General Chat

Wow, it is lovely to see so many people posting.
I need to find a moaning coffee morning here as apart from my daughter, I don’t know anybody at all here. At the moment it is fine because the house is swallowing up all of our time, but once it is sorted, I will have to find some new voluntary roles.

The electricians came on Friday and checked the house circuits. While all were fine, three circuits technically failed because the regulations have changed and circuits such as bathroom lights have to have an RCB fitted. Oddly some of the circuit breakers in the fuse box are the correct type, but others aren’t . Maybe tithe previous owners have had some work done over the years and have had some changed. The electricians are going to send a quote to replace the necessary ones and a second quote for the replacement of the whole fuse box with a new all singing and dancing one. Then we can choose what we want to do. They are also going to come back and check the garage electrics and sort out a problem with the security light

They also put up ten new light fittings, I am very pleased with our choices, they are definitely better than the dangling bulbs we had been putting up with since all the ceilings had been replastered. The only one I am not sure about is the one in the kitchen. Originally there was an old strip light there which had to come down and definitely wasn’t going back up! As the new kitchen is not going in until June, I wasn’t sure what I wanted, so just got a cheap silver fitting from Argos. It is the type with four bulbs which you can angle. They were very yellow , not a good effect. I find these new bulbs very confusing. We have gone for cool white bulbs in all the new lights because they seem brighter to us. The under cabinet lighting in the kitchen will be cool white as well, so OH went out yesterday and came back with some new cool white bulbs which have made a huge difference

I managed to get out into the garden yesterday and sorted the greenhouse out a bit . I gather the previous owners never grew anything in it. Maybe that would explain why there was only one single plant in any of the gardens when we moved in. They have staging all round the greenhouse, so I need to take some of that out so I can put some tomatoes and cucumbers in

I feel your pain Ann, I have been cutting back ivy too, we've got it running down both sides of our garden and it swallows everything up, evil stuff it is. Our bin is full and not due to be emptied till Monday week so I'll be filling black bags I think.

Now something is bothering me. Who has nicked 5 pages from this thread? I am sure when I last looked it was on page 160, now tonight there are only 155 pages. This is bothering me much more than our overgrown ivy is!

Florence - flat pack queen!!! :-D :-D :-D :-D

I loved the moaning coffee mornings!!

I don't go out for coffee much these days, but OH goes down to the local coffee shop most afternoons, then comes back with a soy latte for me, but also complaining that "all they could talk about was darn cars", or "it was that xxxxx, she talks all the time and is so loud, I've got a headache'! ;-)

It's a lovely day here today .................... it all began yesterday when we had rain for most of the morning quite heavy rain at times, but then the rain stopped, the wind got up and by early afternoon it was sunny and the sky was blue. We started off today with some early morning fog, but that quickly burnt off to sun and almost cloudless sky. The same if forecast for tomorrow :-D

Dinner tonight is "spaghetti with meat sauce", except the "spaghetti" is gluten-free rotini! I had a container of meat sauce in the freezer, so that's thawed out and waiting to be re-heated. It looks as if there is a lot there, so we might be having another spag meat sauce night!!

Tomorrow is lamb ............... OH got a nice small boneless lamb leg from the butcher this week.

Afternoon all

Well Tesco were on the ball today as were here dead on 11am! was just about ready when I noticed them outside. Lovely chap today and stopped to chat for 10 minutes. All of the drivers are very friendly and most now I know.

So didnt take 5 minutes to put it all away as wasn't a huge shop but we forgot one thing....bin bags grrrrr. I realised after we emptied the non recyclable bin we only have 1 bin bag left so shall take care to try and not fill it too quickly!

Daughter is in the kitchen making a GF cheesecake and... a mess! The banging, crashing etc is giving me a sore head. I'm keeping out of the way but curious to know the state of things lol

Treehunter, I put together a printer workstation. It has a cupboard on one side and 2 shelves on the right and also is on 4 casters so it can be moved at anytime. My printer sits on top with my landline. I'm very impressed with it as wasn't too expensive and the wood was really heavy so good quality. Glad you managed to put yours together.

The sun is nowhere to be seen and we have had a few heavy showers, so depressing this weather and looking ahead to next week, the temp is going down to single figures!! Its dire for this time of year. Lets hope we get a good May as by the time the weather warms up, the flower season will be over :-(

I get fed up when people say I look pale and unwell as I am a natural pale skinned person like my grandmother was. It's like if you dont have rosy cheeks up here, you're not normal lol Only time my cheeks are red would be if i blushed and that's not very often :-D

Well I can hear daughter in the sink so she must be washing up and I shall now see if the kitchen needs my assistance,

Off to make a coffee now and later watch the Grand National. Had a wee flutter as did my daughter so hopefully one of us will get lucky.

Glad put smile on your faces we all need to laugh. Went down to moaning coffee wasn’t so bad today. We all live here by ourselves. But have one ring leader she says jump and rest of them say how high. But I won’t she don’t like it that’s why she picks on me snd another lady who won’t do as she tells use.

Well put unit all together now printer on top now to put paper and inks in. Got yo hoover with all the mess cutting box up to put down in recycling bins.

Yes I ran a cross stitching group well I still but someone has taken over now as hand too bad to do much. I have tried getting things going down the lounge but cos the boss don’t like it no one will come. They lost.

Well will have some lunch hope every one has the sun.

Hello all, just spent an hour and a half out in the garden still cutting back loads of Ivy which is intent on throttling a clematis and a rose. I have nearly filled the garden bin now but it will be emptied on Tuesday so I can start again.

Hazel, yes that made me chuckle as well but, thinking about it, because of where you are living I suspect most of them live on their own and it is the only opportunity they get to talk about their ailments and maybe get reassurance for any worries. You will have to get them all crocheting or knotting, didn't you used to run a group like that? I suspect it is difficult if you are the newbie in the group but it is a good idea to sort out one or two that you feel you could get on with. It must be quite stressful for you moving to somewhere new and making new friends.

The car bill will be coming in the post. It will be big, but at least I've had 5 weeks to get used to the idea, as they told me what it would be when asking if I wanted to authorise the work.
It's costing more than the aged car would be worth as a trade-in, but they tell me it's still a good car, and now that the repairs have been done, it should last for a few more years. Fingers crossed!

The invoice for my shed's new roof also arrived this week, so it's an expensive time.
But the shed and car repairs were both necessary.


I have a neighbour who not only moans about her own ailments, but likes to find things wrong with other people.
You daren't say to her that you have a headache, or are feeling tired, as she will instantly have you at death's door.
A few days ago I met her by chance (well, yes, it was at a coffee morning!), and she said in concerned tones, "Oh dear, you're looking very thin and pale. Are you all right?"
I'm fine, and look the same as usual - ie - not particularly thin or pale!.

Moaning coffee did make me smile. It perfectly describes a Thursday coffee meet I often go to. Similar age group to yours Treehunter. We all know each other well and there’s not much slagging people off or bullying but, boy, do they moan about their.ailments - who is most ill, who’s taking the most pills, whose doctor is the best or worst. Once I tried suggesting we put a ban on talking about medical matters but they only lasted about 10 minutes. From now on I’ll be going out for moaning coffee on a Thursday :-D

Morning everyone looking in today.
AG, glad you got the car back and hope it wasn't an unexpected huge bill?

Its not nice here still, wet, overcast and very dark but less windy....for now.

I'm waiting on Tesco coming between 11-3 today but not as big as last weeks order. I realised my laundry products were near to running out etc so needed to top up the cupboards.

Treehunter, oh dear me but you did make me laugh...moaning coffee!!

Although I am only 62, when I have been amongst seniors shall we say, they do up here moan a lot too! I guess, if they live on their own, then when they all meet up, they all want to vent their grievances and so the coffee morning is the ideal place to do that.

But I feel for you, as it should be an event to look forward to and exchange news etc. Is there a neighbour, you do get on with, that you could go with to the coffee morning maybe? Hope your units look good once you have put them together.

My nick name is the "flat pack queen." I built most of the units in my lounge, bathroom hall etc. You just need patience lol.

Right off to clear the kitchen before Tesco come as they put the crates on my kitchen table for me to unpack, its easier for me that way.

Have a good day all.

Florence in the hebrides

Morning everyone cloudy but sun trying to come out. :-)
Just putting door and light on unit and it’s done. <3
Then it’s putting everything back.

Going to go down to moaning coffee we have big lounge here so few times a week we have coffee morning but why I call it moaning coffee is cos that’s all they do and slag people off. When you think ages from 67 to 86. But it’s like being in a playground with a load of 13 yrs old bullies. That’s why I don’t go down much. If I want to be bullet I go back to my ex.

Well hope everyone’s has a good day and weather stays dry. <3

Thanks, Florence. Sounds good!

Lashing rain here from about mid afternoon.
Got the car back today, so went to town to replenish food supplies.
There was a lot of water on the road on the way home, and a surprising amount of traffic. Not a very pleasant journey.

I don't mince the chicken AG, I just cut the breasts into strips, chop a large onion and fry off in some sesame oil. Then add a little water, some seasoning, black pepper, paprika etc. once chicken is cooked, I add a jar of pasta sauce with chunky veg and then simmer for about 40 minutes so the chicken tenderises,

Boil a pan of spaghetti and drain. Pour the chicken mixture over the spaghetti and add some finely grated cheese et voila! 2 chicken breasts makes more than enough to freeze for another day.

Horrid evening as its even more windy now. heating on as really is chilly here.
my new red candles arrived today along with my missing toilet rolls!! So tomorrow may do some more table pieces,

Your chicken bolognaise sounds tasty, Florence.
Do you mince the chicken?

Afternoon all.

Started off ok but the clouds are turning darker and its very windy so not venturing outside. im feeling it quite chilly too.

Well I have finally finished my grandmothers family tree(dads mum). i had started it a few years ago but recently decided to horse on and this morning finished off writing it up. 10 A3 pages 1-1A. 2-2a etc. By comparison to the others this was a small tree lol.

Although some had 10 + children, many died young or in the war so fewer marriages and no more branches to continue the family.

Last nights chicken bolognaise was really tasty and there was some left over to do another meal another day. I had forgotten just how good it was.
As for tonight, I'm still full up tbh but think daughter has picked up a pizza to have with some salad so that's an easy tea.

Linda, that's good the electricians are in so hopefully, you can put some shades over the bulbs. Hope your daughter does get back sometime tonight!

JustGinnie, roses for £2.00, that's a real bargain. let us know how they grow.

I have sent a message to the seller of my Red Robin plants explaining they have dried up and withered. I just need to take a pic and maybe they will replace or refund even though its after a month but they were not cheap. It was new compost in the pots so no idea why the leaves are dry and fallen off and there are black spots on the leaves too??

Grand national tomorrow, anyone having a wee flutter?

Have a good day everyone

Florence in the hebrides

I am pleased that you are getting your finances sorted Joan.
I ent and got Esme up and ready for school this morning, she was tired, but is now in school and I am home My daughter should have been home by now, but she seems to be stuck in Schipol airport, so her plane must be delayed. That will be the last thing she needs as she will be really jet lagged.

The electricians are here, testing all the circuits, all is well so far. They will then put all the new light fittings up. I am looking forward to that as every room currently just has a length of wire with a bare bulb dangling from it

Hopefully, I can get into the garden later. I need to tie in some shrubs to the screening trellis on the decking.Inwas going to do it yesterday, but I couldn’t find the twine. It is in the bottom shed apparently, so I will search for it soon

Lovely to see you posting Joan and I also am pleased to hear that the pension has been sorted now. Pleased you have been able to go out in your garden it makes a difference to the day when we are able to get outside and be productive . A little bit at a time and you will get it done and if sunny build up your Vitamin. D as well.

I have been out weeding the planters and potted up 3 bare root roses that I paid £2 each for at a Poundland shop. They have good roots on so hopefully they will grow well.
Also been to the dentist this morning thankfully all ok so hopefully the next visit will be in 6months. :-) :-)

Hope everyone enjoys some dry and warmer weather.

Ginnie

I'm glad to hear that your money problems are sorted out , Joan - or soon will be. Worrying about money just makes any situation feel so much worse.

I find cutting back bushes is a very soothing occupation - and quite addictive!

It's good that your socket has been moved at last, Linda, without anyone having an accident with the trailing cables.
For electrical things, I use several extension leads permanently in different places, as the power sockets in this house aren't where I would choose to have them if starting from scratch. But the cables are all safely out of the way behind bits of furniture.

My coat now smells fresh and clean.
I've even ironed it with a cool iron, as the label recommends. Apparently that will restore its water repellent properties which sounds surprising, but I suppose the makers know best!

I'm sure you will have found something interesting to do this afternoon, Florence, and will now be thinking what to have for tea!

EDIT -
Oops, I've just read your last post, and see that you have already decided!

Just popped on and so glad to see you posting Joan.
Even more pleased for you that the pension has finally been sorted and you will get a replacement cheque. the little from the Union is a nice surprise too. havent heard of a cheque bouncing since i worked in the bank years ago lol but yes it would need 2 signatures.

Although the horrid rain has gone, its now very very windy at over 50 mph so im guessing no ferries again and i have a delivery coming on Saturday but not as large as the last one.

I so want to get in my garden and pot up plants etc but still too cold. The weeds have grown in the empty pots again but the wind would blow me over!

Decided on a chicken bolognaise for tea as i don't eat meat and really looking forward to it. Still some Tzatziki from yesterday too to finish up.

I am so glad that this thread helps people especially when they find themselves on their own and need a place to chat or let off steam. Anyone is welcome to join whether that be daily, weekly or just whenever they feel like it.

I am glad Joan that we have all helped you and others. <3

Florence in the hebrides

hello Joan. so pleased that you have been able to get out in the garden today, it does make such a difference, as I know.

Also great to hear that hubby's pension is sorted and that the union have paid up as well.

As you, like myself, were together as a couple for so long, it is going to take much longer to get used to being 'just you'. It is hard, it is over three years for me now and I still have the feeling that he might walk through the door. And how I wish he could. The 'missing' does ease Joan but I am sure it will always be there. I think we should be grateful though that we had somebody we loved so much and who loved us that losing them is hard. It would be awful to have had such a sad wasted life that we didn't miss them at all. Keep doing what you are doing enjoy your garden and your family when you see them and you will get there. <3

Good afternooon to everyone.

After several days of heavy rain today (at last) we have a lovely bright sunny & warm day.
I have been outside this afternoon & managed to do a bit more cutting back & lowering of the rather long hedging in the side gardem, it's not too difficult but it is very prickly (Rugosa) & the tiny prickly bits can be a pest, they even manage to get through my gloves so I have to be slow & careful.

After not doing very much outside so far this year I am not as "fit" as I was last year & I have to take several breaks, it will take some time to reduce the hedging to where I want it to be but I will get there eventually.

My late hubbys Private pension with the Royal Mail has at last beeen sorted, & I no longer have to survive on just my State Pension !

Bit of a hiccup with the Post Office union though, it started offf well, Jack had continued his membership & I was informed that I was entitled to a Death grant, not a huge ammount but very welcome all the same.
Anyway the rep came to the house & delivered the cheque in person, it was deposited into the bank last Friday & come Monday this week it BOUNCED !!

I couldn't believe it, however it was soon sorted, apparently the cheque should have had 2 signatures but there was only on, the rep was very apologetic.
Fingers crossed the next cheque will be in order.

Still not received the re-issued cheque for the I Tax over payment, it is supposed to be with me by the 17th of this month, just hope it is AND they have got my status correct this time (Mrs & not Dr ) as I really don't enjoy being on hold for an hour or more !!

I am still not very settled after losing Jack, I miss him soo much, I feel much older now that I am on my own.

Anyway enough of me, everyone on the thread sounds to be busy with various things, I do like to read about what your are all doing.
As usual Linda you never seem to stop, what with the new house & all that's going on there & caring for your children you take my breath away. You take care.

Thanks to you all for being there, the GR boards & in particular THIS thread helps to keep me sane.

Joan.