General Chat

Evening All,

Just lost a post after OH interrupted me and I forgot and closed the window.

Mel, the first thing we did was run the tap thinking it would clear and it's used every day in the ensuite. Thanks for your OH suggesting what our tap problem is caused by Vera. We'll get the boiler man back. I'm not the only one then that goes in a shop for something and comes out again having forgotten to look for it. Since we had trouble with our meds OH insists on checking them before we come home now. What a nuisance having to go back and after you had to queue as well. I would have enjoyed the coffee and walnut cake too and, whistful thoughts, used to make them years ago.

Well at least the garage roof is good now before you see your daughter AnnG, but like with us with the the boiler, one problem has led to another! At least they would be able to get the door open if needs be till they can fix it for you. No post here again today and a parcel that came was left on the doorstep. It was a good job OH thought he heard someone outside.

I hadn't thought about the weight and paying online Mandy. I imagine you weigh and measure your parcel, but unless they check it somehow, they wouldn't know you'd paid the right amount would they? Maybe Mel will be able to tell us.
It's good to hear Jake is doing so well at his job, even if the new recruits didn't last. His boss obviously appreciates him with giving him the beef for his mum. I watched Rueben I'd recorded and really enjoyed it. Kirstie next!

I was up early and made it to the Factory Shop and got some of the things with crystals to try in the windows and a new narrow baking tin I needed. I got the pack of 3 as they weren't scented. I was surprised how cheap they were and can last up to 6 weeks. If they work ok, the 3rd one might be good to try on top of my car dashboard as I get condensation on the windscreen.

Enjoy your dinner out Mel! I wonder what you will have this time.

It's lashing down with rain here now, just like it did last night.

Thank you for the card and seeds Mel, which arrived a short while ago.

Will catch up with threads later, as I have to pop back to school.

Afternoon all,

Nice and bright for a while but now clouded up, 11 degrees out so quite mild again .
Son came with me to take Max to the vets for his yearly jab and kennel cough ,I have to go back for his flea and wormer tablets as they didn't have enough but should be in later today so I'll go in next week to get them ,she Che ked him over and check his ferry lumps he has they don't seem to trouble him and we did have them tested so nothing to worry about ,she also measured a small skin tag he has near his back leg and keep on eye on it to make sure it doesn't grow, think it wore him out as he's now snoring on the sofa .

Went to Aldi for some bits and into screwfix for a Christmas present for son.

Anng thats good your all water tight in the garage now, perhaps it's a spring gone one side on the up and over ,sister had to have hers done as it had gone on one side .

Mel it sounds like the postman collecting your parcels will be very handy ,how do you know how much to pay on the parcels as parcels are usually weighed so I don't understand how it works.

I'm waiting for a parcel to come ,we ordered Jake a rechargable torch for Christmas as we thought it would be handy for him to keep in his car .
He's now very busy at work and I don't think he will have his day off in the week now only Sundays off, he's trying to train someone to do his job so he can serve more in the shop but so far three young lads have started done a week or so then left ,the owner said to Jake is there anymore like you at home as your a good one .
The boss really looks after Jake his mum said can you bring some stewing beef home ,the boss gave him 2 kilos of beef for free ,Jake said it should have cost 23 pound .

Well that is the garage roof fixed and facias done.

Only problem now is that the garage door mechanism somehow got damaged. A wire is twisted on one side. They tried to fix it but it need doing properly. anyway and they had another job to get to, they have, with my help got it shut and locked. They will come in the New year when I come back and fix it free of charge.

It can stay locked but fingers crossed I don't need to access the boiler. I have told them, if I do I will call them out to open the door. It is not safe for me to do it as it twists as it opens. I don't need anything out there anyway.
So just one thing after another. I suspect the door must have been a bit weak on that side and they are not gentle when they open and shut it. If they can't fix it in the new year I will get the door people out.

My trouble is the time is going so quickly and there seems so much to do and clothes sorting packing will creep up on me I know. I seem to have lists everywhere.

Postmans been and done the parcels. He said he had 8 colklections with labels to do today. He said people are getting fed up with the post van not arriving. The thing is you can bank at the post van and get your money out and other things apart from posting parcels.

Vera hope you have a better day today and get you r meds sorted. I was told years ago when I had a lot of trouble with my back to do the ironing standing on a cushion. I did do it for a while and think it did help.

I am trying to do too many jobs at once today. I started by trying to get to the Christmas decs to get the card strings out but picked up a load of stuff off the floor and bunged it all in the washing machine, not turned it on yet!! Started getting a job lot of miniatures together but its so dark today the photos won't come out well. Was wasing up when the postman came and I did'nt see him coming down and he banged on the door so not finished the washing up. Better get on as I need to clean the kitchen windows too.

Morning all,

13 degrees here this morning and there a yellow wind warning.

I had a lie in as I had'nt had to get up for the post van but must be ready for when Tim the postman comes and I c ould write his card and give him his Christmas drink.

Your lunch sounds very nice Anng I would love the bacon and brie jacket and the mnce pie afterwards.

Good morning all goodness the temps are strange. this morning it is 11 degrees. It looks very cloudy at the moment and I really want it to stay dry so Jake and Riley can finish the facias

I slept quite heavily from about 1am and woke at 0700.

Mel shame when an expected meal is cancelled isn't it, I usually end up with eggs on toast or something. Sounds like you may have an answer to your posting of parcels then if that system works.

Ann yes it was good to have a long chat. We were not able to have a full lunch as there was only one chef and the restaurant/cafe was really busy. So we both had jacket potatoes with bacon, brie and mushrooms. I have had it before and it is nice but it showed the lack of chefs today, not quite as good as usual, a bit skimped with the filling. (Not cheap at £9.95. Still we had a nice mince pie with pouring cream afterwards. Louise's treat. We sat for 2 hours chatting so it was very pleasant. Just bought a packet of orange thins biscuits and another packet of cheesy nibbles. And a plaque for daughter's christmas can't remember what it said except it mentioned coffee and gin.

Vera it is the minor irritations that, added together, make for a frustrating day. Still I am sure that the coffee and walnut cake (my favourite) helped. I was just going to cheer at a complete prescription when I read on. So now you have to go back yet again. Oh, what a pity you forgot to look at the lights.
I hope your back has eased by this morning.

Annx, probably a good idea to get your boiler chap to look at it in case it is something that needs fixing, but I remembered OH explaining it to me once when we had the same problem so I just asked him (before retirement he worked for the water authority). It's all to do with the oxygen in the water being released under pressure which gives that cloudy appearance that clears if it's left to stand. He got a bit technical for me but it sounds as if the pressure might be a bit high.

It's been one of those days again. It's been another grey day, just slightly damp, and pretty cold. We ought to expect it to be cold really - after all, it is winter.

I don't do much ironing but thought I had better clear what was there. Ironing is the worst thing for my back so that's been hurting all day. Then I went to pay the bill for the garden waste collection and I can't find it anywhere. I know how much it is and I can pay it online but I have to put the invoice number as a referernce so I shall have to contact the council tomorrow and will probably be sent from pillar to post.

Next we had an early lunch and went out to get some shopping and other jobs done. I liked the sound of the red berry lights that AnnG got from Tesco so we went there. I got all my shopping, and driving out of the car park realised I had forgotten to look for the lights which is why I had gone there in the first place. Doh!

Driving on into town we passed Homebase which is closing and selling everything off, so decided to stop and see if they had a little stool we want. No such luck there but OH did find some stuff that is supposed to clear the moss from the paved area in front of our house. Next it was into town to pick up my script. OH stayed in the car park while I walked to the pharmacy. He was just about to send out a search party when I eventually got back. There were plenty of staff working but they were so slow today and every customer seemed to be taking ages. When I got to the counter my meds were ready for me so I didn't have to wait for them to be made up. Our next job was to go to the bank but by now they were closed. Eventually we got home and I went to put my meds away only to find the pharmacy had left one of them out. The problem is I have the same tablet on my prescription twice as I have to have it in two different strengths and I think the pharmacist probably thought he'd already put the meds in the bag without noticing he had to put in a second lot with the same name. But it means I will have to go to town again to sort that out.

I had a quick swear and then a nice cup of tea with some coffee and walnut cake, courtesy of our next door neighbour, before preparing our dinner. Just as I got it on to cook son rang with various bits of family news so I was trying to stir pots, stop things from boiling over and hold the phone to my ear all at the same time. When we eventually finished talking and I got the table laid etc our chicken was a touch overcooked..

These were all minor irritations really but now my back is really sore and my head is aching so I am going to get a hottie and a wheat bag and sit up in bed with my book for a while. Sleep well everyone.

O that annoying Annx perhaps it just needs to be run for a while. If its not used much they could have flushed the pipes through as we get that sometimes.

Oh that's handy if they give you an approximate time for collection then Mel. Good that one of your parcels was cheaper than the van which sounds surprising. So a saving on that and on the fuel. Saves a bit of time too if you are busy. It's a good idea to resell the things you don't want like that.

Since the new boiler was fitted the water from the tap nearest to the water meter where the water comes into the bungalow is milky till it stands for 10 minutes, so it seems to be bubbles. Not sure why though unless they changed the water pressure or something. It doesn't look appetising, so I'd better ring the boiler man. It runs clear from all the other taps.

They do tell you an about time the posty will come for your parcels and one was cheaper than taking it to the van so that was good. Both are signed for and tracked so I am happy with the way I have sent them. Both small job lots of things I bought for certain items and I just put the rest back on Ebay that way I get what I wnat and a bit back of the price I paid.

Wehad one small shower today the moment I stepped out the door to feed the chickens and by the time I got back indoors it stopped. I'm sure the weather knows when I am going out even if its not the same time every day.


Not going to Stu's tonight but tomorrow as he rang me so now I have to find something for dinner.

Evening All,

We woke to thickish fog so I haven't been out today after all. OH has been working and we had F&C delivered so a nice lazy day. The washing's up to date now and I'm just clearing the decks at my desk! Where all the paper keeps coming from amazes me. I've ordered some new jeans in 25 inch length I've had before that don't need me to get the sewing machine out to alter and was pleased to see they were reduced by £9 so I ordered an extra pair. I've also changed 2 inks in the printer so OH can print some papers.

Mel that would be a saving if the postie could collect your parcels. I haven't tried that yet either but thought it could be useful. Not everyone is able to get to a collection or post office. I suppose the only downside might be not knowing what time of day they will come and having to stay in or be in earshot.

The craft fair might be worth popping in just to see if many are buying and if there are any interesting ideas. I hope Stu has a nice meal for tonight!

Thanks for the reminder about the progs Mandy. I'd forgotten to record Rueben and didn't know Kirstie was soon starting. :-D

You did well with your raffle and Secret Santa gifts at the Ladies' Group Vera. I would enjoy both of your prizes. What a horrid journey both ways to see your daughter and partner. I expect they were very pleased to see you though.

I hope you enjoyed your lunch at the garden centre with your friend/neighbour AnnG. Did you see anything to buy? I noticed where we went yesterday had Camellias in flower already. Not surprising, we had no post today.

Afternoon all,

The day started off with no frost and sun shine and off we went to Tesco's by the time we came out it was foggy and its been like if since ,really murky and cold out there now

Mel that will be handy if it works and the postie can collect your parcels it will save you having to go out .

For those that like Ruben Owen there's a programme tonight on channel 5 9 o'clock Christmas in the dales.
Next week Monday to Friday Kirstie's handmade Christmas on channel 4 at five thirty .

Went up the post van......not there. No poster up on the bus shelter to say why so I came home and tried to post two parcels online to be collected and for the posty to bring the labels. Will have to wait and see if it works. If it does it will save me deisel going up the village and for the parcels to be collected for the post any day the postman comes and not only on the four days the van should arrive. It only Mon. Wed. thurs and Friday that it comes to the village.

The craft fair is on tonight at the village hall in Shebbear but I am not doing it as I hav'nt got everything ready and I can't be bothered but I may go but I am at Stu's tonight for dinner.

Good morning all,

8 degrees and cloudy here this morning. I have two parcels to get up the post van this morning.

Slept well only got up once in the night.

Gwyn I shall post your card today so look out for the posty

good morning all a bit grey here although dry so far and only 3 degrees as well so chilly.
Out for lunch at the local garden centre with a friend/neighbour today.

Vera that was a bit of a nightmare journey for you but good that you had a nice day with daughter and partner.
The post is very confusing so I just put second class on everything, except when the only stamps I have are the first class ones that Tesco sent when they ran out of second class. Used one last week and the letter did get to Hampshire the following day.

Ann I am sure that we don't see a post delivery every day now. we did have a couple of weeks when we seemed to have the same postman and he delivered every day but we are back to different ones each day again and no daily delivery. Hope your card arrives soon anyway.

Well is'nt that always the way when you think your going to get past a traffic build up and they close the blimmin road. Then you have to drive miles to get to where you wanted to go. It happens here all the time. And why do they do raod works in the winter???? when its always wet.

I did do the two windows in the bedroom and I had the dressing table out. Its so heavy but I did one side then the next. you should have seen the lacey cobwebs behind it! also I had some black mold on that wall so I washed all that down with Silit Bang which is really good on black mold. I now have to get the chest of draws out to get behind that but thats for another day and there's no way I can move the other one which has a big telly on it that I don't use because I don't know how to turn it on.

I changed all the bed but rang Em and she popped in at lunchtime to help me with the quilt cover. It only takes a minuet with the two of us but takes me ages walking backwards and forwards around the bed, bad enough putting the bottom fitted sheet on. Anyway all done now for another week when the process starts all over again. Just wish I did'nt have a kingsize bed, I never ever sleep over his side and the mattress is so very heavy and on a wooden based bed hard to get your hands down the sides and top.

There frost out there tonight and pc is saying 3 degrees and mostly cloudy. Earlier the stars were all shining but they have gone now. Frost is on the car too.

Just doing up another parcel for a sale on Ebay so thats two to post tomorrow both sold today. Then I am going to do dinner just a meal for one, minted lamb with carrots and colcannon mash and I shall have a bit of broccoli with it too.

It’s been mostly dry today but very cloudy. I was amazed when at midday the weather app was saying it was 6 degrees but felt a bit warmer because of the sun. What sun? If it was there it must have been playing hide and seek as I haven’t caught sight of it all day.

Thank you for your lovely card AnnG which we also received today. I don’t understand the system with 1st and 2nd class stamps. It seems you put on whatever stamp you fancy and it might arrive quickly or it might not. We had 2 cards in today’s post, both 2nd class. Yours arrived the day after posting, the other one, posted not far away, took 5 days to get here.

Gwyn, there is something very special about a primary school nativity. It’s one of the things I miss now the grandchildren are all grown up.

You all seem to have been very busy today. I slept better last night and so was up early and got a load of washing done plus a few other jobs. I was going to town to pick up my meds and get a few bits in Iceland as it is their pensioners’ 10% off day, but I didn’t get that far. This afternoon the Ladies Group had their Christmas afternoon tea which starts at 1.30 so I had to get showered and dressed in good time for that. It was a good afternoon. Plenty of excellent food, mulled wine, tea and coffee and of course crackers with dreadful jokes. It wouldn’t be Christmas without cracker jokes, lol. I did very well. We don’t usually have a raffle at Christmas but a hamper, a big tub of Quality Street and a box of biscuits had been donated and I won the Quality Street. In the Secret Santa I got a nice pack with some foot soak crystals, foot cream and warm, fluffy socks.

Yesterday we went to visit our daughter and partner. It was lovely to see them and spend time with them but what a nightmare journey we had both ways. We normally travel down the main road towards Colchester and then turn off cross country till we join a major road again at a large roundabout. This avoids a very busy road around Colchester. All was going well, we were in the section going cross country and went to turn left to find the road we were turning into had been closed and we had to follow a diversion which took us to the part of Colchester we were trying to avoid. Then it was bumper to bumper with every traffic light turning red as we reached it. Coming back was worse We took a different route only to find there were also road closures, diversions, and extensive road works with those high barriers that make it difficult to see where you are. In addition it was dark and raining. I won’t bore you with all the details but the journey back took twice as long as our normal trip and we were both shattered by the time we got home.

Anyway that was yesterday. Today’s another day. Seering the time, I’d better get down to the kitchen and start cooking or OH will think he isn’t getting any dinner tonight.

Afternoon All,

OH didn't have a great night again, but is much better now and he thinks the way he lies might be part of the problem. I suggested he hang upside down like a bat as he fidgets so much in bed or that I lash him down with restraints and that made him laugh! I've given him some of my knee gel to try now. He's out again tonight, but shouldn't be late.

We were up early enough to go to the garden centre but couldn't believe the long queue of traffic all through the village and beyond, fortunately for us coming the opposite way. We had a nice brekkie at the garden centre, reasonably priced and they will swap items, so I could avoid sausage by having an extra egg. No jigsaw though and no books OH fancied in The Works. Naturally It is full of Christmas themed things now. The decorations were not a patch on how they used to be and their Christmas village was rather pathetic.

Just after we got home my camera arrived and is black like I ordered so that's good and I've charged the battery and tried it, but some things are different to my previous camera but at least there's a little instruction book. I will get a spare battery once I know the camera works ok. I've also ordered the jigsaw online and was able to use a coupon that made it £2 cheaper so that was good. I've also ordered 2 books OH always has at Christmas and done a washing load that's on the airer and rads everywhere.

You've been busy Mel. I'm the same with the main bedroom window that's a square bay window and has builtin cupboards and drawers in front. I used to be able to stand on the sides of the lower drawers and reach everything but climbing up and balancing hurts now, so I'll have to use one of my flat ended mop things. Were the chickens pleased to see you with their supper this morning?

AnnG we are convinced we don't get letter post delivered every day now. It seems to be nothing for a couple of days, then a wad of envelopes the next day.

I think when people see the price of postage abroad some will probably send e cards next year instead Gwyn. It's a shame as cards look so festive and not everyone can use computers. I like to hear little children sing 'Away in a manger'. It seems to suit their little voices.

I think I might pop to our Factory Shop tomorrow and see if they still have any of those crystal things that absorb moisture Mandy and a good look round. OH won't be coming and hurrying me as he has a zoom meeting. The birds seem to love their fat balls too and we need some since the fat Squirrel polished some off. It sounds like you got a lot done today.

It looks as though they are not separating first and second class now then. Same as Mel's in fact everyone on the thread all cards would have been collected Monday at 0900.