General Chat

Afternoon All,

Much warmer here today and dry so far, so not much heating needed.

I read about that with PPIs a few days ago too AnnG. OH has taken them for many years and it isn't the only risk with taking them. I mentioned on here a few years ago about the risk of osteoporosis and how I badgered OH for a few years to get his bone density checked because of taking them long term. Guess what, as he was eventually persuaded to go and ask to be checked, he was found to be borderline for osteoporosis and the medics were so surprised with him being a man and only in his 60s! At least he got to be treated early for it with getting checked. The problem is with the osteoporosis rink is that the PPIs stop calcium being absorbed for your bones. Similarly with my thyroid medication, fibre, calcium, iron, coffee and tea can affect that being absorbed, so my mostly skipping breakfast helps or I take my meds a bit earlier in the morning.

I bet your display looks lovely now you have it done and you've got all the lights working. I bet it looks magical with the room light switched off and I'm sure your visitors will appreciate you setting it up again. I wonder what has stopped Jake coming to help with your roof and hope he and the family are ok.

That's good Stu has managed to get your bumper back in place and safe Mel and I hope there is plenty to pick for the ring. I always look forward to seeing that. Did Stu remember the book this time? It sounds like the Stoat has been keeping the Rabbit population down for you.

Vera I just looked at your Fuschia and think it is a lovely delicate one that drips with flowers, really pretty. Good idea to have hired a gown as they must cost a lot, usually just for the one occasion so your granddaughter is a sensible girl.. You are lucky if you are still getting your garden bin emptied as our have stopped now till next March.

I've had 6 scam emails today, all pretending to be my broadband provider! I reported them all, but it's a sign Christmas is coming now the robbers are out to trick us!

Hi all yes I did take pics today as I made the ring and then when I eventually got it in the church. I drove up there and the outside gates to the porch were locked or so I thought. i had tried them twice so I went back to the car and put it all back in there and drove to Jim's house which is in the big house grounds, and there was no answer so they were out. I came home and thought I will just ring Sheila (our reader) and see if she has a key. No answer...... so I was just going to have a sit down and my phone rang. It was Sheila just come in and heard my message. She told me the gates were'nt locked but were stiff. I told her I had tried them twice but they would'nt open so she said she would come down and meet me in 5 mins after putting Boris in the car to give him a walk round the churchyard while we saw to the door. No sooner than she arrived they started shooting again, its been going on all day, and Boris does not like guns banging so he had to stay in the car. Anyway by the time she had arrived I had the gate open and had nearly finished putting it on the stand. She would have known I got in as I had all the lights on. She thanked me and said she was going to ring me to see if I would do it again this year but she forgot. She knows I do it every year as I have done for most of the years I have lived here about 33 or 4.I used to do a big arch over the church door when I had oh to help me put it up.

After doing that I called into Em's with here eggs as she was coming down for 6 today. She had come while I was out but the second time I went up there I had taken the eggs with me as I pass her house on the way to the church.

I came in and made myself a nice COC and had a small apple strudle I had made with the left over puff pastry from the dinner on Thurday. It had gone a bit rubbery but I was determined to eat it so I used a jknife and fork as my teeth don't bite well.

I'll send the pics later as I need a well earned rest now.

Thank you for the photos Ann the village is wonderful I could spend ages there.

Yes Vera you are right. It was his youngest who suffers with chest infections and he had taken her to hospital Riley was worried it might have been one of the children but it was strange that both he and his partner’s phones were switched off. He was going to check on him and get him to contact me, Riley has not got my contact details, only Jake. Riley did an excellent job on his own and made sure it was all safe to leave until Monday. He was here working from 0945 until gone 4pm. He was very tired. Still not heard anything so I hope the children are Ok there are so many bugs around.

Good afternoon

It’s been a much warmer day today getting to 12 degrees but I’ve felt colder than yesterday. Maybe it’s psychological as there has been no sun at all today, just grey cloud.

This morning I wrote a few cards but after I had done 4 my hand tremor started so if you get a card that looks as though it’s been written by a drunken mouse you’ll know why. I had to give up after 6 or 7 cards. I also went online and ordered a couple of presents and answered some emails. Then I got lunch which is normally OH’s job but he was busy in the garden. He has dug up all the roots of the shrub he cut down yesterday, sieved all the earth and refilled the hole that was left so it’s tidy until we put a fuchsia there in the spring.

This afternoon I’ve given OH’s en suite and the downstairs cloakroom a thorough clean and cleaned up a bit in the utility and now my back is saying it’s had enough so I’m laying on the bed with some heat on my back and pillows propped up behind me.

Mel, let us see a photo of your advent ring when you have finished it please. You are very good to make it for the church each year.

I hope nothing bad has happened to Jake AnnG. Didn’t he have an emergency with one of his children when he was doing a job for you once before or have I muddled him up with someone else?

I think I’m going to watch something on my iPad while I’m resting my back and then get up and prepare and cook our dinner. Have an enjoyable evening and a good night everyone.

Thanks for that about my meds and I think Mandy is on one of those too.

Been to Stuart's and he has popped the bumper back for me so it dos'nt look so bad now and its safe to drive. One job out of the way. I have also been to the shop and and while I was there I asked Keith if he could tell me what my licience number was and he showed me. He also said it was a I and not a one as it did'nt have a serif on it. I learnt something there as I never new it was called a Serrif on a 1. He also said something about the i not having a something serrif but I did'nt remember that.

Done some wiring of the ring and have found the candles and the holly berries and my tummy is grumbling so I thinjk I should have soemthing to eat before I carry on with it.

I keep meaning to say I saw the Stoat run across the border a couple of days ago but I have not seen a rabbit in the garden for weeks now. The last one I saw was in my trap and I disposed of that to the Buzzard.

Well that is the cottages set up and the two not working now working, and also all the little figures are in place. No doubt they will keep falling over as usual and need standing up again.

Riley has been working on his own all morning he has not been able to contact Jake and Jake has not phoned him so we are worried that they have had an emergency with one of the children or something. Anyway he has got on well He usually does the more complicated work anyway. The only thing he can't manage is to get the facia boards up so he is finishing npw and will go and see if he can find out what has happened to Jake. Quite worrying really so hopefully they will let me know.

This might be of concern from the Mail on line.

Millions of Brits 'hooked' on medication to manage acid reflux that's putting them at risk of dementia, a top pharmacist has warned. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the UK's most widely used drugs, with 73 million NHS prescriptions dispensed in England in 2022-23, at a cost of £190m. The drugs, like omeprazole and lansoprazole, help to reduce the amount of acid inside the stomach, limiting the distressing symptoms of reflux, also called heartburn- including pain and difficulty swallowing. However, studies have suggested that long-term use could increase the risk of developing dementia. A 2023 US study published in the journal Neurology found that taking PPI medications such as omeprazole, esomeprazole and lansoprazole for more than four and a half years could make you 33 per cent more likely to develop dementia, compared to those who've never taken it.

Ah, I just wondered as it's Advent tomorrow.

Morning all,

Its bright and quite sunny at the moment and pc says 14 degrees and cloudy.

Yes I will make the advent ring again this year but first I have to go down the church and get the stand and find the ring as it has a bit in the middle that the candle stands on.

My decs are in the lounge where I can get to them easily as oh could'nt get up in the loft to get them down. Must get on as I have to pick everything for the ring and Stuart is coming late morning to look at the car for me. I found my wires which is always a job as I can't leave them in the shed where I do it as they go rusty.

Did'nt sleep quite so long this morning but still later than I would have liked.

Good morning all. 10 degrees here so should fell mild but as it is still early it is hard to tell. Jake and dad coming back this morning to finish the job not sure what time. Then Tesco 4-5 this afternoon. Probably set the figures out with the cottages. Have a couple to check though as their lights are not coming on. A loose connection or maybe a bulb gone could be the problem. If I can’t fix it they will have to stay without lights.
Mandy if I carried them down and left them in a box I would need a very large box. They are all in individual boxes, the largest of which is 10”X8”. Actually I am up and down the stairs all the time as my office is upstairs and I spend a lot of time up there. It is probably good for me. Good job there are only7 houses though as I only carry one at a time.
Vera, My card reader is sealed, no access for a battery, I just have to send for a replacement when the card packs up. Which I have done. I can’t remember where I found my daily limit but I did eventually find ‘manage limit’ so will increase mine when I get the new reader.
Ann thank you for the photos, that looks an interesting place, lots of Christmas decs to look at and love those bowls. Shame it is so hard to walk around though I would find that very tiring and I also, these days, find it quite frightening walking down steep slopes. There is one coffee shop we like in Maryport which is at the top of a hill from where we park the car, ok (If a bit breathless going up but quite frightening walking back down.
I actually wonder about putting the cottages in the garage but there is no internal door so that would also be a trudge to carry them all in. I will think about that.(once the roof is finished).
Gwyn I can’t imagine not decorating at all for Christmas, even though I am away for the main event. We always loved Christmas. Luckily we had put all the main decs down from the loft before T died. I can;t remember as 2020 is a bit of a blur but I think I still put a few things up in 2020 even though T was in hospital. Since then I have gradually got back to what was our normal albeit with a smaller tree as the one we had is still in the loft.

Morning everyone, Chilly, but still and dry here, so should be OK for getting on with our really busy day.

Mel, Are you making your Advent ring for the church this year?
I know you usually do.

Silly me Mel losing the plot and mixing up your BIL with Stu!

I will send a few pics of the model village tomorrow and read the other posts.

I've just tried sending the necklace again Gwyn.

Thank you for the photos Annx. It looks an interesting place.Shame about all the change of levels for you. The wash basins remind me of the ones they had in Dobbies in Ashford, - I rather liked the colourful pansy one there.
The colours of the tree are the modern look and although pretty, I prefer a traditional green tree.
The photos came through just fine, although I never did get the ones of the pendant :-S

I think we all get exasperated, when we find difficulty in completing a once-easy task.
I'm sure carrying things up and down stairs is really tiring, but you will enjoy looking at your cottages AnnG.

Vera, I had to smile at your independant grandaughter. She saved herself a lot of money by not hiring a gown. I know when our youngest graduated over 20 years ago, I thought it was expensive and the cost has bound to have increased greatly.
Sounds like your OH has been really busy in your garden. He sounds very eager, even if he does get carried away at times ;-)

Mandy, I see you too are preparing to decorate for Christmas. We display our cards, but haven't really decorated, as such for several years now.
The school caretaker went off to buy the school Christmas tree on Thursday, when I was there, so I expect that will be up and decorated, when I go in next week. The school hall usually looks lovely during December and the children are usually allowed to wear their Christmas jumpers from 1st December until the last day of term. That's Friday 20th this year returning on 6th January..

Mel, I would love your crumble. :-D I didn't freeze any blackberries this year, but there is some apple ready in the freezer, so maybe a crumble could be on the menu here too. We don't usually bother with a dessert after our evening meal, but in this cold weather those 'comfort' puds are very welcome.
After my blood tests next week, when I know that amongst other things they will test cholesterol levels, maybe I can indulge ;-)

All pics recieved Ann and thankj you for sending them. It is not BIL who has Parkinsons but Stuart the chap who does my car for me.

Well its been cloudy all day and we've had a little rain but its still 12 degrees here now, at this very moment!! Sorry Anng.

Vera the Hawkshead Fuschia sounds just right for your corner and it has such love pure white flowers.

That muted thing has gone from my thread tab now.

I have a nice piece of natural smoked haddock for tea tonight and I will finish up the last of the crumble.

Afternoon All,

A chilly morning here but dry and no frost. We had a better journey than expected as it usually takes an hour, but OH said the schools were closed today, I'm sure he said so the teachers could do Christmas shopping, so there was no conjestion round two of the village schools we have to pass. I'd forgotten how steep it was from the carpark to the doors and then the whole site is so hilly inside and outside. I was shuffling downhill to the restaurant and wondering if I'd manage to get back up! Brekkie was cosy and nice being locally sourced and the windows look out over countryside. The big fish tank was emptied during the pandemic but has those fancy fan tailed goldfish in again now. The display was good but like most places not as good as in the past, except for the model village which was still good. I took some pics but there were too many people at one end of the village to get close enough. OH put me off the ceramic cottages with a barage of questions, was it just for Christmas time, where did I intend to put it (don't tempt me with an answer I thought, but didn't say!!). It gave me chance to see more variety than locally though and I think I will still get a small one online. I wasn't keen on any of their Christmas cards and I don't know where all the glittery ones have gone. We then tramped down to the bottom and up the steep slope where other older ladies were clinging to the bannister as they shuffled down too and to the end where the jigsaws were. Were being the operative word as none were to be found. OH discovered that they'd been moved to the childrens' area at the far other end of the shop, but as it was still a trek to the tills I decided it was too far and I would order one on line instead.

Mel what made BIL get another mower? Is it better for him in some way as well as more reliable? He does well to manage to help you so much with having Parkinson's. Hopefully the mowing will be easier for him next year now. It sounds like Stu really enjoyed the meal you did for him. I was surprised not to need a new photo last time I renewed my driving locence as well.

I hope they've managed to get on with your roof today AnnG. It's a cost you could do without, but once it's done and good again, it won't be hanging over you to become a worse problem. I know you have a lot to wrap presents for, so you must be glad to have almost finished now. I can see it must be quite a job going up and down stairs to bring your cottages down and set them out. We are hoping to move our Christmas decorations into the garage once we eventually get them down from the loft, so it will be easier to get them when we need them. I must admit I hate my rarely used cardreader because I forget what to do with it. I bet the batteries in mine are nearly flat too.

Mandy, much as I know rats are clean and intelligent, they don't go in clean places do they and I could never have one as a pet. Our neighbour the other side of us took his bird table down years ago after seeing a rat on it. I think the fact there is a ditch in the field behind our bottom fence encourages them especially as it is overgrown. The neighbour the other side of us puts food out all the time. I think we may have to get some bait too. I don't like harming anything but they can breed so fast you can soon become overun with them.

I'll seeif I can send some pics now, probably more than one email.

Mel, I am moving down to live with you. 12 degrees at 10 am when you posted! The warmest it has got all day here has been 7 degrees and it has dropped to 5 now. Still, it has been bright and dry so it could be worse. I too thought your bil had just had repairs done to your mower and got it working and wondered why he bought another one. It sounds as though you and Stu had a good dinner yesterday. I like the thought of apple and blackberry crumble and cream. I like anything with apples.

AnnG, you’ve made me think that I ought to get a spare battery for my card reader. I don’t think I have a daily allowance but I do get asked to use the reader if I try to transfer an unusually large amount, particularly if it’s to a new payee. On one occasion the payment was blocked and the bank’s fraud department rang me. As soon as I explained why this largish amount was being transferred the payment was unblocked and went through. It was a pain but all done very quickly and I was pleased that their security was tight. They were really only making sure I wasn’t being scammed. I’m not surprised that you are tired after carrying your Christmas cottages and things downstairs and getting them set up. I think we’re all the same and still expect to be able to do what we did easily 20 years ago.

Annx, it’s good that your tap is fixed but I can’t believe you are still having problems with your front door lock. What a saga that has turned out to be. I smiled when you wrote you had seen your big squirrel as earlier that day I had been banging on the window to frighten off our resident squirrel. It didn’t work – he just sat up and stared at me. He buries walnuts everywhere so in the spring/summer we are constantly pulling up little walnut tree saplings. This time I thought at first he was burying a nut in one of our troughs. Only then I realized the cheeky thing was trying to dig up the daffodil bulbs I had recently planted. You know the effforts I had to go to get all those bulbs planted so I was not pleased. Eventually I frightened him off but I am keeping a wary eye out for him.

I just paused to go downstairs in search of the tea OH was making nearly three quarters of an hour ago an hour ago. The tea was made but the man who was supposed to be bringing it up to me was nodding away in front of the television. What would you do with him? I am now drinking my stewed cuppa.

To be fair to him he has used a lot of energy in the garden this morning. We have 2 physocarpus shrubs in opposite diagonal corners of the garden. It’s only a small garden but they must each be in their own little micro-climate as they have grown differently. One is fine as it is at the moment but the other one is way too big. OH has cut it down and thinned it out for the last 2 years but it just seems to give it a new lease of life and it grows even more. This year it has grown to over 7 ft and extended a lot widthways so it has to go. Today OH has cut all the branches off and chopped it down to ground level and cut everything up and stuffed it in the garden bin which was empty and is now very full. It took him most of the morning. He still has to dig the roots out. I wouldn’t let him touch the shrub till we had agreed what was going in its place as, left to his own devices, he’ll plant something that doesn’t look right at all. We’ve decided that in the spring we will move a fuchsia with delicate white flowers from a strip down the side of our garage to the back and plant something else by the garage. I couldn’t find the name of the fuchsia but looking online I think it might be Hawkshead. At the moment it’s about a metre tall, though I expect we’ll need to cut it back a little bit when we move it but a metre or just a little taller will be perfect where we want it to go.

Mandy, I don’t think anyone likes rats much. We had one that used to come in the garden but by watching it OH realized it was going under the back fence and under the shed in the garden behind us. OH told the nice young couple in the house at the back of us and they put bait down and we haven’t seen a rat since, thank goodness.

A couple of days ago it was the graduation ceremony for one of my granddaughters who graduated in June with a degree in performing arts. She sent me a very short video of her throwing her boyfriend’s mortar board in the air and him catching it. So I texted to thank her and asked where her cap and gown were. The answer I received was that she hadn’t bothered with the cap and gown as she liked what she had chosen to wear and wanted it to be seen. I had to laugh as this is so F. She has been Miss Independent since she was a toddler. I could just imagine all these students going on the stage to collect their degrees wearing uni caps and gowns with F. in the middle without hers. She would certainly have stood out. She later borrowed boyfriend’s and someone snapped her wearing them so we do have a photo of her looking like a graduating student.

About time I stopped typing I think. You must be going boss-eyed reading it all and I need to think about starting to cook our dinner. I hope you all have a good night. “See” you over the weekend.

Afternoon all,

Very frosty here first thing but by the time we went shopping the frost had gone and its been lovely and sunny but very chilly .
We were going into the church to look at the trees but after stacking all the wood yesterday we are both feeling tired out so we'll go in the morning .

Oh Mel that was a surprise a new mower , I thought he had done the old one up ,maybe it was a good black Friday deal .

Anng could you bring a few of your cottages down each day when you get up ,have a box downstairs to put them in and when you have them all down then set them out , I have a shopping bag and bring a few bits down like the tree lights and the outside lights and the decorations for the tree are all in a box so when I have them all down I make a start ,its hard work keep going up and down the stairs .

Oh goodness Ann I hate rats that's why we took ths feeder down because we saw a rat ,the birds were dropping the seed and he/she was coming in to get the seed and then I saw it climb the feeder ,it didn't take any notice when I banged on the conservatory window ,just sat looking at me .
Next door feeds the birds and the squirrels and we know the rats are still about as we have a rat box that Colin fills with the bait ,the bait blocks slide on a meta pole bit inside so they come in one end of the box eat the bait and go out the other end ,only this week Colin looked in the bait box and all the bait had gone .

Why has he done that Mel, I thought the old one was ok now.

I am shattered. just putting the cottages into place. Got them down out of the cupboard this morning and putting them in place this afternoon but they all have to be carried down from upstairs. I have actually always done all this on my own, usually when T was at golf but it gets harder each year. Trouble is I always want it all done quickly and I can't do that any more.

BIL rang to say he's not coming as he is full of cold and wifes had it too. Pleased as I don't want it. Guess what??? He has only gone and bought a new mower!!!!!!!!!!!!!!