General Chat

It's been a "not" sort of day - not hot, not cold, not wet but not sunny, just warmish and grey.

Thanks for letting us know about Mel's payment problems Annx. I think we would all have been concerned if Mel wasn't posting and we didn't know why. I laughed at your OH's rapid exit from your conservatory covered in blushes if not a lot else, lol. It's just the sort of thing mine would do.

It sounds like a nice jaunt around Whitehaven AnnG.

OH went for his blood tests this morning while I went to the chiropodist. Her price has gone up from £41 to £43. Between the chiropodist and the hairdresser it's getting an expensive business just keeping my head and feet comfortable. It's a good job I don't spend much on the body in between. I rarely buy make up or clothes so don't spend much on myself.

When I got back I tackled a large pile of ironing. I do as little ironing as possible but there always seems to be more in summer, even though we're wearing fewer clothes. Since lunch I've done admin work, prepared tonight's dinner and made a shopping list for tomorrow. Usually I just need to top up salad and veg but on Friday daughter and partner are calling at ours for a bit of lunch on their way up to Yorkshire for the weekend and on Sunday we have a Club Summer Party and I am supposed to be making something savoury and something sweet. Daughter is going to Yorkshire for her granddaughter's (and our great granddaughter's) 1st birthday and will collect some bits and pieces from us to take up with her.

I was trying to make an expensive purchase online this afternoon. Normally we would use our credit card but OH had said to pay with the debit card which I did. Up came a message to say there was a problem and to try again later. Two minutes later our landline phone rang and it was our bank's fraud department. Alarm bells had rung and our card been blocked because it was such an unusually large amount for us. Then I had to go through a load of security questions so they could be sure they were talking to me and then the chap from the bank sent a code to my phone which I had to read to him. He didn't ask what the money was for but I told him anyway and he was more than satisfied and immediately unblocked my card. It all took around 15 minutes and could have been irritating but I was pleased to see the bank's security was on the ball and protecting my money. My card was blocked and I got the phone call within a couple of minutes of trying to make my purchase.

I've just noticed the time - it's a bit late for an afternoon cuppa. Do you think it's too early for an evening glass of vino? There's no sun so I can't tell if it's over the yardarm but it must be somewhere in the world.

I think she had a problem before. I expect that she has changed her card.

We are just back from Whitehaven where we spent a pleasant morning after coffee, walking out round the harbour to the watch tower. And then up into the town through the shops before going to a restaurant for lunch. Just walking along the road and we were able to wave to grandson as he passed on a bus, he was standing near the front as he was training a new driver.

Morning All,

Just got back from the shop and garden centre and Mel had left a message asking me to let you all know that she has had some difficulty making her payment so needs to sort it out. Not to worry if we don't see her posting just now but she is fine.

Good morning all, a grey day today, never two sunny days in a row. It is very windy again.going to Whitehaven today so hope it stays dry as it is nice there to walk round the harbour.

Yes yes put something in Ann. I wish I had now but it was'nt really the right time with BIL here mowing. You made me laugh at G's antics that'll teach him to put a robe on. I can just imagine his face!! :-S :-S I have a nice pink comb clip for my hair at the wedding so that will be ok.

Poor you Vera what a shame you had that rain on the day of the lovely cream tea and you got a soaking too just as well your friend gave you a lift home.

Been have a sweep out the front today but got too hot so had to come in for a rest and a drink of water. I did get a wheelbarrow load of brimbles and weeds to go over the bonfire but did'nt get as much done as I wanted to.

We had a good day, a bit windy but nice blue sky and sun all day. We drove to Siloth and walked by the sea, it was brisk and invigorating. I sat after a while so daughter and SiL could walk to the end of the prom. That way my leg survived

Back home for lunch and reading this afternoon. Then a lovely meal out this evening at a Mediterranean restaurant. Not cheap but lovely food, mostly Greek or Tukish. I had a shared starter, bread and Hummis and a prawn dish which we all shared. Then I had Moussaka and after Daughter and I shared a three chocolate pudding and ice cream.

Evening All,

A dull morning but the sun came out this afternoon. I found it a bit sticky for me today. I didn't sleep well as a couple of doors were rattling with the windows open, so had a lie in this morning. That was rudely disturbed when a concrete mixer made a delivery to a bungalow up the close at 8.15am followed by lots of noisy banging! lol. In the middle of all that the bin lorry came (later than usual).

Mel is your food still delivered in plastic bags? Our Asda stopped using them soon after the start of the pandemic and we have all had our food deliveries in stackable plastic crates since. We still have a few plastic bags left as I re-use them all. It sounds like you decided not to have your hair cut for the wedding. If you have any fabric/ribbon with pink and black in it you could make a nice scrunchie to put round your hair bun to go with your outfit. I think it would look nice for a wedding. I hope the weather stays fine for you and AnnG as the photos look nice on a sunny day.
I hope the car passed it's MOT. I hate it when my car isn't here too and it must be worse where you live. Mine is due soon.

Yes it would have been 'MORE EXPENSE' had I trod on my glasses! :-0 I was amazed not to be hobbling this morning after yesterday's walk, so I think the park with enough seats for short stops is the way forward. I don't get out of puff, it's just the ache in my knees that needs the brief stops.

OH got a shock this morning. Off he troops into the conservatory without a stitch on to put his underwear in the laundry basket in there like he usually does, when in the corner of his eye he suddenly caught sight of our neighbour's head well above our fence a few feet from our conservatory as she painted the new pergola frame they've had put up. Well it was his quickest trip ever and I just hope he had his confusion well covered!! lol. 'But she never does any work in the garden' he said and he was right.....until today! I told him she'd probably be back with her steps tomorrow doing a second coat and ready for another eyeful! lol. :-D What is he like!

It sounds like you had an interesting time with your scones in the rain Vera and getting soaked down one side. Still at least watering duties won't be needed tonight.

Did you have a nice walk by the sea AnnG? I Hope you enjoyed your day and it stayed sunny.

I'm now booked in for 2 more jabs at the docs. I said to the receptonist it will be time for the flu one then! :-S

At the local shop today I spotted and picked up a booklet with entry forms for the local show! I couldn't believe it as none of the local village shows have been held since the start of the pandemic. I'll have to have a root through my paintings and decide whether to enter. :-D

Well, we had the same sort of rain as Mandy, I sorted out some banking, did a little bit of shopping and got my hair done, then dashed home and grabbedf a quick sandwich I needed to leave at 1.45 and, as there was no sign of rain, I decided to walk to the afternoon tea though I did take an umbrella in case there was a slight shower on the way back.

Slight shower - huh. I had barely arrived when it started raining and it was a very steady downpour that went on and on. Some ladies had got there very early and bagged tables under canopies but 5 of us were round a small table in the open. 4 of us had umbrellas and the hostess brought out a few battered golf and garden umbrellas so our 5th lady had one of those. We did all get the giggles as it must have looked so funny with us all trying to hold up our umbrellas while putting jam and cream on scones and wrestling with glasses of pimms and pots of tea. Every time one of us moved her neighbour got drenched with water from the moving umbrella. One side of my trousers and T-shirt were soaked. I left a bit earlier than I might have done as one of our group said she had to go and if I didn't mind leaving with her she would give me a lift home. I was pleased as I really didn't fancy walking nearly a mile in the rain in clothes that were already wet.

It was a shame for the committee as they worked hard setting everything up and serving us with our food and drink but we all made sure they knew it was appreciated. It had been suggested at one of our meetings that we treated it a bit like a McMillan tea party and had an official collecting box for voluntary donations. It looked as though most people were feeling generous and put notes in the box so I hope we hear soon how much was raised.

My eyes are going funny again and I can only see half the words so I am closing down now till tomorrow. Have a good night everyone.

Still 20 degrees here and lovely sunshine blue sky and white fluffy clouds.

Washing all dry as there's been a good blow on today.

I,m sweeping stuff up where the cars usually parked while its out of the way hav'nt heard anything yet and don't think I will now its past 5pm.

Raining here now quite a steady rain so I hope it fills the water butts up well ,no watering tonight only the greenhouse .

The shopping cvame with one of the drivers I like it was Carl. He pulled some of the brimbles out of the box hedge for me after I had cut through them while he held the hedge back for me to see. He's a good lad and takes my plastic bags back to the shop for me. He and Dan are the only drivers that will do it nobody will be bothered to walk round the corner and put them in the cage.

Done two lots of washing, one a clothes wash and the next one was all my knee blankets which are mohair and one poly something one which sticks to me fingers so not a favorite. Having a tidy up now so I am ready for if SIL comes.

Afternoon all,

Cloudy at times here with a little sun trying to peep through but its very muggy especially indoors .
Fingers crossed for a dry day for both the weddings on Saturday .

Been shopping this morning just to tescos for a few bits and bobs and QD for a few balls of wool and some more garden twine, going into tescos with their air conditioning oh my goodness when you come out the heat hits you .

Oh that was good you saw your glasses on the floor before your foot did Ann ,that would have more expense and you might have cut your foot .
You did well with your walk ,handy to have the seats there to have a rest as you go round .

Didn't the flowers in Vera's garden look lovely, all the dead heading must take a while though , enjoy the strawberry tea this afternoon.

Mel that was a better water bill you must be relieved it's been sorted out after all that time .

Anng hope you've enjoy your walk by the sea , a bit of sea air will give you an appetite for your meal out tonight .

Good morning all. Like Mel it is bright here, sunny with a lot less wind and 15 degrees. The only forecast dry day so we are going to Siloth. That will be a walk by the sea which is nice. Back here for lunch and a meal out this evening
It seems that the South East has had the best of the weather in recent weeks.

Morning girls,

Quite bright here this morning and there is blue sky and white clouds but its only 15 degrees.

Shopping comes today and there are two subs tonic with a lime twist instead of plain tonic and I ordered some Border biscits that Em like when I bought them for her at Christmas and they have sent shortbreads instead. Its so annoyin g when you buy something a bit different and they hav'nt got it. The biscuits will probably go back.

Iv'e a bit of hand washing to do and I want to wash my hair today so its not so unruley for Saturday.

Good morning all

It’s either 18 or 20 degrees now and will rain this afternoon or it will stay dry depending on which weather app you believe. They both agree it will be 24 this afternoon but one says it will feel like 29 or 30. I haven’t looked at the PC as that will probably say something different. I’m sorry it’s so cool and wet where you are AnnG. I hope it’s nice for the wedding and that goes for Mel too.

I’m glad you found your glasses before you trod on them Annx. Someone I used to work with lost her glasses and turned her house upside down looking for them. Eventually she had to pay out for new ones. Several months later she found them in the bottom of her big chest freezer. How on earth did they get there? I’ve lost an earring and a toe prop in my bedroom and they have never come to light even though everything was moved when I had the carpets cleaned a little while ago. I reckon we’ve all got gremlins in our houses.

I’d better get moving. This morning I’ve got some jobs to do in town, including having my hair cut and this afternoon the Ladies Club has its annual strawberry tea in someone’s garden. I hope it doesn’t rain for that!

The forcast is not much better here for the Saturday wedding either but I do hope it stays dry and dos'nt rain.

I have been pressure washing the car as it goes in for its MOT tomorrow so I have to get it there early to be back for the shopping delivery. I always feel stranded without the car sitting outside. I also did the windows up to the front door as the washer would'nt reach any further.

Now I am soaked so going in the shower now.

First thing this morning it rained here but was sunny near Carlisle at Dobbies, then has rained all afternoon and is absolutely bucketing down. We were supposed to be going out for a meal but have just changed the booking to tomorrow so are staying in now. We would have got soaked getting to the restaurant from where the car was parked, Tomorrow looks like the only dry day up here this week including Saturday the wedding day.

We did enjoy the coffee and coffee and walnut cake. Son in law and I had free lattes and a slice of cake each with the voucher. Daughter had a large black coffee using one of her free coffees for August but paid 30p to increase it to a large one and she had a tiny piece of SiL’s cake. I think my voucher and her free one saved us about £15 so well worth having. I had to use it by 31 August so god to have the opportunity here. With hospital appointments (2) and blood test appointment at the surgery and recovering from the op there may not be the opportunity to use the voucher and I would lose it. Didn’t buy much and can’t buy plants while up here as there is not enough room in the car going home.

Afternoon All,

It's cooler here, 22 degrees at the moment and a gentle breeze blowing. I told OH last night that I was doing a short walk where the ice house is this morning so after his phone appt with the doc he came with me. Following his bone scan his osteoporosis hasn't progressed which is good. Off we went with me intending to walk a third of the way, sit at a picnic table then walk back. We'd just set off when we met an elderly lady with a black spaniel (her friend's dog ) and her own cute little snowy white, Bichon Poodle cross. We had a good natter and then moved on as my knees were beginning to ache. There are 5 seats spaced along the path around the edge and by having a 5 minute sit at each one I managed to walk the full circuit which surprised and pleased me. OH said his hip was beginning to ache as well by then too. Like you Vera, we need to do more walking and intend to start with twice a week for a few weeks and then more often if we can. Then we went to Aldi for some chicken, bacon pasta salads as Asda's subs yesterday were chilli versions and went back along with the mackerel sub that was in a thai green curry sauce! While we were there their black cherries and nectarines looked good, also the mushrooms so we got those and a few other bits. They had a poor selection of laundry stuff and only the plastic pods and bio liquid wash, so I gave those a miss.

I spoke too soon this morning when I said to OH that it made a change to be driving past our Drs surgery instead of turning in. They rang me since lunchtime to book me in for the 3rd tetanus jab, but couldn't book the 2nd MMR one yet as it's too far ahead for their system.

A Buzzard was back perched in the same hedge top last night, but with his back to me again!

As I said in my email Vera, those Heleniums are beautiful, and your big clump reminded me of those clumps you see in stately home borders!

I hope ypu find some nice plants at the garden centre and enjoy using your coupon. It's nice to be able to use these perks we get.

I need to do more HW too Mel and get a wash on to put out tomorrow. It never ends does it! Crikey that's a low water bill! I think ours is about £200 or more a year. What a relief for you though after them asking for so much.

Do any of you do this? I woke this morning and suddenly daren't move in bed as I noticed my glasses weren't at the bedside. One move and I could squash and break them I thought, so gingerly felt around me and on top of the bedclothes......nothing! I then hotched to the side of the bed and peered over at the floor, then spotted them about 6 feet away on the floor near the bottom of the bed. How did they get there?? Good job I didn't stumble across them in the usual semi darkness heading for the toilet.