said he was surprised our boiler needed replacing so soon as it is one that usually lasts a lot longer. He thinks there may be a lot of sludge in the radiators that could have affected it, even though they had inhibitor put in. We'll know when they flush them out. Apparently we have amazingly good water pressure so maybe the flushing, which will probably be done tomorrow, won't take too long! I'm sorting some papers and admin at the moment and haven't needed my big fleece yet and OH is writing notes up.

It will be nice to get your hair trimmed AnnG, but will feel a bit chilly on your neck when you come out after having a frost where you are, unless you have a scarf. I think a cup a soup and slice of bread might keep us going at lunch time, as it will be hard to get to the fridgefreezer in the uti now, so thanks for giving me the idea! :-)

It must be interesting seeing how new moulds turn out Mel. Do you cast them with plaster of paris? My friend had a set of moulds for something like the 7 dwarfs when we were children and the were made with plaster of paris.

Another early start on Friday now as they have called to say they are bringing my new spare car key to cut and programme.

I think I might get that other necklace I hadn't finished next and see if I can work out where I was with the pattern! At least I'll be ready to start it, but will wait till the boiler is done to do that......too many interruptions will make me go wrong! lol.

Morning Anng and all,

We had frost last night too but I did'nt wake till 9.24am so a bit late. Its 8 degrees here now and pc says sunny which it is.

Shopping day today and one sub which is acceptable and thats Cravendale milk instead of Asda milk 4 pints so thats good.

I have some thing to do up as a couple of my job lots are finishing today three lots to three people I hope I don't get them muddled up!!!

Enjoy your hair appointment today. It always reminds me of our Jane when you say you have an appointment as she loved a good old head massage as she would say.

Good morning all 0 degrees here now 8am. that was a surprise, I am sure they didn't forecast a frost last night but there is frost on the house roofs. Still there is a blue sky and sunshine. didn't sleep constantly last night kept waking up.

Hair appointment at 12 o'clock today and I must also get my prescription. Don't usually leave it this long, only have 4 days left.

You had a busy craft day Mel yesterday.

You were right Ann, I just had a cup a soup and a sandwich last night

It does take time as you say Annx. I have just remembered he did'nt bring my grill element with him. He has a head like a sive same as me.

I did a bit of moulding today after taking out a few new moulds and painted them and they look quite good I think. They were a large cooked ham and a new cottage loaf which is bigger than the last one I made and a bowl with something in it which I drill out and put a spoon handle in. Iv'e still a few new ones to take out and trim up yet.

New pots, sprout and a burger for me tonight. Grapes for sweet and maybe a naughty dark choc Kit Kat.

That was good getting the bedding almost dry Mandy. Yes the forecast is a degree or two colder here for the next two days, so I have dug out a velour zip top I rarely wear as the greeny colour doesn't really suit me (I thought I'd ordered a taupe colour at the time!) and it's big enough to get it on over a thinner zip fleece if needs be. OH has two meetings both days, so he'll be out.

I noticed this morning that the dog rescue place is closed on Mondays now, but I've put a bag of stuff in the car boot for their charity shop later this week and have chucked some ancient foodstuffs in the bin for collection tomorrow. I must keep on clearing stuff we don't or won't use again as we have never been properly straight here after moving two houses into one and then the stuff we since inherited still not all cleared.

Your meal sounded lovely AnnG. I like Haddock better than Cod if there's a choice. I bet you won't want much else to eat now.

Careful with your back with those big ceramic pots Vera. I still have a few, but don't like moving them.

I've recorded Wolf Hall Mel. OH watched the first series and, no surprise, has the books. It's not good you being without your tablets that long. I bet the fudge was welcome as the apples will be! It's good more things have gone that Stu will see if he can sell for you. It takes time doesn't it.

Back home now and full of delicious fish and chips. I had Haddock and it was lovely tasted very fresh and the batter was really light and very crispy. It was a huge piece and a large portion of chips. I don't know if I said before but it is actually a proper fish and chip shop with the restaurant behind the cooking part and upstairs So it is proper chip shop chips.

It really is a month of eating for our group. there were six of us today and on Saturday five of us are having lunch in our local pub and then going to look round the Jet age museum. This is actually bu Gloucester air port so 5 minutes away and I have never been to look round there.

Well I have just got the washing in the pillow cases were dry but the edges of the sheet were damp and the duvet cover was slightly damp on the corners but they will finish off on the airer, just nice to get the fresh air on them .

I suppose these window companies probably don't keep staff on like years ago when people stayed in the job for years and had pride in their work .
Hope you've got your winter woolies out Ann you'll be chilly with no heating and doors open when they drain down .

Mel did you see its the last ever doctors on Thursday.

Vera your gardens going to look good with all these bulbs your planting ,you'll have a lovely splash of colour in the spring .

I just missed you yesterday Annx. I think you were posting while I was typing. I agree you're probably best to write off any idea of further help with your door. You could maybe threaten them with the small claims court but it's probably not worth the hassle. Put it down to experience and don't recommend the company to anyone.

Enjoy your fish and chips AnnG and enjoy the company as well.

That's good that you have got your meds sorted out Mel but you shouldn't have to be without them at all. They've been prescribed because you need them. Our docs only give 28 days at a time and only 6 repeat prescriptions before you have to request a reissue. I expect the surgery ladies appreciated your fudge and the offer of apples. I've got a recipe for Swedish apple cake but I can't remember ever making it. I must dig it out because I like anything with apples in.

I bet your house smelt lovely with Christmas cake baking, Mandy. When my brother was alive he always made a Christmas cake and I made everyone puddings. We never iced the cake which used to be cut in half between us. When he became ill he sent me the recipe he used and I made it but I haven't bothered the last couple of years.

It's blue sky and sunshine here too but there is no warmth in the sun and no wind to speak of so I haven't hung the washing out. I have potted up some more bulbs. I dug 2 big heavy ceramic pots out from the back of the garage and got them up the garden where I filled them with a mixture of old and new compost and planted them with Dutch Master daffs. AnnG, you are right - it is hard work and I keep saying I'm not going to do it but on a miserable spring day when I can see them all in bloom from my kitchen window it all seems worth it. I might cut down the number I plant next year. Any spare bulbs can be offered to the neighbours or I'll take them to one of our clubs.

OH has just come into the room to ask what I want in my lunchtime sandwich so it must be nearly time to eat. Enjoy the rest of the day and enjoy sunshine while we can.

Morning All,

Sunshine here too, so that cheers us up. Chilly though so I had my fleece on to pop to the shop. It was lovely to see the sunlight on the autumn leaves and all the roads to the villages here have poppies on the lamp posts. More seem to join in every year now.

Yes, I think someone local would have been better to have, like the man who fitted our new bathroom window. OH said we'll do that when we have the conservatory done. That's good Colin was able to fit your windows Mandy. It saves a lot of money and you know they are done properly. When most windows were wood my first OH made them and fitted them. Mel I think these big companies were good and reputable back in the day when your mum used them, but things can change as time goes on with new management. We knew the name was well known and thought they were good, but they aren't so good now judging by a lot of the reviews. No wonder the service engineer that came seemed so grumpy. He probably gets to hear a lot of moans.

I've just sorted the fridge out and chucked a few sad looking things out. The lighter it is when they move it tomorrow the better. When OH gets back we need to make the radiator in the conservatory accessible for the men to drain. It's rarely on as we don't use the conservatory in the winter, so as well as chairs in the way, OH put the sink cupard contents all by it and in front of the chairs as well.

Your F&C lunch sounds lovely AnnG, so enjoy your outing and chat with your friend.
Yes, the woman at the garden centre was behind OH in the queue, but clearly didn't recognise him in a flat cap with a white beard now and not in his smart work suit and tie!! She caused a lot of problems at work, gossipy too, you'll know the sort!

Better give the bathroom a spruce up now. Whenever someone comes to do some work there are extra little jobs to do aren't there. I got them some biscuits while I was out as they are out of bounds for us at the moment.

Yes thank you I have got my meds sorted but had to go to |black Torrington to collect them as I have been without one main one for 4 or 5 days now.

Its so nice to be able to do as much wahsing as I want to and not have to wait now I have the drain sorted. I took the girls down the surgery some fudge and asked if anyone wanted any cooking apples and one lady said yes. The other girls said she makes a lovely Apple Cake so I may look for a recipe for one and make one.