General Chat

14 degrees here but feels much colder and I have the heating on too.Its a cold house in the winter but lovely in the summer as it always stays cool then as well.

I have had a go at deleteing some of my photos as when I went in to see the pics I had downloaded they were'nt there or any just black spaces. I was so cross as I wanted to put a couple of things on Ebay but with their pics I can't do it. Anyway soemthing sold today and the buyer paid straight away so I did the parcel up ready for posting tomorrow and came back to the pc and tried pictures again and there they were!! Gremlins comes to mind :-S

Poor Vera not a good day then but at least you got your dental appointment done and out of the way till May next year.

They have changed the payment method on Ebay. When you sold something it used to go on your summery and be paid out once a month which suited me fine. Now if you buy something they take it off your balance which means they hang on to your money for longer. I did buy something today and made sure I looked and a box came up to take so much off your balance so I put nothing in the box but that did'nt work so I entered a £1.00 and that worked. You can also ask for a payout now at any time I think so I shall have to keep my eyes on the total. It gets me in a muddle when they change things like that and you have no options to stay the same as before.

I must ring Stuart and see who is going to who tomorrow or Thursday as I shall have to get the meat pie inards out of the freezer if he's coming here.

Better go and do the girls now or they will think I have forgotten them and go to bed.

Oh Vera that was a real saga of how shopping shouldn't work out wasn't it? and no doubt it was cold in town as well. good job all was well at the dentist or it might have been a complete disaster. Yes the pharmacist always has to sign off any meds. I think they have to be double checked as I am sure when our pharmacist makes the order up she gets someone else to check it. Let's hope you can have a relaxing evening and cheer each other up and tomorrow will be better.

You didn't get what you wanted either Ann. do you have a B&M near you I think they might do what you are looking for.

It was so chilly indoors around 3pm I decided I may as well go out in the garden and put in half an hour weeding and clearing things away. so I took the tomato pots out of the trough they were in and then weeded a border that is behind the gravel and quite awkward to get to. So that is mostly clear now and the garden bin is full with a week to go.

Jake is coming tomorrow to finish off a few bits and then I have got another short session for him to price up.

Yes Ann we still have the old style boiler I really don't want a combi boiler as they don't seem to last long but I doubt I will have a choice when it comes to it.

Thank you AnnG. All was well at the dentist and our next appointment is booked for May next year.

It's been a slightly disastrous day so far; nothing serious, just one little thing after another. Our dentist was running very late which is unusual for her but it meant we were much later getting back to the car than expected. I then told OH our next stop was back to our town and then to the chemist and Iceland. I couldn't understand why he was muttering about going to Iceland first would make more sense when they are in the same street but when we were near town he shot off the roundabout down the wrong road. After a discussion I discovered he was taking me to Farm Foods - he had muddled up the shop names. So a detour back towards town and a trip round the one way system was needed. When we reached the car park nearest the road we wanted it was choc-a-bloc so we had to drive round till we saw someone coming out and nip in their spot before anyone else saw it. Parked and went to the pharmacy. My script had been signed off by the docs and sent through but hadn't yet been made up so I had to wait. One of the girls made it up but I couldn't have it till the pharmacist had checked it. We waited so long for him that OH asked if he'd gone to lunch. We came out of the chemist and bumped into a friend who wanted to stop and chat but after a couple of minutes I had to be a bit rude and cut her short or we would never have got done. So, eventually, to Iceland. They didn't have the fruit I wanted, they didn't have the cheesecakes I wanted and they didn't have the pizzas I wanted. I just got a couple of packs of blueberries and 3 different pizzas and even then there was a bit of a kerfuffle at the till over the price of the pizzas. We went home to get the frozen stuff straight in the freezer and by then it was turned 1 o'clock and we were both feeling a bit grumpy so we didn't bother going out for lunch. OH had some cold beef and a bit of salad and I had 2 slices of bread and jam. OH said he'll have a pizza tonight so I'll just have egg or beans on toast. We'd better have plenty of fruit and veg tomorrow to make up for today.

And that's the saga of my morning. I hope you are all having a better day than me.

Afternoon All,

Same weather here, dull and gloomy! If it was colder I'd say it was a sky full of snow.

We popped out for a coffee and bacon buttie this morning and then to the shop. I had another big search for my spare car key, pockets of all my coats, various handbags, in drawers, in the car but no success. I vaguely remembered there being a Key Policy being attached to one of my car insurances in the past. so checked my latest insurance and found it had one too. So I rang them and if I still can't find it I need to ring them again on Friday and they will arrange for a locksmith to bring one and programme it in. It doesn't affect my car insurrance no claims and is free, so that is great, as even ones for my car at Timsons cost over £200 and which is still a lot cheaper than from the manufacturer.

I went to the Factory shop without OH then to look at the plastic boxes for the sink cupboard. I managed to get a parking space at the end where I could get out of my car, but decided against their plastic baskets as the sides are quite high so you couldn't see what's inside them without pulling them right out. They are handy baskets though as they have a lid that drops just inside and you dould stack them. I look at some I've seen at one of the garden centres not far away next.

I hope the dentist doesn't find any work Vera. I hate it when they start more vigorous poking in a particular spot! Enjoy your lunch and the talk sounds like an interesting one.

AnnG your boiler is doing well. I suspect the older boilers were built to last longer unless these combi boilers just have a shorter life. It's 12 degrees here now, but OH has just put a blast of heat on as he is cold.

I forgot to say that was useful finding a log basket Mandy. It's always a good idea to have a look around while in those places as you never know what you will find. Is Colin getting better from his cough now?

Hovis does seem sweet now as you say Mel. I was brought up on Hovis and can't remember it being as sweet years ago. I don't mind the Warburtons Wholemeal , but I have the Warburtons Lighter Dansh Wholemeal lately. I don't eat much bread and it is a small loaf.

Better start our next Asda order next.

Sorry, I am fine, I actually thought I had put a post on here as I was on the PC at0730, but got sidetracked doing something else. only 10 degrees here and I have just been out to bring the bins in (Mine and Cynths as she is away until Friday), and it is really cold out there.

Not done a lot, a bit of admin and just about to sort out the Christmas presents to see what I have and what I need.

Hope all goes well at the dentist Vera and you don't need further appointments.

Where's Anng I hope she is ok. 13 degrees here grey and not much of a breeze to speak of so not sure if the washing will dry or should I put it on the airer?

Same grey day here but at least it’s not raining. 10 degrees at the mo. We’re just off to the dentists for our 6 monthly check up. It’s a bit of a trek as the surgery is in another town 12 miles away. On the way back we’ll pop into town here for my meds and some frozen bits from Iceland as Tuesday is pensioner’s 10% off day. Then we might go out for lunch. Tonight I’ve got Ladies Club where there is a talk by local police.

Must dash now. Have a good day everyone.

Morning all,

Same as usual here dull and dreary and very grey. Its 12 degrees and pc says mostly cloudy.

Shopping day today and I have one sub and its an important one its my Warburtons wholdmeal bread the only bread I like and they have sent me a Hovis which I find very sweet lately so that will be going back and I shall have to go to the shop and buy some expensive bread from them. At least it tastes like bread.

Still waiting for someone to pay me on Ebay and she's a regular customer too and only lives 9 miles away.

Have quite a big order today as I have bought some things for Christmas and pressies.

Oh dear.... more expense then Ann. My boiler is due its annual service. It must be 20 years old now so I hold my breath every time. I suppose I had better get the check up organised as well before winter sets in.

Afternoon All,

What a dreary day it is and not very warm. The boiler man was a bit early so it was a good job I had pulled my car forward to make room for his van. As soon as he took the inside metal cover off he said 'Oh dear' which wasn't a good start! He explained and showed us what was wrong and the upshot is we really need a new boiler and shouldn't limp along much longer with it, so we agreed he and his dad will come and replace it next week. It will cost about £3000 as new regulations mean flushing out all the radiators as well these days. MORE EXPENSE! The boiler is 9 years old and the previous one lasted 16 years, so it seems we are just unlucky. On the positive side, better having a new one now before they stop the sales of gas boilers and we have to have a heat pump! He looked at the leaky tap and it needs a new gasket he will fit as well. The only thing I'm not keen on is going back to a thermostat on the wall with a remote to adjust, as it was all done on the boiler panel with the old ones at this bungalow. I hate having things stuck on the walls and ceiling. There's enough with the smoke alarms, burglar alarm sensors and carbon monoxide alarm!

OH managed to cut down a self set Budddlia in the front garden that was making impressive growth this year, so the garden bin is full for collection tomorrow. He's gone to some talk about effects of the budget on businesses and will go on to a school meeting afterwards.

I needed to chase up our new front door sill fitting. After hunting high and low for the paperwork which I assumed I'd left handy, I found it where I file it where I should have looked in the first place. Still no joy when I got through as the receptionist couldn't find out as they were in a meeting. I wonder whether they will phone back as promised.

After MIL passed away in 2015, there were umpteen charities she subscribed to that needed cancelling and since they then got my name, I now still get inundated with begging letters and guilt making free calendars, name and address stickers and christmas cards ever since. I think my name may have been passed to other charities as well, unless because there is less money going to charities now they have spread their nets. I haven't responded to any over the years since, but they still seem to waste money sending me stuff. I'm going to return all of them noted 'gone away' now. I like to choose my own charities to give to. It annoys me a bit that I had a really hard time persuading her to claim Pension Credit when they had a big bill to pay for a boiler, which then became free. Yet then they continued to heat just one room through the winter, apparently preferring to subscribe to lots of charities with the money I helped them get. I think MIL enjoyed getting the many letters of thanks she received from them which we found afterwards.

More clearout Mandy! I remember we ended up dismantling my old exercise bike and putting it in the bin a bit at a time when the tips were closed in covid. I remember the big metal flywheel was really heavy. I sorted more clothes for the charity shop today.

Iv'e not done anything much either so you're not alone Anng. I did do a little painting this morning after going to the post van with a parcel. I have modeled a couple of bone handled knives and a joint of meat and dressed a plate of fish with greens and lemon bits. Got a couple of job lots ready to be photographed to go on Ebay and had some lunch. Sweet and sour chicken and egg fried rice for dinner so nice and quick and I really like this meal for one. If I don't cook a meal I have more time for my minitures and spend less on leccy.

Better check I have everything on my order now for tomorrows delivery.

That is good vera we can all rest easy now and you can have a sit down. I have really not done a lot today I didn't go out into the garden because I got called over for coffee with my friend over the road, loving so close we see/wave to each other most days but she works a few days and also is something to do with Beavers and this last week it was gang shows. however she was free for coffee this morning. I was pleased of the rest as I had just spent quite a while cleaning the air frier. I read abou the fact that there have been a number of fires that have not made the news. apparently when there is a house fire, the fire brigade have a list of items that might have caused it if it is mainly in a kitchen. they tick what they think and that is publicised. However, Air friers are not mentioned so if they were the cause, there is nothing to tick!

Anyway I realised that I had not given mine a good clean, it was not too bad as I rarely cook anything likely to 'spit' as I am fire aware. But there was a small amount of residue fat up near the elements so I cleaned it all off and then gave the compartments a good clean to remove any lingering grease. Other than that and a small washing load I have not done anything.

Found it OH has now taken the address to our neighbours.

Good afternoon ladies

Our weather is much like Mandy's, no sun, no wind, just grey. I suppose we should expect it in November but it would be nice to see a bit of sun again.

I did all the bed changing and washing. Some went in the dryer, some is on the airer and OH's shirts are drying on hangers in various warm parts of the house. I hate it all hanging around but I expect we're all the same.

Mandy, have you got Freecycle operating in your area? If so you could put your exercise bike on there and say it needs collecting. We got rid of a freezer and a lawnmower like that and it was good to know they were going to a young couple who had just got married and were short of cash. Your log basket sounds a good find and made me wonder what happened to ours when we moved here and no longer had a log fire.. I expect we gave it to someone but I'm blowed if I can remember.

After the washing I decided to just wipe down the sills in the conservatory before it is so full of cuttings and overwintering plants that I can't get to them. That turned into a long job as I then decided to just move the couch in there and the television that's also in there. Then of course I had to sweep and wash behind them where there were plenty of dead insects and so it went on. By the time I finished in there it was lunchtime and I was exhausted.

While I was doing that OH got his electric trimmer out and cut back 2 large choisyas against the back fence. He does it every year as they not only grow up but outwards in all directions and nearly take over a flower bed hiding everything else. They look very neat at the moment.

The doorbell went just now and OH answered it. It was a neighbour asking who did our fencing for us as she needs some work done. OH came and asked me and expected me just to produce the name and details from the top of my head. It was a few years ago now but I looked through some files to see if we still had the invoice. I knew where it would be if I filed it and it wasn't there so it's a case of where OH might have filed it. That could be anywhere! He has a method all his own. The trouble is he doesn't understand his method either. So far no luck but I'll keep on looking for a while before we tell our neighbour we don't know who did the fencing.

Better get back to going through the filing cabinet and checking whether we have a note anywhere on the computer.

Afternoon all,

Very dull here no sign of the sun ,I didn't bother to hang my washing out either Vera I said to Colin there's no wind and they will be as wet when I get them in as when I hung them out so they are now on ths airer.
I cleared the leaves off the hostas in the pots out in the front garden and did a bit of weeding so we could take the garden rubbish to the tip this morning , we also took a few bits into the Pack animal charity ,there was jigsaws that the children use to do and a couple of bags of toys that had been in the shed ,also a hard plastic dog bed ,I asked if they would take the exercise bike but they said no and that was the second place to say no so it wil have to go to the tip but in pieces as it's so heavy .
I spotted a nice big log basket in the Pact shop so bought that ,went with stuff and came home with a log basket .

Mel. I get the impression that between the chickens and the pond you don't have much time left over for gardening and it is such a large plot. Goodness knows how you would manage without your BiL.

Morning you lot,

Its 12 degrees here and dull and dreary with it but no wind so I suppose thats a bonus.

I have to go to the post van this morning so not staying long just wanted to catchup on the posts. I see you have been busy in the garden I do wish you'd come down and help me with mine. Iv'e hardly touched the border this year and its just gone wild.

Good morning all.
Just back from taking some bits and pieces to Reception class at school for junk models.
It seems quite mild, although laptop says 11, but it seemed warmer than that to me :-S It's dull, but sort of brighter dull towards the south east, so hopefully things will improve.
You do well Ann with your bursts of activity in the garden. You seem to get quite a bit done. Daughter did a bit in ours yesterday, while I was busy elsewhere, so at least we have made use of the bin collection service, which we pay for each year. It's out awaiting collection and then we can start to refill it ;-)

Today's wash load hanging on the inside airer, as I think it would just hang limp and not dry outside, as there's not a hint of breeze. Our back garden doesn't get much sun in the winter months and the heavy clay soil means it stays damp underfoot, so not the best drying area.

good morning all. another grey day out there and 9 degrees. How I would love to see a clear blue sky. No idea what I am going to be doing today. There is still some gardening to do but nothing really that can't wait.

Ann Daughter on a low carb diet won't eat lentils as they are high in carbs. Which sends her blood sugar up and put on weight.