Re: Hello Everyone

Sun May 24, 2020 12:20 pm

Today started off as a disaster, having finished a long post and for it to completely disappear on me, so here we go again.

The garden is a wreck with branches and leaves all over the place from that (b)looming tree, the furry fiend went after the robin, which thankfully escaped, the corner I had finished, that was all neat and tidy, isn't any longer thanks to the cat trying to get over the fence at that point and tippping over my nice conifer in its planter and despite watering twice yesterday (and that is all I managed to do out there) everything is drying out fast again. Also this week when Stephen and Rachel move, I am stuck here and cannot help them, which is the first move they have had where I haven't been able to help. I definitely needed to shake off the stressful mood and put on my old coffee machine and made a strong cup of coffee from one of the ground lots of coffee I have and that has helped a bit. When I went to do the last lot of watering yesterday a few spots of rain appeared, but I still continued and was glad I did because it was only a few spots we got.

Jean I see that Coco only got a short walk yesterday and very wise too because that wind was far too strong. I don't reckon you will have trouble with squatters next door because the council will put the property in the hands of an agent who will get it secured for viewing and it might end up going to auction quickly - hope you get some decent neighbours when it is sold. That is a tip that Rita can pass onto Leigh about your friend in Canada using hot water in the garden and then planting out her sweet peas. Yes that is good news about Maria and just hope it continues that way.

Dian well there was a lot of work completed in the garden, but now it is a case of starting again because of the wind and cat damage. I know it was terrible weather for you over the last few days, but at least you got the rain with it that the gardens needed, which was lacking here. Nice to have enjoyed a chat with your son when he popped in and see you washed your hair - hang on long enough and you might get it to a length where you can try a different style . I know I have managed to get out about every 9/10 days, but this unsociable way of life is getting us all down.

Rita, see that tip from Jean's friend above in Canada, where she used hot water on her ground and was able to plant out the sweet peas and you can mention that to Leigh. Sounds as though the exterior work next to you is nearly complete with the roof tiles being put on, so that at least is something. Thankfully you didn't get the strong winds that we did in this county, so although it was cooler, it wasn't so bad your way, otherwise I reckon those roof tiles wouldn't have been tackled. That combination oven of yours is working well for you and see you have cooked a coffee cake in there. My banana bread is finished, so in the next few days I will try out my Mum's recipe for her light fruit cake - last time it didn't quite turn out as good as hers, because I used the wrong style tin and it was too shallow, so this time will use the cake tin that she used when cooking hers. Mind you, I really shouldn't be cooking cakes if I want to work off the weight again. Next time you do a shopping list perhaps it would be a good idea to put the powdered milk on it - comes in very handy when you are short of fresh milk (and see you have run out of it at the moment). In fact I sometimes prefer it in coffee.

I must away now to that garden, but another strong coffee first and hope you all have a good Sunday. I am going to copy this before I press send, just in case it disappears off into cyber space like first thing this morning.

Sun May 24, 2020 1:55 pm

good idea to get Coco a paddling pool Rita when the twins were small I had two paddling pools for them and the dog use to try and get in with them
the dog also use to undo the rabbit hutch and get in there with the rabbit
the garage of the house too has creepers inside of it which we can see trying to get out of the front door still no idea as to what is going on
Pauline that cat is giving you the runaround maybe a big bowls of water might stop it
I think it was Dian was sent me a lovely fwd about clever cats. writing of Dian hope things are fine with you
still windy here went for a longer walk today

Sun May 24, 2020 7:57 pm

Grrr Pauline, losing a posting is so annoying, and that Cat!!,, if only you had your hosepipe at the ready, they hate water. Yes it is frustrating for you not being able to help with the house move, but at least they are able to move in and the Sale and purchase all gone through. It will be all completed move in before you can go see it, when ever that will be.....the strong winds blow everything down as I guess DIAN will have found with the bad weather up north. Dian, it would be a njce break in the day to have your son there fir a chat.
Jean, i hope your B injection has worked well for you and that David is managing to keep going. Will you be going out tomorrow, its supposed to be a Bank Holiday. Quietest one ever.
Well today I walked to the nearest "OneStop" shop, first time ive been in a shop since beginning of March, and bought Milk and bread and a newspaper and a magazine, i felt quite daring venturing out, it seemed a long way to walk. Only been a little way in the street before.

Mon May 25, 2020 9:39 am

I should have said yesterday that the one thing that helped with a bright start was my Blessings rose out in flower and put a gif on yesterday of one of the blooms and today that is a photo of several of them. I am also happy that the Peace rose that I took out of the planter and put in the bed at the side of the house has taken well - it struggled at first, but I kept giving in loads of water, rose food and cut up banana peel (full of potassium they are and a tip from Maria) and at last it is full of new leaves. Also the passion flower vine has started to sprout again (they went right down to ground level after the demolition of the old fence and the new one put in), but this time I am going to keep them controlled.

Felt really happy by the time the day ended yesterday and was very pleased to make my way to bed in the well cleaned bedroom. You know the feeling, when something you really enjoy starts to feel like a chore, well that was me and the garden yesterday and I rebelled and turned my back on it entirely and thoroughly tackled my bedroom, also stripped the bed and remade that and got one lot of washing done. Sorted out a bit more jewellery that was repaired and that stand is now full and covered and went through all of the toiletries that I brought home from the lock up last time and they are all finished and packed for the next sale. Up early this morning and put the last few things from yesterday's washing outside on the airer to finish drying and put another lot of washing in (that has now finished and on the airer) and while I was out there one of the crows came down and perched near to me (that is quite unusual). He looked as though he was ready to patrol the garden against the cats, so took the food out and filled up for the birds and so far the crow has been having a good feed, followed by the male blackbird. I have left the patio door open with the curtain back, so the cats have a good idea that I am about. I think I will continue with another room upstairs after posting this and dealing with the emails and then might just tackle a bit of garden work again today - see how I feel.

Stephen and Rachel phoned last evening and she had been busy packing more things and taking them round to the garage of the new property, while Stephen was busy constructing a higher storage ledge in the garage and keeping him supplied with sausage baps for breakfast and bacon sandwiches for lunch (lucky him). The present owner is giving them the keys on Thursday evening instead of waiting until Friday morning, so that is a help and all of their garden furniture, etc., is at the moment in Stephen's warehouse and will stay there until they have most of the garden paved. We had a laugh about me getting out of helping with this move and I did remind him that I had helped with 3 of their house moves from Kislingbury to Flore, from Flore to the estate where they now live, from the rented property to the house they are now selling and then I did add "what about that bloody warehouse of yours when you were moving to the one you have now!!!" The answer to that was "you take it easy this time while we do all of the work" cheeky . Mind you, it would have been nice if the circumstances were different and I could have helped, but got to go by the Government guidelines - unlike Dominic Cummings (with his cummings and goings ). You can tell I am feeling more cheerful this morning after that pun.

Jean, looks as though those creepers next door need some drastic action - would be good if you could get in the garden and stop them getting more your way. Yes drastic action is needed by me on the furry fiend, but the trouble is the hose is never switched on when he appears, otherwise he would get a dowsing. I like cats, but this one is becoming a real pain and causing a lot of damage to some of my plants and planters, let alone the birds. See you might get Coco a paddling pool, like you had for one of your dogs when the children were younger and expect you will enjoy the walk today with her now that wind has gone.

Rita, yes as you know, a real pain when you have just completed a long post and then it is lost and think from now on I really must learn to copy them and put them on word pad before I send them, just in case it happens again. I do wish the cat would appear when I have got the hosepipe on, but he is far too clever for that. You can see what I have said about the house move above and will have to be content with not being able to help them this time, but they seem to be getting well prepared and it was so handy the owner of the property they are buying letting them use the garage - means they have got well ahead with things. Well done you with that fairly long walk to the local shop and bet you enjoyed being inside a shop again for the first time in a couple of months and yes, it is a Bank Holiday today, but getting to the stage where they mean nothing to any of us at the moment - just another day in isolation. Appropriate song for the moment - Jon Secada "Just another day without you" and here is the link to that one:-

Ignore the ad at the start if it appears and you can click on "skip ad".

Dian hope the weather is far better your way today.

Hope all of you can find a way to enjoy your day and I am off for a coffee - sit in the garden with that and decide what to do first.

Mon May 25, 2020 10:30 am

that nice piece of music Pauline reminds me of the time I use to actually go out and dance......everySaturday night and Thursdays as well sometimes

but I always had to be home at 12am. so had always to leave early.
Rita no going out today as it is bank holidays. have taken Coco around the block before it gets too hot.
Shall keep the banana peel today(having one for lunch) and put it in the pot I am planting out.

Dian could you please sent the rain down here just a little.
As for that Cummings bloke he should go with the prime minister. Does he think we are all stupid? obviously.
next door are home today so shall enjoy their radio and tv should I sit in the garden but it is very hot already.
Pauline stupid question how much to you have to pay to sign in for You Tube

Mon May 25, 2020 11:39 am

Reckon that is an appropriate gif for Jon Secada as he was born in Cuba - one of the best latin american singer/songwriters who produced songs for Gloria Estefan/Ricky Martin/Jennifer Lopez, etc., says it all really and that piece of music was one of his big hits. That is where Stephen and Rachel met originally at Salsa classes and they are both really good at that, although don't get much chance to attend now.

Jean, yes same here, loved going dancing on a Saturday night and despite what people think of the so called "swinging sixties" most of us were doing what was requested by our parents . See you have already been out with Coco for a walk before it gets too hot today - and looks as though that might be the case. Yes, we do need the rain this way, but for all of the people who have had to work through this crisis and might just have a day off today, then hope the weather stays good for them and they can get some sunshine and enjoy your sit out in the garden. People like Dominic Cummings do think they are different from the rest of us and I want to see firmer action from Boris about him - never mind the old pals act .

With regard to You Tube, I think you only have to pay to join if you want to upload videos, but I have never paid and just put in You Tube in the browser search and then click onto it and then you can search for what you want on there. I use it often to find out how to do certain jobs - some really handy tips on there.

Mon May 25, 2020 6:37 pm

Pauline busy as ever with house and the garden.Stephen will miss your help when he moves.That is a big help the new owner letting Stephen use the garage and getting the keys early.See busy in bedroom too.
Jean do hope you get nice new neighbours soon.I,m sure you will get the rain soon
Rita lucky you in getting out to a shop.I am jealous
Turned out a lovely morning so got bed stripped washed and out in morning.Wendy younger daughter popped in with tea and cakes so we sat out the back.....did enjoy the visit Just got washing in.......

Mon May 25, 2020 11:08 pm

I seem to get thro a lot of towels but this being such good weather got them washed and dried today. A few cars have raced by, I am sure rhey exceeding the speed limiti , I wish rhe builders were finished, but could be weeks yet. Saw My neighiurs today, hurrah!, had a little chat about nothing. Her husband was taking her out in the wheelchair, she. Is so poorly but he doesn't look well. Either

, i count my blessings. Dsughter in Canada took her husband to A@E today, suspected heart atrack, has had all previous tests, is on medication awaiting operation when safe to have it, becahuse re. Corona virus. .. Only the patient admiited today, Leigh in the car, had to wait outside.. He is home again , very ttired, just has to rest.
leigh said a lot of their foid in Canada comes from zmexico and. Chile. How wordwide are all dependent on ine another eh!

Red sky tonight i think that means a good tmorrow.

no one j

Tue May 26, 2020 12:17 pm

Good Morning Everyone.

Yesterday did the watering in the garden, put out some metal flower stakes (holding the end garden bed bamboo edging in place), hoping that it won't get knocked over again and tidied up some of the seedlings. The rest of the day I fitted in a tidy up, dust and vacuum of the craft room (one room each day I am aiming for) and had quite a bit of computer work to do and sorted out the bank payments to the end of the month and this morning have paid the water bill and ordered the prescription on line and that apparently will be at Boots on Friday, so that is the day I will go to the centre and collect it, then the bank and the lock up and do shopping - looking forward to an outing and seeing other human beings .

Dian see you made use of the lovely morning yesterday and got the bed stripped and washing done and that dried. That was nice your youngest daughter Wendy calling in with tea and cakes and you both sat out the back and enjoyed that. Hope the weather today is the same and you can get outside. Can see that you are itching to get to a shop again and let's hope that is fairly soon with lock down easing.

Rita washing out for you and got it all dried. You are right about the speed some of the car drivers are doing with less traffic around and one shot along the main road at the bottom last evening at a frightening speed and the police have been commenting about the excessive speeds that some drivers are going at - if they don't stop that habit, when more traffic is on the road, then that could lead to some serious accidents. Nice having that little chat with your neighbour and her husband, although neither of them are looking well. Not good news from Leigh about her husband and her having to get him to the hospital with a suspected heart attack and her having to wait outside. See he is home again and do hope it won't be too long before he can have that heart op. Yes you are right about how far some of our food comes from all over the world and hope our farmers can get the workers for harvesting our crops - see there have been quite a few students volunteering to do this.

Hope your day has started well Jean with the sunny weather.

Must away now ladies and get on with the jobs and hope you all have a good day.

Tue May 26, 2020 3:02 pm

this morning at 9am we went out to visit St.Ives in Cambridgeshire. there was not a lot of traffic. mainly lorries. however when we got there(we visited about 20 month ago
they have added many car parks, one of which is a park and ride, well as David cannot get anywhere really that was the end of that. it is a nice little place, but obviously
has many visitors. those car parks were not there last time. to get around that you have to drive outside the place, go up a long road and then turn right into the
lane and hopefully park there, this means that I can walk there through the allies/
the vet phoned about Cocos worm pills(they do not miss a trick) so I ordered her some, which were due this week anyway. Having a small dog the price is small as well.
Pauline thank you about the tip for You Tube.
I have ordered some of those meals in the paper that you do not have to freeze, should be here tomorrow.
Rita sorry to hear about you son in law, hope he gets treatment soon. awful not being able to go in with him.
Dian you still have not sent the rain..................

Tue May 26, 2020 6:16 pm

Pauline see still working in garden so must all be looking so good.Also great catching up with computer work and bank work also housework too
Jean that was nice you managed an outing. The meals you ordered did sound nice.That was good getting your pills for Coco
Rita sorry about your son in law.such a worry for your daughter.That was good having a nice chat with a neighbour
Yipee escaped today and got a large shop done in Tescos. So pleased managed that and walked about for a good hour.Daughter took me and she was impressed for how I managed to walk with trolley.So so pleased I got that done.Shop was not too busy either.Now going to make something to eat and got plenty to choose from ........turned out another nice sunny day so got to sit out for awhile in sun in the morning

Wed May 27, 2020 10:29 am

Good Morning Everyone. First of all before I forget I have noticed that if you go onto the Home page here you get that list of different sections and now we have two "Hello Everyone" listed. The top one is from page 1 - 5 and that is where we are posting now and there is the second one down listing 1 - 40 and that holds all of our older posts. That one is locked for more posting, but you can click on it and see any of the older posts we put on here and happy that is still there, because on that are the posts from Jojo and we certainly do miss the interesting and cheerful posts from her.

Second thing is that Rita sent me a message on Facebook to say she had lost another post, but would try again today and yesterday she also sent me a link of one of the crow family pushing a hedgehog along out of the way of traffic on a road - such intelligent birds and I was sitting out there with a coffee yesterday when down came the crow and picked up a large piece of fatball (obviously a bit hard for it to deal with) and dropped it into the birdbath to soften it - tried it once and dropped it back again and then seemed to be satisfied with the second attempt and flew off with it. Later he arrived with a large piece of toast and went through the process again and flew off with half of it to eat it and then obviously came back again later, because the piece still in the birdbath had disappeared. Clever Crows.

Yesterday I wasn't doing anything too energetic in the garden, just sitting down and dealing with old planters - clearing the finished wallflowers and collecting the seeds and those that had already dried I put them into two large planters hoping they will start sprouting this year and will bloom next year (and they are hardy plants through the winter). Cleared out some more planters and large pots and put in fresh potting fibre and plant food and started transferring all of the dwarf marigolds and the nasturtiums. I also transferred the small delphinium seedlings into pots to encourage their growth, and so far cleared 7 seed trays. At one point I had to come in to cool off because it was so hot and finally having worked until about 8.30 I then watered the entire garden and it looks so much better for it this morning. I have a few more nasturtiums to pot up and there is another tray of different coloured delph seedlings to deal with, plus Sweet Williams and then the petunias - all a bit late, but if this good weather continues fairly late into the year, they will be needed.

Today going to get straight out there and carry on and ignore doing another room - might come in and do that later to cool off if I have the time. Having said that the rose I transplanted had taken, I am now happy that the Lupin I took out of the planter has started to grow well in the ground. Three lots of trouble at the moment are the 2 clematis I put in last year. One lot is blooming so well, but gradually dying from the ground up and the other one is bushy and healthy, but so far no buds and the third thing is that I have definitely lost my Sun King tree after so much nursing through the last two years, it had a few flowers on it this Spring, but all of the leaves are now dying, so decision time on that and think it has to go. I will leave the other cutting back of the Eucalyptus and I can tell you that those lower branches on that council tree are going - in that wind the other day they were bashing and crashing into my fence and there is no way I am going to replace the trellis around that corner, just to have it all damaged again - so got to wait for a while to get that area completed because:-

I had also built up quite a few points on one of the sites and chose what reward I wanted. Checked on the Argos site first to see if they stocked tree loppers (because my one is worn out) and see they stock the one I want - which is one of the longer telescopic loppers which also has a saw on it, so went back to the survey site and ordered a £25 Argos card (and the loppers were £25 on there) and hopefully when I can get them I can deal with both trees without the use of the step ladder. Definitely a bonus month for me with the wins and vouchers and got the letter about my t v licence yesterday to confirm that mine will still be free - that is because I get the Pension Credit. Think that is my news up-to-date - usual lot of jobs, but helps to pass the time in lockdown.

Jean glad to read you got another trip out and this time to St. Ives, Cambs. The trouble is with trips to that east part of the country, the roads are always busy with lorries coming and going from ports on the East coast and despite the lack of other traffic, the lorries are always delivering. See with the new car parks and parking restrictions it made it awkward for David and involved quite a bit of walking for you, but at least it was another trip out. Good that the worming tablets don't cost as much as you now have Coco who is smaller than your previous dogs and hope those meals you have ordered are tasty - not seen the ad for them.

Dian, am getting there with the garden, but can't say it was looking that good yesterday with all of the mess I was making on the patio clearing those planters and scattering potting fibre everywhere and had to finish the watering last night with a good hose down of that area. See you managed to sit out earlier in the garden and then escaped - bet you just loved that shopping trip to Tescos with your daughter and she was pleased the way you managed so well with the trolley - with so much choice, hope it didn't take you too long to decide on what to have for a meal last evening .

Rita, I did answer you on messenger and hope you can get on here today and do hope it isn't too long before there is better news for your s-i-l about the delayed op.

Elevenses now and then off to the garden again - have a good day all of you.

Wed May 27, 2020 10:59 am

Dian how good to get around the supermarket. must seem like heaven. My son says that they still do not do the full range of stuff and many of the freezers are empty
never ever thought that going around the supermarket would be so nice. have not been since March 16th...been trying to get on line with no luck, cannot wait
until lam to maybe get a slot
Pauline see you are busy as usual that garden must look lovely.
Rita have not looked at that message you have sent me as yet.
The man at back of us kindly offered to clean my car,(It usually goes to the car wash as David cannot do it and moans when I do it) that was very kind of him
nothing happening at the neighbours house as yet

Wed May 27, 2020 3:45 pm

Pauline busy as ever in the garden Sorry your tree has died after all the care you gave it but it does happen Good you managed to get the loppers you wanted.Should make short work of cutting down branches.That was interesting about the crows
Jean that was so kind of your neighbour to offer to wash your car.......cheers us up .Jean yes just loved that jaunt round the supermarket.think i went mad and bought too much so yes plenty to choose for my tea tonight
Rita really so annoying when you loose your post .
Turned out another warm lovely day.Managed to cut back grass.Sat out in back as was so nice and warm Cat now letting me know he wants fed again Also
will go and decide what I shall have to eat Just remembered got another letter from hospital to expect a phone call in June and not to attend hospital as the previous letter had instructed

Wed May 27, 2020 11:21 pm

Dian, , yes, it would be such a treat going to Tescos, like being liberated.! And your hospital appointment postponed,what a great backlog there will be when all appointments have to be sorted and fitted in,
Jean, you had a good ride out, isnt that the place where there was usually a big market etc on the Bank holiday Monday. Thoughtful of your neighbour to offer snd clean your car for you, these stressful times are showing us so many kindnesses.
Pauline, good gardening is non stop isn't it? But satisfying. Do you grow any. Veg /salad. My niece who hates gardening has planted various small leafy ones in pots and boxes during her enforced working from home. How is the move going for Stephen, you will be looking firward ti when you can get iut to see theur new home, likewise with your granddaughters move too.
I hope Maria is still keeping cheerful and can continue with her treatment and same fir Gennie.
This morning I walked to the chemists, only two people in at a time, and got several things I needed I. Its a small shop, really fior dispensing, and not much left on the shelves, but as oldies like me are told not to leave the house I cannot get on a bus to gi to town. Buses go by empty every hour. So that is twice I have been to the shops, oh I felt so tired when I got back home, takes me so long to walk there now, but I was pleased I managed it, though I had to go to bed this afternoon, and now if course up late. As I was watering my garden a young ! (60 ish) lady stopped by to chat. She Walks fir miles, does not have a Television, but has a computer, lives alone, said she is never bored, always something to do.
Tomorroww I am exoecting a dekivery from local farm butcher, delivery is free over £10 so I told Him £12 and will wait to see what he brings. Will be better that a ready meal.
Daughter in Canada had taken husband to hospital on emergency but coukd nit go in with him, had to wait in car. He is ok niw. My friend Muriel's sister also in Canada had a fall, broke her wrist, but her daughter also had to stay outside whilst she was treated. Even though our loved ones are far away it is wonderful that we are still able to keep in up to date touch

Thu May 28, 2020 10:01 am

Hi Ladies - just had to start this post again because somewhere along the line I lost it - probably my fault when I was switching pages. Yesterday carried on in the garden, potting up, transplanting and feeding and freshening up planters where needed and will do the same today. When I got indoors eventually about 8.30 I had a bath and then caught up with the recorded programmes and am now watching Downton Abbey from the start again and enjoying that.

Been listening to the news about this track and trace system and just don't know how this will work, so supposing you are someone on that programme and you get a phone call to say you are showing symptoms and you are asked who have you been in contact with and the answer is quite a few people on the underground train - so where do the officials go from there?? Then you are told you have got to isolate again for 14 days and your employers are going to have to pick up the tab and then it could happen again to you when you get back to work - can't see this being successful. Just so glad I am my age and don't have to go to work, but certainly looking forward to getting out tomorrow and will be as careful as I have been each time I have been out - which hasn't been that often.

Jean I am lucky living near Weston Favell Shopping Centre and I do have the choice of Tescos, Wilkos, Poundland, Boots and Savers, plus B & M and Lidls close and Aldis another couple of stops along, so what one shop doesn't have, then I can usually find in another one. Think you will be surprised when you do eventually get to a supermarket, that it is quite well controlled and panic buying is over. That is so kind of your neighbour to offer to wash the car for you.

Dian, I bet you really loved that trip out to the supermarket and got that trolley filled with loads of goodies and now the choice of what to cook for the meal each day. See you managed to sit out in the garden for a while, after cutting the grass, before the cat reminded you that he wanted feeding. See you got a letter from the hospital telling you to ignore the appointment and wait until they phone you in June. I reckon that when this virus thing eases, there is going to be such a back log for hospitals and GPs to deal with.

Rita, what a lovely long post from you and you didn't lose it either. Who would have thought that we would ever be looking forward to a trip to the supermarket and treating it like a pleasure days outing . Well for me this year the gardening does seem to be non stop, but had so much alteration to do after that fence coming down and all of the tidying up that followed and of course, I have taken advantage of the fact that being here most of the time, it has given me the chance to get on with a lot of things I have wanted to do for such a long time - like altering the front garden (and still got to get back to that and finish it off). Am aiming to cut the grass today, get rid of more rubbish, besides carrying on with the planters and tying back. The only veg I bother with now is growing lettuce and of course, like my gooseberry crop - still taking time for the cherry trees to produce much, but at least this year got rid of that disease on them. Good idea what your niece is doing in pots and planters, although she doesn't really like gardening. Stephen and Rachel get the keys this evening and last time I spoke to them they were managing to shift a lot of items to store in the garage at the new house - I will post their card and voucher tomorrow, to the new address, now we know it is all definite. Yes, Maria and Gennie are both cheerful and will catch up with Maria later as it was her chemo session yesterday. At least you have managed now to get out to your local shops including the chemists. I have been sensible about catching the bus from my way and get the one I know won't be crowded and you have mentioned about the buses passing your house without many people on them - is it still the same now with people returning to work? See you got another chat with a lady who was passing when you were watering the garden and it is so nice when we can have a conversation with another human being (and not just on the phone or message on the computer), but also great that you can keep in touch with friends and family miles away with the help of the internet. Hope you get your delivery today from the local farm butcher and see you will be cooking from scratch again.

Must away now ladies and get out in that garden before half of the morning goes. Have as good a day as you can.

Thu May 28, 2020 11:27 am

Our meals arrived at 5.30pm just as we were eating dinner. so far have not had one. maybe a barbecue tonight instead. but as David does that and likes doing it
we shall see.
Hope you son in law is ok now Rita, it musts be awful to sit outside. my friend has had her pacemaker appointment cancelled 5 times now and is getting worried
I do not know if Davids appointment for June will be cancelled either.
went for a long walk early this morning, and it was so nice to meet and speak to people, one of whom said she had not seen me. usually go out later than
this, but went as it is getting hot. whilst out passing my granddaughters house which I still have not seen. heard her partner shouting at Oscar..they
must have been in the garden.
still nothing happening in the house by the side of us.

Thu May 28, 2020 11:47 am

Took some photos and first here are some of the taller plants:-

and other smaller ones:-

Here are a couple of the seed trays that need pricking out and potting, so you can see what a long time that all takes:-

and some of those that have been done, but of course, will need transplanting again when they get bigger: and that includes the Sunflowers, which I haven't taken a photo of and still more of them to do:-

and the corner tidied up again with the tree picked up after the cat tried to climb it and free of any hiding places for him:-

Thu May 28, 2020 12:50 pm

Jean I see you posted while I was putting on those photos, so back to answer you. I see you have been out already today for a long walk and met a few people to speak to. Hope those meals turn out okay and you are planning a bbq this evening that David likes to deal with. Hopefully it won't be too long before you can see inside your granddaughter's house and also see Oscar again, but we will have to see how it all goes. I know by the time I see Hunter and Kylian again they will have both grown and altered and I am missing the family get-togethers here. You too are wondering if David's hospital appointment for next month will be cancelled.

Maria has just been on the phone and the chemo went well and she has actually put on a kilo and the diet drinks are suiting her so well - they are pleased with her results at the hospital and she already has the appointment for the next lot of blood taking and chemo a couple of days after that and doctor told her no need for a review next month. When she got to the 3 Shires yeserday she found that chemo had been switched back again to the General (it is a larger area there and they can deal with more people, plus things have eased down for them with regard to the corona virus).

I had already done some work in the garden when I took those photos above and came in to cool off, but forgot to put the one of the clematis that has some lovely flowers on it, but does appear to be dying off from the root upwards, so don't know what to think about that. Believe there is an ants' nest at the base and have tried loads of water and cinnamon powder, which they don't like, but the dead bit is creeping further upwards:-

Okay back to the garden again

Thu May 28, 2020 3:16 pm

Pauline your garden looking a treat with all the lovely colours.Pity about your bush which is dying.At least you can see all the hard work you have got finished in your garden.So pleased to hear Maria is doing so well and brilliant she has put on weight also Gennie is fine too.Yes think we are all really getting restless now so here,s hoping things will improve soon for everyone.Cat will not be pleased
Jean good your food has arrived.Hope you enjoy your meal outside sounds nice
Rita pleased your s-i-l home again but must be a right worry for your daughter do hope he improves soon
Well what a beautiful day gutted the living-room then sat outside but it is scorching I am not complaining just enjoying it........ It does make such a difference

Thu May 28, 2020 9:24 pm

Hi, i have not been out or seen or spoken to anyone so nothing to say really. At about 5 pm i received delivery from the Farm shop, -,6 separate parcels of meat, each one just enough fir one person, so I had the steak, with chips and mushy peas fir a quick meal, the steak was tender. I have plenty of vegetables so will enjoy making my dinners and orobably order from the Farm Shop again. I paid with my card, i noticed in the news that cash money is not used much now.
The builders were busy today taking down Some of the scaffolding on one of the bungalows, theyve giot the roof on, progress!, but still so much to be done, but with tne roof on thry will be able to get on even if it rains eventually. Did a small wash, best to get smalls done whilst they dry so quickly..
That is encouraging news of Maria putting on some weight and that her chemo sesssions are going ahead as planned. . I hope you all had some time to be in the sunshine, it was rather windy and coolish here.

Fri May 29, 2020 12:03 pm

that is good news about Maria.
Pauline I still have not put that plant out, but have printed your instructions about it. Do not think it will be long now
Rita hopefully the day has improved. wish we had a butcher we could order meat from. We have steak that needs jaws like a lions to get through it.
you can never tell how it is going to turn out. maybe the bungalow next door will bring some nice neighbours., still nothing going on next door
#but the windows are open.
Took Coco for a walk and met a St.Bernard it did look comical. little and large it was.
my granddaughter came round with the groceries and said old people are shopping now. still fuming. I do not want anyone to get our stuff
rather go out there myself ......but.............
lovely photos of flowers
Dian glad you enjoyed your trip

Fri May 29, 2020 4:31 pm

Pauline I am sure you will be busy in garden I must try and get some bedding plants soon.
Jean that would have been funny with Coco next to St Bernard.That was kind of your granddaughter to bring you some groceries. Still know what you mean when you would rather get them yourself
Rita good your bungalows improving. That was good getting nice butcher meat delivered. Great you did enjoy eating it
Well has turned out a scorching hot day in fact too hot without shade but did enjoy it Daughter picking me up tomorrow morning and I am going to spend the day with her in her garden so looking forward to that.Have a good weekend all

Fri May 29, 2020 6:54 pm

Hi Ladies.
Back from shopping and that is all put away. Called at B & M and bought a couple of things there and one was a garden structure, for hanging things on, which I managed to fit into the trolley diagonally, plus a lovely claret Chrysanth and a flourishing fuchsia (seeing as I am short of them this year) then across to the lock up. Emptied the trolley of what I had bought and then managed to pack into the bottom of that all of the good DVDs and CDs and there were four artificial floral displays left, so put them in a bag and also found a basket full of glittery indian bangles (too small for an adult arm, but we used to give them away to some of the children when them or their families had bought something). Anyway they are home and will tell you what I intend to do with them later in the post. I also came across some of my covered and decorated headbands so got them in the trolley too. Then repacked the trolley with the structure and had a couple of light bags hanging on that and then went off to Boots. Collected the prescription and then into Poundland and Savers for a few things, followed by Tescos. Didn't need a lot in there, just bread, cheese, lettuce, etc., and sorted out the trolley again to get home with one full up trolley, garden structure with light bags hanging on it, another shopping bag and my handbag on the handle of the trolley and carrying one bag. Talk about "have trolley will travel". Finally went to the bank and bus was waiting when I came out of the centre, so happy about that and 5 minutes later indoors.

Here is a photo of the garden structure and some of the glittery bracelets (which aren't showing their glitter much in the photo):-

What I intend to do is hang vertical rows of those bracelets (and there are a lot more of them, than what are in the photo) and also some of the broken necklaces and pendants which I have hanging around and fill the empty space where the Sun King Tree was - what do you reckon ladies? I feel like having a break from the necessary work for a while and getting creative again.

Got to confess the grass didn't get cut, but knew I just had to get rid of the rubbish first, including thicker branches, etc., that couldn't be chopped up with the mower, so set to and first worked on two old sections of fencing from fencing years back, which had been fronting up the wood pile in that corner - 10 planks and 4 struts in all and with the help of the saw and my foot stamping on a lot of them, I broke them into small sized pieces and then put a few of them in my stone bbq with one lighting brick scattered among them and lit it. Well that burned very well and wasn't a nuisance to the neighbours as the bbq is tall with a chimney and all you could smell was light wood smoke, then added more of the wood and some of the dried weeds and dried wallflower plants that were finished and the forget-me-nots that had died and dried. All I have left now is a tiny amount of ash - problem solved with regard to garden rubbish. I also repaired one of the trellises in that corner and finished up with watering the garden, so a lot accomplished out there. Will start on it again tomorrow and this time will cut the grass now the rubbish has been cleared off of it, plus gradually cut down the Sun King tree (a bit at a time to see if there is any life left in it) and after getting that down I will have more branches to bbq .

Thank you all for the remarks about Maria's progress and she was going to phone Gennie today and I will do so later. Also had a quick word with Stephen and Rachel when I got home today and they actually camped out in the new house last night, as the buyers were moving into their house at 11 this morning. They are getting on with everything fairly well.

Dian yes lots of colour in the garden and as you can see from above, I intend to add a bit of bling - still not all tidy yet, but work in progress. Yes we are all restless now and particularly with this lovely weather, but at least you have managed to get out shopping at last and bet you are looking forward to tomorrow and going to your daughter's to sit in her garden for the day - what a treat after this length of time being trapped at home. See you gutted the living room yesterday and then had a sit out in the garden after that (and yes it was scorching weather). Another scorcher today too and see you want to get some bedding plants soon - perhaps one of the family can get you to one of the garden centres now they are opening again.

Rita I see you got your food delivery and had the steak last evening with chips and mushy peas - glad it was tender and you enjoyed the meal. Having plenty of veg you can now prepare a few meals for yourself with the meat and hope it is all tasty and see you will order again from the Farm Shop. Yes all of the shops prefer you to pay with your cards (I am doing that), because obviously coins and notes could have the virus on them and it saves too much exchange between customer and cashier. Well with the roof on and the scaffolding coming down, perhaps you won't get so much noise from the building site next door, hope it gets more peaceful for you. Definitely getting the washing dried quickly in this weather and see you did your smalls.

Jean I had to laugh about Coco meeting the St Bernard on your walk - yes definitely Little and Large. You know if you did go shopping for groceries you would be pleasantly surprised how well organised it all is and in fact so few people about - I wish it was like that in normal times when we shopped without the crowds. I only had a short wait at all of the shops and both buses were fairly empty. See your granddaughter delivered your shopping today, but not like being able to do your own. Here is a photo of one of my Canterbury Bells in the garden and they come up every year and the leaves are there through the winter:-

Okay ladies, enjoy your evening and I am off to water the garden and then sort out a meal.

Fri May 29, 2020 7:22 pm

Just seen your post Pauline and my you have had a busy day.Good Stephen has moved That was good getting your rubbish burned.Liked your idea with the bracelets Yes the trolleys are very handy when you have lots of items to get.Might be out all day tomorrow so not sure if i will get to post but will try
Enjoy your weekend ladies