Re: Hello Everyone

Tue Nov 17, 2020 11:11 am

Pauline bet Heather appreciated the help you gave her as there is so much to do after a death. Do hope good news for Maria when she gets her results. Good you can manage more work in the garden today Great your set turned out well I am dreading level 4 for us as hairdressers will close grrrr
Jean do hope you have a good day with no problems
Rita hope your day goes well
Well it is another wild wet morning so pleased got the washing done yesterday.Now off to do some housework .Wishing you all a good day

Tue Nov 17, 2020 12:30 pm

Ladies I wish you all well . I do not know what I do wrong on here, but once again my posting has not appeared. I give up! When I posted last time it said that another person had posted same time, etc., did I want to add/alter my posting. I just did the usuall send, but it has not appeared. Under lockdown I do not see anyone so nothing more to say and so no point in trying to post on here.

Pauline I hope you get to the Funeral although numbers are limited. Best wishes all. Byeee

Wed Nov 18, 2020 11:27 am

I was so happy being able to get outdoors yesterday in dry weather - was a bit windy and cold, but I was well wrapped up and I got through a lot more sieving and cleared another large planter and a recycling crate that was cut down partly (to get rid of crack after being thrown by refuse collectors and replaced) and have used that with compost and the sieved potting earth and fibre with plant food to plant in the last three reduced price chrysanths, another foxglove that was lurking (think that is the last one) and a small shoot of the tall Japanese Anemones (after it taking off next year I will probably plant that outside the fence), so all of the plastic shelving in that stone corner is now full up. I also cleared a few more good size flower pots, another long planter (that is a bit battered, but can be repaired if needed) and a couple of other small containers. All that is left now to sieve is one large bag (half full) and that full crate that is in the front garden. There is also the Berberis in that planter that I want to put in the garden, so that will free up another planter. Where all of this work was piled up on the patio is where I want to clear, clean and place the cherry trees in their large planters and one set of shelving that I want to clean and use for the garden ornaments that have been dealt with and brighten up that area for the winter. So will see what I can get on with today as it is dry so far and not so windy as yesterday.

Having said that I have just taken out some recycling to the bins and there is slight rain spit spotting, but there are plenty of things for me to get on with indoors if necessary. Another job I need to do is that the sideway has got a bit untidy again with garden canes that I have dumped there and they all need sorting and putting in one of the garden stores and I suppose even if it does rain slightly, that is one job I should get done.

I spoke to Maria and Rachel yesterday and then got back to Heather to confirm that Stephen and Rachel would like to be at the funeral and they would provide the transport for myself and Maria and when Heather gets the Death Certificate then she can complete the details on line with the Registrar and then can arrange date and time of the funeral, which will only be at the crematorium - no Church service first, because as she said, Gennie had not been able to get to the church for a long time, so a lot of the congregation there wouldn't know her and the priest that knew her died quite a while ago.

Caught up with friends Anne and Mary again, so quite a few phone calls yesterday. Rachel told me that they had bad news, one of her cousins who works at times with Stephen, was so ill just before the weekend with stomach pains and being sick and looking a real green colour that family phoned the NHS line and they told him before going to the hospital he must have a Covid test, so his Dad, Bob, took him to the testing station and that was negative and then straight to the hospital. Of course, no visitors for him and he has been kept in and at first they thought, accute pancreatitis or appendicitis, but not those and he was given three lots of strong antibiotics, but no responding and now they have discovered that it is Crohn's disease and the bowel has been so badly damaged that he will have to have a bag fitted permanently and at the moment is totally unwell. Getting too much bad news at the moment and also I learned from Rachel last week, that the lady who owns the appartment we use in Nerja, was out in Spain with her husband for the summer (it was his 70th birthday) amd she completely lost her voice. She was in hospital out there for several weeks and couldn't get back because of lockdown and travel restrictions, but when she did get back here it was confirmed that she had lung cancer that had affected the vocal cords and is waiting for the decision of what treatment they can give her and still her voice hasn't returned. One bit of good news is that Anne's granddaughter, Melissa (who took over Aimie's job when she left the Footsteps Nursery), is expecting a baby girl, so Anne is going to be a Great Grandmother.

Dian I do so hope that the hairdressers will be allowed to stay open in Scotland and you can get that perm done and know how you are dreading not being able to get that done. See you were pleased you got the washing done and dried the day before, because it was another wild, wet morning for you yesterday and you were going to stay indoors and get some housework done.

Jean, as you know, I got your email and answered that and you must be relieved that your grandson has got the Covid test back as negative, so let's hope if was a heavy cold that had developed and affected the breathing and blocked his sense of taste and smell.

Rita, shame you lost another post. When I see that notice come up, I usually open another tab with the same page on and see what the new posting is about and who it is from and then go back to my post on the original page and alter that in the preview section before I press send. Anyway glad that you did manage to get on here yesterday and do keep reading our posts and answering, because you have as much to say as any of us, as we aren't getting out much either or seeing people.

Okay ladies, well still looks fairly dry out there, so will make a coffee first and eat the last banana for some energy and then boots, coat and gloves on and out there I go. Wishing you a day free of any new problems.

Wed Nov 18, 2020 11:48 am

Rita please do not give up. has that bungalow next door been finished yet? maybe you will have nice new neighbours.
Pauline so sorry to hear all your sad news, things must improve.
Luckily for me I took Coco out about half an hour ago and on returning saw on my neighbours lawn a letter from my friend in Canada.
the wind is swirling here and had I not gone at that time would never have seen it Obviously dropped when he put our other
letters in the door. have yet to read it.
I had a man come to see about fitting a new front door, we have been doing that since moving here, and will have to wait
until January for it to be done...will think I am in the wrong house, new door, new carpets etc.

Wed Nov 18, 2020 2:32 pm

Pauline well done with all that work you have got finished in garden.Not nice when all your news your getting is quite depressing so sad for all the people involved. Makes us appreciate it is not us..... .Well I am not sure if the Friday we open up is from that morning so I am hoping it is as that is the date for my perm .Just so fed up with it all Nice Stephen and Rachel going to Gennies funeral
Jean that was lucky you spied your letter from Canada Nice to have a new front door
Rita know how you feel when you loose a post.......but please keep posting
Well got up to a wild wet wet morning but pleased it has improved some.I am getting E.mails from goodness know who saying I am having deliveries saying my payment did not go through Saying parcels from Amazon arriving Fed up with them . Also getting phone calls saying my card has been used to phone some number ect.Needless to say have just ignored them all.....grrrr Have a nice day all

Thu Nov 19, 2020 9:28 am

Hi Ladies. Well I didn't get the planned jobs tackled outdoors yesterday, because it was a bit difficult as the light rain still continued, but tackled what could be done in those conditions. I got the pots of the tender plants bubble wrapped and fleeced over, under and around the shelf they were on and then put some of the finished garden ornaments on the top of that shelving, so that is is looking much nicer. That illumini foxglove is still growing and flowering, but have now cut back the flower stems in the hope that the seeds will work (although supposed to be sterile). Despite the fact that it is a cross between a foxglove and the Canary Island Isoplexis, it seems to be thriving well in our climate and is listed as a biennial, so I will fleece around that for the winter and hope it continues into next year, but I will still try with the seeds I have collected.

I also started tackling the bed by the side of the house and the rose that I had taken out of the planter and put in there was still struggling (that was the smallest and weakest of the 3 Peace roses I originally bought), so now it is back in a planter with plenty of compost and plant food, but somehow don't think I can save that one. The planter I used was one of those that needed repairing and that got done, so one more job out of the way. Have cut back the Japanese Anemone and Sage - the Rosemary still needs a lot more cutting back in that bed. One more rose there that needs pruning (along with the other two in the back garden and despite several times pruning them they are still producing buds - crazy weather) and I want to prune the existing gooseberry in that section and the one in the planter that has already been pruned, I want to put in that bed too in the place I dug up the rose. That will give me another planter to empty along with the Berberis planter, as that will be going somewhere in the garden, but nothing can be done today because the rain has set in so there will still be quite a bit of sieving to do, but have plenty of bags already seen too if that is needed in the meantime.

When I came in I had a sort through the garden ornaments still needing attenton and they have gone in a much smaller box, so one more large container cleared and more floor space appearing and this morning I will be painting a few more and then comes the gluing and repair jobs, so plenty to do indoors.

Dian receiving all of that sad news it does make me thankful that I am still keeping well and the family too. Like us all, we might be much slower in being able to do jobs that are necessary, but thankful that we can still tackle them eventually. I really do hope the perm for you can go ahead, but you are waiting to hear about easing of resrictions in Scotland. All of the news that is coming through from our Governments is so indecisive and we really just can't plan anything, but fingers crossed for you getting the perm done. Another bad weather day for you yesterday and so annoying all of the nuisance/scam emails, phone calls, etc., and yes, we do ignore them, but they are still a nuisance and time wasting too. Had a good laugh with the Scotland squad and their version of "Yes Sir, I can Boogie" after qualifying for Euro 2020 - well done lads, good job the football was better than the singing

Jean, that was so lucky you spotting that letter from Canada laying on the neighbour's lawn when you got back from the walk with Coco, before it took off again in the wind. Yes all of that sad news at once after trying to cope with the loss of Gennie, but at least that was good news about friend Ann's expectd gt. granddaughter. Hope the man arrived who is going to see to the new front door for you and as you say, even though you will have to wait for January to get that done, you won't know where you are with that, the new carpets and decorating done, plus all of the turn out and sorting you have got done. I just hope the charity shops open up again soon, because I have loads here I still want to get rid of and the nearest one to me is the small Salvation Army shop and that has never reopened since the first lock down.

Rita, you can see that Dian and Jean have also asked you not to give up on the posting, but I know you find it quite difficult to get on here and then you say you haven't got much to say, but look at me, nothing else usually from me except the garden work I have been getting through and the sort out I am trying to do indoors, all boring to do and just as boring for you ladies to read with me prattling on about it, but it does fill up the day and reading the posts from you three ladies does brighten my day.

Another coffee for me (had the first one with a sneaky bacon sandwich for breakfast) and then will do my best to be artistic with the garden ornaments and get a few more brightened and repaired. I know the weather is probably still depressing in most parts of the country, but hope you can enjoy the day somehow.

Thu Nov 19, 2020 11:56 am

Pauline well you still got quite a lot finished in garden though not as much as you wished to do. Must say a lot of your plants do sound so nice and interesting
Jean do hope your having a good day
Rita hope all is going along nicely for you and having no problems
Well it was a very cold morning here but no rain and now sun is shining brightly so just might go and do some more tiding in back .Daughter picked me up at 9am this morning and took me to Morrison where I got a lot of shopping which will keep me going for awhile Going to make a pot of chilli and freeze some of it.Then we went to local cafe and enjoyed a snack and good chat so really enjoyed that.She will pick me up tomorrow morning at 9 am and I will enjoy the outing again as it will be the last for awhile .Hope all are having a good day

Fri Nov 20, 2020 11:15 am

my day started at 7..30am with the phone ringing(always a worry at the time etc) it turned out to be a Packi telling me about my internet connection,
and I told him where to shove it.................
yesterday was spent getting microwaves sorted. the night before one had early scolded Davids hands and there was water in there. five days before
]the other one had gotten water in it as well, now they have not been moved and the vents were all clear. now these were bought five days apart
from Asda during lockdown, with Paul getting them for us. my others lasted 25 years(Sharpe) and ll years, not six months. so I duly went to Asda
#with Pauls help(he was working later) was told I had to have the boxes, or no refund, whereupon I asked for the manager, and eventually
got my money back. said to her there must be fault somewhere here, and said they were bought 5 days apart and went wrong five days apart.
#then to James house nearby and took Jasons birthday card. they offered to collect and install the new ones, which I later got from Tesco
who put them in the back of the car for me. and the boys came over and took them out for us and fixed them up.
this really wore me out, must be old age

Fri Nov 20, 2020 11:50 am

Hi Ladies.

All I managed to do yesterday in the garden, was go out there when the rain stopped in the afternoon and collect a few more garden ornaments and brought those indoors and washed them over ready for painting and tied down that fleece cover on the shelving to make sure that didn't shift in the wind and as it was too cold to stay out there any length of time, I temporarily put a black bin bag over that illumini foxglove and glad I did, because there was a frost this morning, so must get that plant properly fleeced today. I spent most of the time indoors painting more of the garden ornaments and quite a few more of them are drying, before I pick out any other sections on them that need different colour and that will probably get done today. Went upstairs quite early in the evening and had my bath and got into the pjs early and caught up with some recorded t v while I was doing bits and pieces of sewing repairs - found quite a few pairs of socks that I had tossed into the "to see to box" when I found a toe poking through after taking off my boots, so got those cobbled up to use in the gardening boots and that pile is now well down and in order (no urgent items in there).

All arrangements for the funeral made and Stephen and Rachel will be picking myself and Maria up on Friday about 3.30 in the afternoon to get to the crematorium (allowed there about 15 mins before service). Service is booked for 4.15 and will be 30 mins long and we will get Maria home and then I am going back to Rugby for that evening, only for one night and back during Saturday to get on with the jobs here. I have just spoken to Heather and it has got to be flowers, because collections have been halted because of the Covid virus, so Rachel is sorting them and they will bring them when they pick us up - gave her an idea that it might be a good idea to get them in the Jamaican colours - green, yellow and black - plenty of lovely yellow chrysanths around this time of the year, leaves are green and what they can do with the black, possibly ribbons or bows.

Got a couple of more phone calls to make today and talk to Aimie and let her know - Having said that I broke off from typing this and had to leave a message for Aimie and followed on with a quick call to Mary, so those are done. Think I can contiue posting now and then to the garden.

Dian, Good to see you enjoyed the outing yesterday with your daughter and got a lot of shopping done. Good idea making the chilli and freezing some of that for other meals. Hope you got the tidying done out the back that you wanted to do after getting home, but before that you went to the local cafe for a chat and a snack. Enjoy the outing today with your daughter, as you think that will be the last one for a while.

Jean I have just gone through the emails and got them up-to-date and see there is one from you and will answer that later. No wonder you didn't post yesterday after all that trouble sorting out the microwaves and that sounded a bad fault with them and do hope that David's hands are okay after that scalding water incident. See you stood your ground at Asda and Paul was with you and got the money back from them - well done you and on the way back you called in to see James with Jason's Birthday card and they offered to install the microwaves that you got later from Tescos. That was helpful them getting the microwaves in the car for you and the boys came over and got them out and installed them. Hope they are working well. How annoying was that getting that unwanted sales call early in the morning, think I would have told him where to stick the internet connection where the sun doesn't shine, too. One really tiring day for you and hope you have recovered this morning.

Rita hope you look in and have a read and things are going peacefully for you.

Well must away as it is now coming upto midday and wondering if I will get anything done outside before any further rain arrives.

Fri Nov 20, 2020 2:24 pm

Hi, I am ok and hope you all are too. Not spoken to anyone. Swept up leaves again, spent ages yesterday clearing up spent flowers and cutting back bushes and tree out back. Will probably catch daughter on line tonight.

It's good that you will have company at Gennie's funeral and will go back to stay a night with them.
Jean, upsetting for you with mocrowave, you did well insisting and getting refund.
Dian, I hope you are able to get out with your daughter.

Sat Nov 21, 2020 1:07 pm

Good Afternoon Ladies. Just finished some small jobs indoors and thought it was about time I caught up with the washing up (from the evening before last and all of yesterday's) and caught up with the emails and after posting on here, will be going outdoors again.

Yesterday I refused to let the rain beat me, which started just after I got out there and cleared that section of the patio where a lot of my work had been piled up next to a bit more plastic shelving and managed to shift all of the empty planters, etc., sieved bags of fibre and get them placed out of the way near the side fence. Lifted up that shelving and cleaned all of the patio in that section and gathered up the leaves and lurking sycamore seeds and got rid of them, washed that area down, cleaned the shelving and turned that into two tiers, to match the other one further along that has the fleeced section of tender plants and decorated with some of the brightened ornaments. Doesn't look pretty at the moment, but have made room for the two cherry trees in their large planters to also stand along there.

I got thoroughly soaked seeing to all of that, but came in and straight to a hot bath and washed through my hair again, which I haven't bothered to set, because if I get rained on again today it doesn't matter. Soon warmed up after that and put more garden clothes in the machine for washing, followed with an early evening meal and had a restful evening. The ornaments that I have to bring in now to attend to are mainly metal ones, so have had to wait for them to dry off before shifting them indoors (don't need any rusty drips coming off of them). Just got another one in this morning and now there are four waiting for attention indoors and hope to get some more dried off today (so far no rain and it is much brighter than yesterday).

Rita, as you know, I answered your email and that certainly wasn't a pleasant dream to wake up from. Well done you too with all of the garden work and sweeping up of more leaves too - I got a lot off of the lawn and patio yesterday, but still plenty to pick up in between plants and pots in the beds - at least all of them are off of the nearby trees now close to me. Must be a huge amount for you to clear with those woods at the back of you. Hope you spoke with your daughter on line yesterday evening and I am looking forward to going back to Rugby for the night after Gennie's funeral next Friday. We will bring Maria home first and Rachel will bring me back on Saturday as I still have a lot to do here. Spoke to Stephen and Rachel last evening and she has the flowers sorted for Gennie in Jamaican colours.

Dian hope you enjoyed the next trip out with your daughter yesterday and looking forward to reading about that if you post today.

Jean, just answered your email and know you will probably post on here soon.

Well ladies, I must away to the garden now and make the most of the daylight hours and hope you all enjoy the start of the weekend.

Sat Nov 21, 2020 2:43 pm

I think those colours for Gennie are lovely. what a good idea
had a ;phone call from someone, the cord caught around the phone could hear some of it, and it said will cost.....thank you. so looked up the no. and it is not known.
more hassle. then the bank changed their system and it took me ages to get it right and then David did his and the same thing, when all one had to do was enter
their new web.address........
so more stress.
have a nice time Pauline after the funeral going to Rugby all very sad.

Sat Nov 21, 2020 3:21 pm

Pauline good you have got such a lot more finished in your garden and wise to have a hot bath after it. Your garden ornaments will be looking nice and smart too Pleased you have next Friday all arranged and will be nice spending the night with Stephen and Rachel after the funeral which will be sad. The flowers will be so nice and appropriate
Jean it is so annoying when new systems come into play without any warning Know how you feel about those stupid phone calls
Rita that was good chatting with your daughter which will cheer you up
It turned out a bright cold morning then we had a short shower of rain. I had a nice day with my daughter yesterday and pleased both pairs of glasses were fine. Finally got through to Bank nearly dropped the phone in surprise when they answered but got the cheque cancelled. Another problem solved got a small washing done but not worth hanging out as no drying in the moist air now off for a cuppa.Enjoy your weekend ladies

Sat Nov 21, 2020 9:02 pm

Pauline, thanks for replying so quickly to my email re dream, I just had to tell someone!
You have done so much work in your garden it must now be ready to rest, both you and garden, for the winter.
Leaves are still falling but I can only sweep them from the paths and drive this year, any others I leave to nature.
Jean Dian, yes those strange phone calls are confusing, they gabble on, I just say put it in writing and put the phone down.
I hope you all had a fine day and got outdoors for a little while. I wrote two birthday cards and walked toward the post office then bought a newspaper and two choc eclairs. It's quite a walk so of course, as soon as I got home I enjoyed coffee and eclairs and dozed a while.

Sun Nov 22, 2020 9:35 am

Hello Ladies on this Sunday morning.

I was up at 5 this morning, because fell asleep about 11, so wide awake after 6 hours sleep and have so far dealt with the emails, stripped the bed and got two loads of washing done - one more to go in the machine and then I must get upstairs and make the bed up again, before it is forgotten and I go upstairs feeling tired and get a nasty surprise.

Yesterday I stepped out in the garden with a plan in my head of what had to be done and did manage to shift the cherry trees into the place planned for them and tidied up that shelving a bit more, which they are now next to (that still has some of my work to be done on it) and then it started again next door - bbq and extremely loud music in their garden - didn't like the smell of what was cooking and the loud music I knew was set in for several hours (all Romanian style again), so got myself round the side of the house and at least I was out of line of the direct blast of the Eurovision Song Contenst , so continued on with that bed. I had a brilliant idea of how to contain my sage bush (now cut right back) because it does tend to grow and grow and loom over other plants - well there was the metal framework of an old square shopping trolley (the one I had to replace when wheels broke) and have used that to fit right over the sage, so it will contain that nicely and stop it encroaching on other plants and that got something out of the way that had been hanging around (me upcycling again ). It was also a dry day without too much wind and I thought it might be a good idea to burn a few pieces of wood as I still had a large bag and one small one full of those sawn down branches and could keep an eye on it while I was working in that area, so started that off and at the same time found out that although the rosemary and sage that I had cut back was still fresh and green, it actually burned well with that lot and smelt very pleasant (much nicer than greasy meat that was being cooked). I have got to the stage where I am thinking if my neighbours can't be considerate of other people, then why should I bother about them and if my smoke drifted their way then I couldn't care less. Seeing as I have more cutting back to do, I managed to burn the contents of the small bag of sawn up wood and the large bag just has a few pieces left in the bottom and I have now more ash to put around the plants to deter the slugs and snails in the Spring.

It is now 8.45 and I did pause in this post to get some breakfast, feed the birds and get the third load of washing in and that has now finished and it is going to be drying indoors on the airer today as it has been raining during the night and everything is still damp out there, although it looks as though it might be another nice day as sun is just breaking through. After making the bed I will go out there and finish that side bed. I have left the rosemary and the one rose where they are (having pruned that rose), but will transplant the tall Japanese Anemone to in front of the window, where that other rose came out of and then the other gooseberry that has been in a planter can go in its place, slightly to the side and behind the other goosebery bush that I pruned yesterday (that will be another planter to sieve and empty). All of the prickly rose and gooseberry cuttings got put on the pile that burned, along with a pile of dried leaves and the dreaded sycamore seeds. Most of the lawn is clear of leaves now, but still got to go along all of the flower beds and existing planters to gather up the seeds and leaves in them. I am definitely winning now and spaces appearing and things looking much clearer and neater. Lesson learned that I will do jobs as they need doing from now on in the garden, so I don't have a massive job on my hands like this year. Hopefully the clubs and Residents meetings will come back at sometime in the future, but I won't have my time taken up with the collecting, crafting and holding the table top sales to cope with and although really satisfied that we were doing a good job there, it will give me much more time for my own things.

That third load of washing was the garden clothes I had on yesterday and a few other dark things - when I came in yesterday I wasn't soaked with rain, but had to wash my hair through again and have a bath to get the smell of the wood smoke off of me as I was working right by the side of that.

Jean, I thought those colours would be nice for Gennie with the flowers - bright and beautiful like she was and picking out the national colours of Jamaica where she was born (although came here as a young child when her Dad was recruited by the RAF). They are such a nuisance all of those sales calls and most of them I let my answering machine take over and they never leave a message, so I know they are the waste of time ones. Then had more of your time wasted when you and David found out your bank had got a new system working and that had to be sorted. I reckon that was a good idea of Rachel for me to go back with them on Friday after the funeral and Maria was invited too, but she couldn't do that because she isn't in the bubble and at the moment we aren't allowed to visit other people's houses, but she will also feel much better in her own home and do hope she gets some good news from the hospital doctor on Thursday about future treatment.

Dian, it will be nice for me to spend the night in Rugby after the funeral and a chance to see them all for that short break and then the next time it will be Christmas. I know there are new rules in Scotland and Glasgow is now stage 4 and from what I could read that will go on until Dec 11th and that means hairdressers along with other businesses will have to close and from what I can remember about the date for your perm that has really messed things up for you - any chance of one of your daughters or granddaughters doing a home perm for you. They are so much easier these days and don't take long to do and glad that mine is over and done with. Glad to read you had another good trip out with your daughter and got your glasses and both pair are fine. That must have been a shock your bank answering directly when you phoned and see you sorted out the cancellation of the cheque and know it was a small problem that soon got dealt with, but hardly a day goes by without us getting one problem or another to sort out. I have just got a new debit card, so now I have to change the number on the internet with everyone I deal with and have started a list of what I have done so far, and that is PayPal and Ebay. No point in doing any others until I need to pay them for something and next one will be Anglian Water this coming week. There is so much admin and security to deal with these days that it seems never ending and takes up a lot of our time. I see the same as me, you have washing drying indoors.

Rita, it is horrible when you wake up from a mudding dream like you had and glad I spotted your email and could get back to you fairly quickly. As you can tell it is nearly taking shape in the garden and yes, there will still be more creating to be done in the Spring (like making some arches out of the old trellis work for the passion flower vines, to keep them off of the new fence), but a lot of the urgent jobs are nearing completion. Still more leaves for you to clear and so long as you keep your paths and the driveway clear, as you say, the rest can get left to nature. I like what you say to those unnecessary phone callers "put it in writing" and then put the phone down. I reckon after that walk to the post office to post the cards, you deserved a rest after coffee and chocolate eclairs - after all, you probably wore off some calories with the long walk there and back .

Must away now, but bed to be made first and then second cup of coffee before the garden beckons. Hope all of you enjoy a peaceful day with a bit of sunshine.

Sun Nov 22, 2020 11:56 am

hahs I too was up at 5,30' after having another upsetting dream, I don't usually dream like that.
However, I have done housework, made my bed, cut some stray bits off my hair, it's curly will not keep in place, washed my hair and showered. Had breskfast, now the sun is shining so I will just walk a little way down the road with two sticks, the trolley thing vibrates shakes on the bumpy pavements.
There is still a lot of Ivy to pull off the fence and Pauline it's only after you mentioned it that I realised where my hayfever problems came from, the little green flower balls on the Ivy, I am still taking antihistamine tablets. I might have a go at pulling that Ivy off now that next door has put a wood fence right up close to mine and has chopped off all that was over on his side. (That has just been green field for 20 years Ive been here

With lockdown my Dentist appointment was cancelled and I have since lost a front tooth? Must have been overnight, but have I swallowed it? Bed has been stripped not seen it there, so it's like the kids song, all I want for Xmas is my front tooth!
Pauline, you have done a marathon in your garden, good you can burn stuff as so much and csnt get it in the bins now. Annoying your neighbour's having smelly Barbecues, you certainly will not be putting your washing on the line!
Dian, I hope you are still able to meet your daughter in lockdown.
Jean, I thought of you with your new carpets when I was using my new little carpet sweeper which picks up everything so well, as I know with new carpets you not supposed to use Hoovers on them too much at first. The sweeper is a Bissell make and only cost £20 worth every penny.

Sun Nov 22, 2020 2:00 pm

Pauline well done with lots more work in the garden. Think when you get work in garden done always feel so much better for it. Yes even though it will be sad next Friday at least you have a nice night to look forward to with Stephen and Rachel.Yes reckon perm will not be done on the 11 th Sad to say no one to give me a home perm but my sister always gave me a perm for years but she has passed on now One daughter good at cutting so she will tidy up I hope
Rita well done with working in the garden and good you got out too also showered and hair washed. Always makes us feel better
Jean hope your having a nice day with no problems
Well a dry but dull day, Said I was not putting decorations up but have relented so have started to haul some out Will put out some. Does not feel like Xmas at all and the thought of cards Grrrr Do wish all a nice pleasant day

Sun Nov 22, 2020 2:29 pm

I am awaiting a delivery from Sainsburys so might had to switch off at any moment.
the sun is shining here today just a bit chilly.
Rita sorry about your dreams, it is odd what we dream for no reason. David once had a dream when he was very ill of some Thi lady beckoning him on and he told
her h was not ready yet...
Hope everything goes ok for Maria.
Pauline your garden will look lovely for next year. I have leaves everywhere, and cannot rake them up because of my back. have done some.
You will all laugh I just cannot find my Xmas socks all 8 pairs of them. collected over the years and as gifts. they must be here somewhere

Mon Nov 23, 2020 12:06 pm

Whow - what a thick frost this morning. What a muddle all of this news is that is coming through about Christmas - first of all it is still protect yourself and others and keep that distance and now it is suggested that up to 3 households might be able to get-together for Christmas - well that would be nice, but just doesn't sound very sensible or fit in with the current advice, so when the authorities have eventually made their minds up we just might know where we all are because it is all very muddling at the moment and now there is the discussion as to what vaccine we will be given - I definitely need to give up on watching the news for a while.

Yesterday, after posting on here and making up the bed, I spent the rest of the day in the garden and got so much done. I finished that bed by the side of the house and managed to find a place for the Berberis, besides the second gooseberry plant and then even sieved through the two planters that they had been in and now have 5 large planters completely free (besides quite a few smaller ones and large plant pots) and none of them needed for this year - perhaps one of the chrysanths will need a larger planter next year, but all can be cleaned and stored at the moment. Really glad I got that done because I think digging will be out for today after the hard frost that is still around. I had wondered why that gooseberry that was in the planter had lost its leaves much earlier than the one that was in the bed and after getting that out of the planter I found out why. The leaves must have been eaten by the saw fly because the roots and fibre in the planter were covered in saw fly larvae - well not any longer, they are all dead, along with a few wire worms that attack plant roots. It has been a long hard job sieving all of that stuff, but well worth it to get rid of the insects that attack plants - one good thing is that I have found a lot of earth worms and they have been returned to the garden. I suppose today I should really fleece that illumini (still got the black sack over it), but it is far too cold and frosty to get out there yet and will continue with indoor jobs for a while. Plenty more ornaments to complete and return to the garden out of my way and a lot more to be repaired. Loads of seeds that have been drying and now need putting in their paper bags for the winter and until now have been sitting in small plastic containers and decorating each step of the upper stairs - will be nice to see a clear stair case once again.

Think you might have a laugh out of this. As I was finishing and clearing up in the garden I had paused and made myself a coffee and was sitting out there for a break and the terracotta wind chimes I mentioned before (that came from Gennie) made a gentle chiming sound and I actually looked toward them and said "what are you up to Gennie?". Well came indoors after putting away the tools and definitely needed a bath (covered in mud after all of the digging and a bit wet due to hosing down the patio to get rid of mud) and went off for a bath and hair shampoo (again), put the gardening clothes in the washing machine and then looked at the emails. There was one from Heather with a link to a poem that she wants me to read at the funeral and told her I was happy to do that, but at the same time we both had to laugh as I said to her I am sure your Mum is at work already, because there was an email from my daughter saying she was sad to hear of the passing of Gennie. Heather did say that she would be welcome at the funeral service and also if she could take Aimie and Mia (because two people couldn't attend and she would know by Tuesday if a third couldn't be there) and I sent that message to Susie last evening, but this morning that was declined and she asked me to thank Heather (which I will do). I am sure Stephen will heave a sigh of relief, because he has no time for his sister at all and it will save him growling if he saw her, so awkward situation averted. Even when she contacted me she sent her condolences, but also mentioned that it cast her mind back to losing one of her friends (Susie always has to bring things back to herself - it has always got to be about her) and this morning when she replied she said that she would have liked to see Gennie, but didn't know the ward and because of the restrictions wouldn't be allowed to visit anyway (well that wasn't the case at that time, but I didn't enlighten her). Even when her Dad was so ill and not expected to survive, I offered to look after the children so she could go to Spain with Stephen, but she wouldn't. I have accepted the fact that my daughter isn't like our side of the family and can be very shallow, but as it is said, we can't choose our relatives and I am quite accepting and calm about it, but I know that Stephen is still so angry about her. Anyway at least the communications from her were cordial, so something achieved I suppose and the fact that she did contact me was something.

Rita I see you were up early too yesterday after another upsetting dream. I think the news about Gennie has been hard for all of us and must be on your mind, so not allowing you to rest, but keep on remembering those happy times with her and she did look forward to those lunches we had together. I see you got cracking with the housework as you were up early and got yourself ready for that walk that I hope you enjoyed and would have been nice if you saw some people you knew while you were out. Yes, it is definitely that ivy flower that still keeps on giving out pollen this time of the year and I will have to tackle more of mine soon like you intend to do, but wear the mask when you are getting rid of yours. When I burnt some things the other day I found that some of the cuttings that were laying around the sideway waiting to be bagged, actually burnt quite well although they were still green. Oh dear, losing that front tooth is no joke and wondering if you can get an emergency appointment because of it. I had an email from my destist saying they were still open, but have had my appointment cancelled so many times, that I don't think it is worth me even contacting them at the moment, but suppose I should try. Good to read you are happy with your new carpet sweeper and it does the job well. I don't know about all the modern fibre carpets, but do know that with pure wool carpets you were supposed to just sweep them for several weeks and keep the vacuums away from them.

Dian. I really am getting a lot of satisfaction now out of how the garden looks and the space now created with all of the work on those planters got through. There is still more to do and some of the creative jobs can be left until the Spring, but still carrying on with things while the weather is okay and have to admit I am waiting for a bit more warmth today before going out there, but frost has now gone and that was thick this morning. Yes it will be sad on Friday, but looking forward to the evening in Rugby with the family. At least one of your daughters is good at cutting hair, so at least that can be done, but such a shame that the perming appointment is out for you now. Think we are all in such a muddle (businesses also) as to what we can and can't do, because there has been so much info coming through and then so many things being altered again - talk about stressful. Now you have decided to get out some of the decorations (and think I might do that next week) you will probably feel better about tackling the cards if you have a few twinklies around.

Jean, do hope your delivery turned up from Sainsburys and everything was in order this time, with no unwanted substitutions. I still have one voucher for a substitution that cost more, but honestly am hanging on hoping I might just get a money off voucher with the words "we have missed you", but we will see. I had to laugh about that dream you described that David once had and afterwards you just cannot understand where all of that had come from - a Thai lady beckoning eh??? I still have plenty of leaves and those horrible sycamore seeds that get into everything to see to and know you can't do anything about the leaves at the moment because of the back trouble and hope that clears soon. Now the hunt is on for the Christmas socks that you can't find, well hope you find them so they can be worn for Christmas. I have it in my mind that there are a couple of things that belonged to my grandparents and not sure where they are - perhaps put away with some of the things I kept from my Mum and will have to look in there.

Must away now ladies and decide what to do next and hope you all have a pleasant day.

Mon Nov 23, 2020 2:35 pm

well at least the sun shone today. As |David cannot walk much I went to the Post Office to tax the car and to the chemist to collect my medication
it was actually ready. apparently I have one more month and then the saga starts again.
One of my friends sons has hurt his foot(He is a builder)went to the or rather phoned phoned the docs told it was gout, but of course it wasnt. took the pills
then had a Xray a month later was told he had arithritis in his big toe(three weeks to find this out) his foot is swill swollen and he cannot stand
phoned the docs again to be told they would give him some anti-depressends which I cannot spell either at the moment, which he declined
and was told to rest his foot for a month and then go back to work. you cannot make it up. so what is he supposed to do for money?

Mon Nov 23, 2020 2:36 pm

Pauline brrr working out in the cold brave you but pleased you have got so much finished. You will find it a blessing come the spring Yes you will be thinking so much about Gennie and little things like wind chime a nice way to remember especially on a windy day
Jean know the feeling in not finding your socks I am sure you will find them when not looking for them Hope your having a good day
Rita trusting your day going along with no problems
Well a cold miserable day so glad to be indoors .I did get quite a few Xmas items out but like you Jean cannot find some items so now going to have another search. So off for another search also need to sort quite a lot out too. Have a good day ladies Well here,s hoping a vaccine to be launched soon

Tue Nov 24, 2020 11:21 am

Dian those socks must be altogether somewhere. having everything turned upside down with the carpets, my brain said do not put those in with the others(that is where
they usually are) found out when looking for thick Canadian socks. have not searched as yet.
Pauline hope things are going well for you. Will your daughter be going to the funeral?
Rita have your found that tooth yet?

Tue Nov 24, 2020 1:05 pm

Hi Ladies.

This morning took quite a time to catch up on the computer and now the pleasant time of posting on here.

Yesterday I got in the garden and it was a calm day with some sun here and there and not too cold so was able to get out the tree lopper and tackle the Eucalyptus tree. There is one branch that was a bit awkward to get at so have left that for today as I was then losing the light and got on with cutting down to smaller pieces, all of the small branches that had been dealt with and now have them in a black sack keeping dry, because they are definitely good for burning when I get rid of larger wooden branches and prickly bits. Need to get the step ladder out there to see where to cut that last branch and then hope to tackle the ivy by the side of the patio. First I must get the illumini foxglove covered wth the fleece (and have that out to do it, but didn't have enough time left to deal with that yesterday) and get rid of the black sack off of that. After that I think the step ladder and tree lopper can be put away in the cupboard (hopefully won't need the lopper again until the Spring).

When I came in I spent a lot of the evening clearing a lot of tools and items back in the understairs cupboard and have cleared a lot away from the dining room where it was all piled up for use. Few more cardboard boxes torn up and in the recycling this morning and sorted out some more ornaments that are now drying outside, ready to come in for treatment. I have given in and got out the second picnic table to make it easier for me to paint and glue what needs doing and those two are in the kitchen area and spent a lot of time getting the dining room end in order and that is looking so much better now. Some of the metal ornaments waiting for attention are in a narrow wooden container and well out of the way along the side of my lower hall, but can get to them one by one quite easily when I can paint them. Most of them are narrow ones that go on fences, so not taking up a lot of room.

Jean, have just answered your email and see that you got the car taxed yesterday and collected the prescriptons from the chemist, but see the next lot has got to be reviewed first and as you say "the saga starts again". That friend of yours whose son damaged the big toe, when they said gout and now arthritis, gout is a form of arthritis and it is when there is a sudden flare up after damaging a joint, but anti depressants to deal with it - that is no answer and as you say if he rests it, how does he earn money to live on. Anyway I do hope it clears quickly and really he should have been given some pain killers. Fingers crossed that you find those socks soon in time to wear them for the Christmas period and not surprised there are still things missing after that huge clear out and turn around of furniture for the carpet fitting. I answered your email this morning and confirmed that Susi won't be at the funeral. There are 30 people allowed to attend and Heather is still waiting to find out who can get there, because unfortunately some of those friends work in NHS and medical and have different shifts. I have definitely confirmed that it will just be the 4 of us there and I know that both you and Rita would probably like to have been there, but not possible the distance you live and health problems you have to cope with at the moment. Friends Bob and Mary would have liked to attend, but their daughter is separated from her husband and works part time, so Bob and Mary are very involved looking after the grandchildren and the oldest girl is 4 this Friday, so they have her birthday party to cope with.

Dian, so long as that nasty cold wind isn't blowing I don't mind wrapping up warm and working in the garden and really did enjoy it again yesterday. In fact I have got more space appearing out there than indoors at the moment, but gradually that is looking better. It probably will pay off in the Spring all the work that I have got through now - you never know I might just be able to sit out there and rest from time to time . Each time those wind chimes go I will be thinking of Gennie and having a smile at a lot of good memories. See you got out a few Christmas items yesterday, but need to find others and was quite glad to be indoors as it was a cold, miserable day your way.

Rita, are you still looking for the missing tooth - what a pity it had to be a front one.

Okay ladies, quick lunch first and then to the illumini with the winter fleece and onwards. Enjoy the afternoon and evening all of you.

Tue Nov 24, 2020 2:50 pm

Pauline well you certainly have got a lot of work in the garden up to date and you are now seeing the difference it makes.Also makes less work in the spring too
Jean so annoying about the socks but I,m sure you will find them soon Hope weather not to bad so you can get out with coco
Rita so annoying about your tooth hope you get it sorted soon
Another wet windy miserable day so glad to be indoors.Jean I have been hunting for xmas lights I got last year and so far have not found them Fed up looking for them Off for a nice cuppa .......hope all having a good day

Wed Nov 25, 2020 11:40 am

I have found the socks.....in with my black underwear.. do not use that much anymore, but at least found them./ the dvds have long gone.
I have moved 8 times and this is the first time I have lost anything./
well my plans for doing the leaves have been shelved...the rain and damp has seen to that.
have you found that tooth yet Rita.?
Dian hope you find your lights. I do not think we are having a tree this year, although I would like one. he cannot get into the loft
I have wanted a loft ladder for years but no.
Pauline you will be inside today if the rain has got there