General Chat

Good morning all 10 degrees and dry so far. low cloud and a bit grey. Popping out with a friend over the road at 11. Really exciting, she wants to look at trellis fencing for the top of a low fence.

Ann I imagine there and back is less than a quarter of a mile. There and back is a 20 minute walk for me. I am not a particularly slow walker.

Mel at least BiL is ok anyway. So that is good to know.

BIL came today just s I was getting a parcel ready to go up and post at the shop. He said it was dry and warmer so I did'nt need a coat. Just as we left and drove onto the road it started to rain so I did need a coat like I said I would. Anyway we did the shop and came home and I got my coat and off we went to Mole Valley as I told him I needed chicken food.

I told him he missed my birthday but he had an excuse because his wifes father was visiting so he had to stay home. Then in the week his wife was very short of breath again and she's still at home and got another week off work. He took her to the docs on Friday and she now has a chest infection. She's got another week off work next week too. He is going to work next week as usual.

In MV I bought some tomatoe seeds three packets, I bought Gardeners delight one of my favorites and I know its Annx too, Sungold always been my favorite from when we grew all the veg to sell outside on the barrow, and Burlesque F1 a beefsteak variety. I noticed when in there that not one of the seed packets has a price on now so you don't know what they cost till you get to the till. I also got a bag of nuts for the birds then got to the checkout and BIL paid!!! I was shocked but he said he had forgotten my birthday and that was to make up for it. I won't tell you how much it all cost but I have the bill to see what price the seeds were. I suppose with prices going up all the time they just put the barcodes on things now.

When I got home BIL put both sacks of food in my bins for me so did'nt even have to do that.

I had a nice day and feel much better for just getting out and being able to look out of the car window at whats changed on the was to Mole Valley.

Rosemoor has a nice restaurant but I think it is inside the centre so you would have to pay to get in. But the retail park would be good Mel wonder hat shops they have there.

Afternoon All,

A bit of weak sun today so after I showered and popped to the shop I went to Peatling Parva to look at the snowdrops at the church. It was further than I remembered as I hadn't been since The Shires pub that did fantastic carveries changed hands. The carveries ended then except for Sundays and they only open a few days in the week now. A nice old village farm I passed is up for sale, all signs of the times now. The narrow lanes were good and had been resurfaced, so long stretches with no potholes and the litter pickers with their bags gave me a friendly wave as I went by. Far more cars parked in the village now but I managed to drive up the little road to the church and park. The snowdrops were a bit disappointing this time but crocus and some celandines have been added since I last went. Lots of lovely sphagnum moss, but I had to be careful on the uneven ground. I got a few pics and of the Hall opposite, but the camera focuses on the wrought iron gates so the swathe of spring bulbs beyond look a bit blurred. It was a nice little run out though which was good for my car.

I hope your leg is feeling better after some rest now AnnG. Is it far to Irene's, although I know myself it doesn't need to be far when a leg or knee says enough.

Mandy I think once they have the results of these last blood tests they will be able to decide what injections he will need. I read that about the bone cement as well. Whatever next! Your roast chicken sounds nice and it's good to have something left for bubble and squeak tomorrow.

Mel, the little potters wheel came up on my feed, but if you google there are lots of them, all kinds and sizes on amazon and ebay. I'm not sure if you could do any of your small miniatures on the ones I've seen though, but with little tools you might.

You are probably still a bit down after the bout of flu. More contact, if that's what you want won't come to you unless you do something. I agree with AnnG that there's nothing to stop you going out now you have a more reliable car and can drive. I go to cafes like she does with a paper or magazine for a change of scene You live in a beautiful area, so why not go to Rosemoor Garden, they must have a cafe there too. The Affinity Retail Park is only 13 miles away near Bideford and just off the A39. Do you visit Auntie Joy? You said Stu likes castles like you and you were going to visit some so why not remind him?

Vera I'm glad your OH is improving and I remember OH looked really thin to me and drawn when he lost a lot of weight. Since he put 3-4 lb back on and his weight seems to have redistributed on his body he looks ok now and is the right weight he should be, so I hope your OH does the same. I hope your back soon gets better too.

Mandy you got a lot done on a tired day!!! You will be zooming around when it is an energetic day.
Vera pleased that OH is showing some interest in things. the problem is when we are older and lose a lot of weight we do tend to look drawn. Keep giving him tasty stews and dumplings and similar he will gopefully put on a bit of weight then. It is pouring with rain here, has been all afternoon so it was a good job I went down to Irenes this morning while it was dry.

Youngest Grandson is in Rio De Janeiro. He was at the carnival and has been up sugar Loaf mountain, he does seem to be having a good time which I am pleased about. And was just telling him I have photos here of my Dad on sugar Loaf in 1931. He did a South American tour. The photos are not that good of course but I will have to have a go at copying a couple tomorrow. I do try not to worry about him but it is hard not to.

Afternoon everyone

Much warmer today although there is still a bit of a chilly breeze. So far it has stayed dry.

I hope your bil is OK Mel. Perhaps he is just busy. I can understand that you sometimes feel isolated and lonely but AnnG is right. Just go out for a coffee somewhere. It will give your car a run and take you out where you can at least see people around you. Do any of the larger villages or your nearest town have a U3A group that might interest you? There are bound to be craft groups or something like the garden interests group that AnnG enjoys.

Yes, Mandy, I read something in the paper about the shortage of bone cement. Apparently there was some fault at the German factory where it is manufactured. It's been put right but they reckon the shortage of cement will last for a couple of months.

Your poor OH really has been through the mill Annx. It's a shame they have found something else to monitor with his eyes and I hope it turns out to be nothing much to worry about. Now they want more blood! How much more can they need? At least they are keeping a good watch on him.

My OH is perking up a bit and showing a bit more interest in things generally. He's eating well but looks so small and thin now, just skin and bone. He's still got a bit of pain and not a lot of energy but otherwise says he feels fine. My back is still quite painful but I am sure it will improve in a few days. It always does.

We've got half of yesterday's stew left so in a while I'll heat that up and pop in a couple of dumplings each. In the meantime I fancy a cup of tea with a nice ginger biccy so I'll go and make that now.

Afternoon all,

It's been a nice bright morning with a little sun at times ,first thing it was raining and I thought it had settled in for the day as the sky was so grey.

Ann it must have been windy yesterday if your bin went flying , poor OH all this blood they keep taking its about time they started on some treatment for him .

I saw on the news the other day that there's now a shortage of the cement they use on knee and hip operations so they've cancelled all those operations for two months ,more waiting for the people wanting those operations.

Mel I'd give your bil a call it would stop you wondering and put your mind to rest to find out if he's OK.

Got all my veg done this morning to have our roast chicken tonight ,I've done some extra for bubble and squeak tomorrow.
I also made some sausage rolls ,Colin had a couple for his lunch ,now I'm having g a sit down as it's ons of my feeling tired days

Mel I get what you are saying and living alone it is easy to feel lonely. However, you have a car, which will have a flat battery if you don't run it. Is there not a supermarket or out of town shops in a short driveable distance? If there is, drive there, even if you don't need anything. If there is a cafe, have a cup of coffee. (I find it easier if I have a paper to put in front of me/read). People watch and you won't feel as lone;y for being among people. You don't have to speak to anyone if you don't want to but at least you will be in the outside world. I envy you being still able to drive and having a car. I am assuming that you are not on a bus route to take trips and look at the view even if you go there and straight back.

I have just made myself walk down to Irenes with some books and a few sweaters no lunger required by me. It is dry, not windy but feels damp although not raining. 11 degrees. It was hard work as my legs really didn't want to walk this morning after walking yesterday right leg is quite stiff and achy still I have done it now so I shall go and have a coffee, BBL.

Morning anng and all,

It was misty when I woke up and quite british but now its grey and raining. No change there then!

Not seen or heard from BIL for two weeks today so I wonder if he will turn up today or not???

I keep asking him if he will do thepc for me as this old one is really playing up now and without it I am lost. You lot are my only contact with the outside world really and being alone its a bit like being in prison with these grey wall round me.

Good morning all. We have SUN! and 10 degrees. maybe this is our summer! Bet it doesn't last long.

Ann it is one thing after another for your OH. T used to say once the doctors/NHS get their teeth into you they don't let go,

Mel I have a couple of lap trays standing by different chairs. Depends what time of day it is where I sit. Breakfast is where I can look down the garden from my chair and so is lunch usually. Evening meal is where the light is behind my chair. I read while I eat (I know bad habit and I didn't when T was alive.) so plate and book both rest on the tray, easier for my back. I also use them for writing notes, letters, lists. sometimes card making. If I am really bored for colouring in books. For anything really and I don't have a lap top.

May I ask where you've seen the tiny miniature potters wheel Annx?

Still not seen BIL think I better give him a ring to make sure he's ok. I do wish he'd just give me a ring each week but he never does. A lot can happen in a week and its now two weeks since I have seen him.

When I had the pet shop I used to sell those plastic beans to refill dogs cushions. If you spilt any they were being swept up for weeks. I did'nt have a hoover down there. They came in a huge polythene bage and I had to make them into smaller amounts. I made a paper cone to fill the bags but it was a two person job. I've never had one of those knee tray thing or a laptop holder as Iv'e never had a laptop.

Little and often Vera for oh. Its good he wanted to fil the bird feeder another little step nearer getting back to normal. Sorry your back was hurting did the pills work?

Talking of famous people in ones tree. I do have a William Shakepear but I don't think it was the playwrite. I have got a pikeman who was in the Armarda.

Evening All,

What a miserable wet day and so blustery our waste bin went flying this afternoon. It was lucky you managed to dodge the showers after the hairdresser AnnG. I hate it when your hair is looking good and you have to go out in the rain or wind. I think I will get the small hooks for the curtains. I must admit it's ages since I took curtains down and I had forgotten about the different kinds of hooks!

OH had a result back to do with his eye that had all the lasering before. There is something else now that they need to monitor. He had the result of his blood test today and the extra tablet the surgery prescribed after halving his statin is fine and not causing a problem so that is good. This morning he got a text to arrange more blood tests at our surgery and he doesn't know if these are ones the surgery wants or the ones the hospital wants that he's waiting for a form they are sending. I'm surprised he's got any blood left. Poor chap it seems relentless with one thing after another keep happening.I watched him on youtube at a council meeting last night and he was so articulate and on the ball you wouldn't think anything was wrong to look at him.

Yes it was a surprise with the FH, and I hope it's right, but on this particular FH branch I have found a few Sirs and surprises with a few individuals living in stately homes by managing to go a long way back, but not as far. The wife they found that's furthest back lived in an old manor house in Derbyshire that is NT owned now, but has been added to and only a small amount of the original stone house is left. The church is next to it in the tiny village and has alabaster effigies of some of the family. I must see if I can find the connection. Typical isn't it that I cancelled our NT membership a day or two ago. Our old cards don't run out till April, but when I checked, the Manor isn't open till May! OH said it is only about an hour's travel for us. Curtseying must be a no with our backs on here Mandy! :-D lol.

Vera that was good your OH just filled the birdfeeder. It's made him feel useful and given him a change to be outside for a few minutes. Baby steps as you say. It's good you managed to stretch your legs and deliver the card for the lady who will be 94! She will appreciate it I'm sure. What a nuisance with the laptop cushion. I bet they went everywhere as well.

Mel have you seen those tiny potters wheels for doing miniature things? I didn't even realise they existed. Yes it must be very fiddly getting things out of the moulds. These sound like they are figures you are making now. It was a good idea to hand Stu the meal to take and save him cooking. You don't want to risk catching another cold just now and it helped him as well.

Vera we use to have a bean bag for the children and it needed a wash but it didn't have a liner in it .......well ...... we managed to get most of the polystyrene balls in a bin bag but after a while you got static and as fast as we were trying to fill the bin bag they were all sticking to our hands ,it was a job and a half and I can only say we'd never do it again ,those beans get everywhere and you still find them weeks later .

Dry here now after some rain and there's very grey clouds about ,they did say we might get some thunder but I haven't heard any yet.

Yes that was a nice find for Ann ..... cursty :-D

Mandy she will be too posh for us soon!! exciting though.

Vera baby steps then. good OH did the bird feeder. that will start to make him feel 'normal' again.

I must admit I have looked at the lap tray and wondered what would happen if it split. Now I know, you will be finsing those little balls for ever now.

Afternoon all,
When we first got up I didn't think it seemed as cold and we did see the sun for a while but it didn't last long and now its raining it seems to have turned colder again, we have the fire lit so that makes it nice and cosy inside .
I hoovered through this morning and then got sidetracked doing a bit of the jigsaw ,we've nearly finished it and then we'll start another .

Anng thats good you managed to dodged the showers on your way back from the hairdressers .

Vera just little jobs is probably enough for OH but I'm sure once he has had the rest of his antibiotics he'll start to feel better ,Hope your back eases with the tablets ,take things easy .

Mel your little things must take some getting out of the moulds ,so disappointing if its nearly out and then a tiny bit breaks off ,I think I'd say a few choice words .

Ann I love the gypsy names and a 14th cousin to Elizabeth :-0 will we have to start to curtsey to you :-D

Afternoon all

It’s warmer today but there is still a cold wind so it feels cooler. Dry so far but I think it’s going to be raining again soon.

OH has been cooped up inside for a week now but today he did step into the garden and refill the bird feeder. That was enough for him but all these little steps mean he is making progress.

I got half an hour in the fresh air as well and it was good to get out. I took one of my migraine painkillers as doctor said I could also take them when my back is bad, put a heat pad on my back and went to pop a birthday card through someone’s door. This lady will be 94 tomorrow and physically is getting quite frail but her mind is as sharp as ever.

I hope it stayed dry for your hair appointment AnnG. Invite me to lunch when your potatoes are ready. They have a different flavour when they are really fresh. I like Charlotte pots but don’t think I know Jazzy.

Typing this on my iPad on a lap cushion and the leatherette stuff holding the filling has suddenly torn away from the edge, covering me, the couch and the floor with those little polystyrene balls. Off to get the vacuum cleaner.

I bet you are glad your back home in the warm now Anng. I am just going to get something to eat. I have been taking out my new moulds this morning. They are so tiny in parts I'm glad I did'nt knock any heads or arms or hands off.

And in that short time it is not RAINING and windy.