General Chat

Morning all,

16 degrees here and quite bright but pc says mostly cloudy.

BIL is here and I had a lie in this morning so I was'nt dressed or done my hair.

When you look at this compost it looks like grass cutting and pine needles which a lot of plants don't like. I think it mostly made with stuff from our green bins so we are buying back stuff we have paid for to take away. I can remember someone saying years ago that the only plants that could take the pine needles were Strawberries. I know they have these big plants that heat all the waste up which is like what happens in our home compost bins but I don't think it is good for the plants. I have bought Westlands peat free this year but did have some of my compost left from last year. I have so far used forty litre of the new compost so it will be interesting to see how those plants in it do. Also growing places could use compost left from last year and nutriants can leak out . When I had the nursary we used compost left from the year before and all those plants looked sick and it was mostly Pansies. When Monty uses the peat free he adds perlite and leafmoud which retains the moisture better than just the compost. I am going to see what my leafmould is like as I have a big bag of it behind my shed in the orchard which I have filled to the top twice with leaves from the garden and its now down to about a foot to 15 inches deep. Its one of those big white bags that sand came in like the bags of fertilizer the farmers have.

Good morning all 11 degrees here at the moment but bright and sunnt. I don't mind it being a bit cooler but nice if it stays bright.

going back to the compost. Looking at the 'root' balls of plants that have given up this year bought from garden centres, I think the problem stems from the actual planting of them by the growers. I bought plants later this year as I was away in May and when the plants have given up and died (even though watered as usual); there are hardly any roots formed. I am thinking that the growers have stopped using peat as well causing the problem.

I didn't have much success with it last year so tried a different brand this year. Always add pearlite. This compost seems to either go 'claggy' when wet or like concrete when dry. Lots in my garden group complain about it.

I am just asking but is this the first you have both used peat free compost? Try adding a bit of pearlite or some of those water retention granuals. I have added it to mine.

Thank you for all the comments re my dress. The jacket was bought with the dress as a set, I love the colour as well. I was just surprised and pleased that after twelve years it still fits. I think I have to find something else for the evening ‘do’. The wedding starts at 1.30 so it will be a long day so I think we will change as we are staying in the hotel it is held.

You had a busy day Annx and My plants from this year just seem to have stood still. I am leaving them hoping they will revive if it rains.

My head isn't too bad at the moment. I've started on the increased dosage of my beta blockers but it's too early yet to see if they are going to lessen the frequency and severity of the migraines.

I had a funny spell yesterday. We had our evening meal although I could only manage to eat half of mine. Almost immediately after eating I started coughing and coughed all evening and a good part of the night. I also spent the night alternately shivering and sweating. I felt dreadful when I got up this morning, so much so that I did a Covid test which was negative. I was concerned as we are going to a fundraiser coffee morning tomorrow and I was supposed to be making a cake. The strange thing was that after I had been up a couple of hours I suddenly felt better, stopped coughing and haven't coughed since. Goodness knows what that was all about but I don't seem to have any after effects.

I made my cake but I am not sure it has been very successful. It is a double orange cake and I've only made it once before, a long while ago. It was very successful then. However today's version doesn't seem to have risen up very much and I think might be a bit stodgy. It has a basic glace icing which is icing sugar and the juice of half a large orange. I only mixed it with half the amount of juice the recipe said and it was quite runny. I'll have a look at it in the morning and if I am still not happy I'll take a shop bought lemon drizzle cake that came with my delivery from Sainsbury's today..

I'm now going to email Sainsbury's with a complaint. Last time they delivered Braeburn apples instead of Gala and today they did the same. These aren't subs, it seems the picker has taken them from the wrong bit of the shelf. They do look a bit similar but he/she needs to be a bit more careful. Added to that I ordered just 2 bananas and they both arrived so badly bruised that even without peeling them you can tell they are all soft and brown inside. I know the apples and bananas didn't cost much but I think the company should be told. My suspicion is that the pickers are only given a limited time to fulfil their orders and don't have time to spend checking that the products are OK.

OH has just handed me a bit of paper on which he has written that some money should be transferred from one bank account to another of our accounts. Why is that my job? He's perfectly capable of doing it himself. When did I become his secretary? Oh yes, I remember, it would have been the day we married 61 years ago
To be fair he still checks over the monthly accounts, bank and credit card statements etc but I know he would happily hand them over if I offered to do them.

Time is getting on and I have things to do before I can sit down with the crossword or go to bed with my book so I'll say goodnight. Sleep well everyone.

It's good to see you are OK Annx. How annoying to find the label on your baking tin covering up scratches. That's very artful of them to put the label there. I used to like EWM as well but our shop closed and I haven't seen another one anywhere locally. I have bought OH a jumper or two from their online shop but I like to try on things like skirts and trousers.

It's funny how shorter ladies always say trousers in the stores are too long and we lanky ones are always moaning they are too short. Several of my friends pick up decent everyday trousers at Bon Marche but they don't do any longer than 29" which dangle somewhere above my ankle and make me look like Orphan Annie.

Mel, I hope you can get your wedding outfit sorted and do get your hair cut. It will probably thicken up when it is shorter and you know what they say - a change is as good as a rest. You might find you like the new shorter-haired you.

Gosh, Mandy, you are a one woman poppy factory. At this rate you'll be able to cover all the post boxes in town by yourself.

I hope your itching is easing now you have antihistamines as well Gwyn. It's lovely that the children had a beach day but I expect they missed you. I can't remember having such lovely outings when I was at school. In fact the only one I can remember was the first year pupils at our grammar school were always taken to a farm at Dunton Green. All I can remember of my visit there was that it rained and the farm was excessively muddy!

I haven't done this on my usual copy and paste system so think I will post it now before I lose it and then carry on in a separate post.

Evening All,

We are both ok thanks, but I had to help OH yesterday and then had one of those nights where I just couldn't get to sleep for hours. I started a post this morning, then had to do something else for OH, then lunch, then I escaped to the Factory Shop as he was having a very long phone conversation I could hear and I couldn't concentrate on what I wanted to do. At least I was able to use my £5 off £20 voucher and bought a cool, loose top, a replacement baking tin and cat mug! Annoyingly, when I peeled off the stick on label that was on the tin, I found it was covering several scuffs and scratches so it will have to go back!

Well the temperature has really dropped here now, PC says 18 degrees. and there was a nice breeze earlier but it feels a bit humid now. We had grey clouds but no rain which is what we need. I have given up on all but a tub of petunias now and even they don't look healthy. I think the heat has added to the compost problem. At this rate, next year I will be just having cacti and house leeks in my pots!

That's a shame about your trousers Mel, but if you can get them altered at least there is time. I am 5' 2" as well and have to alter most things. I find very few places stock shorter lengths in trousers, but M&S do. Hopefully your top will be ok. As AnnG says, it's a good idea to have your hair cut if it's getting thin and just below the shoulders is a good length to start with as you could still put it up if or when you want. She is right about Edinburgh Mill having a nice selection of clothes for weddings, as I was in their store in the garden centre down the road from here recently to look at their tops and thought it looked as if they had had a lot of new stock in..

Even more poppies Mandy! I wonder what your final total will be. What a nuisance about the wool for your new patterns though. I hope the new wool is just as nice and has been delivered now.

Thank you for the photos AnnG. I think your wedding outfit suits you perfectly and I love the jacket, as it's one of my favourite colours. The dress won't crease and looks comfortable to wear and is a nice length too. I hope that cough is on it's way too as they can be exhausting. So Cynth not only gave you it, but left you her garden to look after too.

I hope the headaches haven't been troublesome again Vera and that you are feeling better again. It has been so much hotter where you are which itself is very draining.

I hope the itching has been less today Gwyn. It's good you have finished them now, but a shame you missed the beach and expect the children missed you being there too.

An early night for me to catch up on the hours I lost last night. I hope everyone sleeps well. A bit of lemon juice and honey in a small glass of water to sip helps ease those tickles AnnG.

The last post I forgot to post!! again......

There is a Edinburgh wool shop in Bideford at Atlantic village if its still there/ I hav'nt been to Bideford since before lockdown. We used to have a nice dress shop ladies outfitters in Holsworthy but that went with covid. Theres only the factory shop there now and they did'nt have anything I liked. Years ago mum and I sold ladies clothes from her house and I only lived four doors up the road she was on the corner of. We sold Eastex, D L Barron, Jean Veron, Windsmoor, London Pride, Louis Ferro, and lots of other good makes it sort of spoiled me as I had such a lovely wardrobe of what would have been expensive clothes. Barnstaple is miles away and I don't like to go far on my own incase I breakdown. I'd rather have someone with me.

Been out in the garden this afternoon and now I must go round and corn the chickens.

Smoked haddock and broccoli tonight and fresh fruit afterwards.

Mandy I have to have long or three quarter sleeve because of my sensitive skin.

Thank you for the photos Ann.
You look very smart, but comfortable too.What a lovely outfit.

I wore a matching top and skirt in a similar weight material to your dress, when my niece got married and Ihad a plain jacket on top. My outfit was in pale turquoise tones and is so easy to care for, as it can all just go in the washing machine. These were all Eastex bought at great reduction prices, when they had a sale.

Anng's dress is pretty isn't it and the jacket goes well with it too, why not recycle Anng the royals do it ,it's a shame when things are only worn once and then just hang in the wardrobe .

Mel why don't you go for a cami top you could get a patterned one or just a plain one and then get a jacket like Anng's ,Bon Marche had a nice one in a few colours .

Bathroom all nice and clean now ,mats washed and back down just waiting for my wool delivery between 3 and 5 .

Mel last wedding I went to in 2022 I wore a matching skirt and top bought in Edinburfh Wool, they do have quite a good selection usually. The last time I wore a dress was daughter's wedding in 2018 and that was one I bought for a cruise in 2016. for second grandson's wedding in 2014 I wore a pale pink trouser suit (M&S). these days there is no uniform for weddings just as long as you are comfortable and avoid the colours suggested by the bride.
Can you not get to the shops to have a look? Some towns still have Edinburgh wool but otherwise they tend to have franchises in garden centres. Just checked there is an EW shop in Bideford.

All photos recieved and what a great outfit. I just wish mine could be as good. I did find a green collon top that would be ok with the trousers if I can get them altered but I hav'nt got a jacket that would cover the top of either the one I have or the one thats supposed to be coming. I could'nt tell you the lasttime I wore a dress like Mandy.

Hazel from up the top came down this morning and had a COC with me and we had a nice chat. I had forgotten I had'nt fed th girls so they had a late breakfast. Still got the broody who is a right pain.

Anng I looked back and saw Annx had'nt posted I do hope they are both ok.

Still bright here, some sun 16 degrees so quite pleasant. I am not going out, cancelled the photography group attendance, sent my photos by email so they will still get looked at but didn't want to risk a coughing fit there.

I have hopefully sent the photos now, let me know when you get them.

Mel, that doughnut couldn't have been very fresh it would have been better fed to the birds.

Gwyn shame to miss beach day but that is what comes of being a busy person. Hope the itching stops soon.

Mandy I am sure that wool will get used at some stage. Well done on the 55 poppies. Once you start you can't stop.

I still don't have any energy and now I am in charge of watering Cynth's garden as well. So it will be extra good if it rains.

hope you all slept well last night and Vera hope that your headache has disappeared now.

As somebody said, I can't remember if Ann was on here yesterday so hope all is OK there. Somehow I thought I saw her but haven't checked back.

Morning all,

Its dull dreary and cold here today 15 degrees and really miserable. I have been up to the post van so thats something else out of the way.

It sounds like you r cough is on the way out Anng and I do hope so as its not nice keep being woken up and it makes your tummy muscles hurt too. We had a very short sharp shower this mroning just as I went to go out to the van but it was'nt enough to wet the ground really. You are welcome to any rain that comes my way .

Gwyn I hope your itching subsides now you have finished your course of Antibiotics. Shame you had to miss the Beach Day with the children. Do they have a sand castle compitision? When we went on holiday my dad would always make me a sandcastle and I remember one in particular that was an alligator with a long waving tail. Funny how certain things spark off a distant memory. I remember he had shells for eyes and toenails.

The poppy count is growing Mandy and a shame you bought the wrong wool and I bet they were just the right colours too. No doubt you will use the wool for something in the future knowing you and your crafts.

Don't think we heard from Annx yesterday hope she is ok and just busy.

Good morning all,
It is forecast to be just a little bit cooler for us today than it was yesterday and breezy.
That could be quite pleasant.

Ann,
I do hope your cough eases further. If you get a decent night's sleep it does help, doesn't it?
What a shame there is so much rain in Scotland, when you need it's help in your area. We are already seeing big cracks in the dry ground in the back garden here.

I hope the lower temperatures will mean better rest for all of you, so that you can face the challenges of the day ahead, especially if you are dealing with various aches and pains.
Well done with all those poppies, Mandy.
So many already !

Yesterday, the whole school, - local primary, where I volunteer went on their Beach Day. I bet they had a super time just playing and digging in the old traditional way as we used to.
Most years I go with them and usually find a job collecting shells to decorate their sandcastles, but I had already arranged to go out with friends yesterday, so I just went to wave them off. I am supposed to be keeping my skin away from sunlight, as required on the instructions label on some recent medication, so I thought it wise not to try to rearrange my lunch arrangements. Unfortunately, I think I might be allergic to the antibiotics, as I itch like crazy, which is a shame, as the nurse went to great pains to find one that was not penicillin-based and was that was compatible with my regular medication. I will talk to her today, so this is noted in my records. I've finished the course, so the symptoms should subside soon.

Morning Anng ,morning all,

Nice bright breezy morning with sunshine, I had a better night's sleep last night the night before I kept waking because of ths heat ,not a lot planned for the day but one job is to give the upstairs bathroom a good clean.

Anng can I see the dress you have for the wedding please , sounds if you had a little bit of a better night's sleep with just the one coughing fit let's hope it's now going to ease up .

Mel you naughty girl eating that doughnut :-D was it still fresh ,that would have definitely given me indegestion eating if after all those days .
Will you keep the trousers and have them altered or havs a look for some more .

I did a silly thing I went out and bought six balls of different colours of double knit wool ready to knit a doll from my new book and when the book came I need 4 ply wool so I ordered some 4 ply from Amazon which should come today ,that will teach me to wait until the book comes , never mind I'll soon use it for other things, poppy count 55 .

Good morning all 13 degrees sunny with cloud, wish we could have a nice long shower so that i could have time off from watering. plants in pots are not growing, they are just standing still. Friend is on a weeks holiday in Scotland and complaining about the rain. Must be frustrating when at home her garden is probably crying out for it.

Vera I will send out photo of the dress I am wearing to the wedding. As I needed to take it via a mirror when wearing it you will have to excuse the phone in the photo.
I didn't sleep too badly once I got to sleep but did have one long coughing fit when I woke up at 12.15. I didn't cough again after that.

I suppose it’s a little bit cooler today but only by a degree or two. It’s still too hot for comfort. Because of the heat I didn’t sleep much again last night and am struggling to stay awake at the moment. I did a bit of deadheading and tidying in the garden but it was too hot to stay outside for long. OH picked our first bowl of blueberries for this year.

I hope your cough is a bit easier this afternoon AnnG. All the coughing must wear you out. Yes, please send us a picture of your wedding outfit.

Will you try to get the trousers altered Mel or will you return them and look for another pair? Did you not have to specify a leg length when you ordered them? Frustrating when you think you’ve found the right thing and it turns out to be wrong. You reminded me that I have a pair of wide leg trousers in a black crepey material that I loved and wore with a silky top to a few evening affairs but I lost weight and they are now very loose round the waist so I can’t wear them anymore.

We went to our coffee meet this morning and 9 of us turned up so lots of chat going back and forth.

I’m going to add a couple of bits to my Sainsbury’s order for tomorrow and then go and find something to do to keep myself awake as I am beginning to get a bit headachey again.