Spoiler etiquette dos and don’ts

Oh thankyou so much Scott, you are a treasure. What a lovely new home!

So feet all done and are now feeling fab, if a touch chilly! It is not really the weather for flip flops!

Btw AB has announced new tour dates for 2013

http://www.alfieboeuk.com/2012/03/arena-tour-2013-tickets-on-sale-friday-16-march-2012-from-9-30am

So Sue, how many of these will you do?

Oooh thank you Scott Dear, a lovely new home and pristine and neat, with pink furnishings! Lovely!!

Thanks to lovely Twin we are going to see Alfie next year - hooray!

Thanks to Another Liz on the forum for this find of the GO at the Tommy awards earlier today, nice!

https://twitter.com/#!/tvskirsten/status/180628961162825728/photo/1

Sorry I’ve not been around. We’re not holding our breath with Fliss, she ate fine for two days, having had an anti sickness injection and an appetite stimulant, today first day without them . . . . “don’t want that thank you!” so I gave her the appetite pill . . . . “stuff it” so I tried the G*urmet gold . . . . . . “mmmm, might try a bit of this, think I could manage that tiny tin”
Trouble is although it’s better than her starving the cat food gives her the runs, and it’s too rich for her failing kidneys, but hey ho, if she eats it then she can have it.

Eva, did you enjoy the concert? Not as good as being there of course, and Laura can knock spots off Mel *, but well worth a watch.
Do let me know what you think of the M*rigold book, I’ve been wondering whether to get it on talking book.

Jan, talking of cooling towers, they demolished our local ones a few years ago, not without incident. I was lucky enough to be able to go inside the three of them prior to the big day, and see all the dynamite, and rigging. I was so sad they were going, I just love the sight of them, (any cooling towers, not just my local ones)
We went to watch on the night they were due to come down, and we waited and waited and waited . . . . . . . and waited, I bet we were there two hours. Nothing! The next night they were on the front of our local paper, with the headline “THEY’RE STILL STANDING!! Apparently rabbits had chewed through the rigging!
Anyway it was all set to go a couple of weeks later, off we go to watch again, we waited and waited and waited . . . . . . . . we gave it an hour this time, not believing this had happened again, and all the while I’m hoping they’re not meant to come down and they’ll get a reprieve.
It took us ten minutes to get home, and I’d just put the key in the door when there was an almighty bang, followed by two more . . . . . they’d gone, and I cried.

Oh Ali, poor Daisy, glad she’s home and eating though. Good on middle Scollop!

Right, I’ve caught up as far as I’m going to before me and Ploppy watch last night’s M*ster Ch*f, I’m sure no-one will give the game away but I’m not taking any chances. It’s one thing we really enjoy watching together, and we can never watch it on the night, not together anyway as I’m at the old lady’s on a Thursday night.

Back later

Scott dear,- you are a gem as usual, answering our cries of distress!

Now, Pauline, see what you've made me do:
I've booked to see Alfie next April (the 2013 April) in RAH! It cost a pretty penny too, but I'm sure it will be worth it.

Sue,- you'll have to keep giving Fliss the appetite pills and hope she re-discover her "food"-brain cell!
Loved the Alfie concert. have played it twice already!

I've had not one, but two young men here today. The one servicing the heater has just left and a very young one, looked about 14 (!) came to check up my pooter and all the connections because I've been complaining about the IP not giving me the upgrade I'm paying for. He sat on the floor, doing a lot of things on his laptop of which I understood squat, but the end result was that there is nothing wrong with my cables or my computer and he told the IP that. So now we'll see what the IP says. I won't hold my breath. It's only taken 7 weeks from I first reported it until the boy came today.

As I said earlier, I'm off out later.
I'll email the new home adress to Jan.

...oh Eva are you going on the Monday or Tuesday? We are there on the Tuesday! Just back from visiting Ann. She now has a carer who comes in every morning during the week from 7.30am to 9.30 am to get her up and is also on call during the day should Ann need her. Ann was her usual bright self....she now sleeps downstairs in her tilting chair as Roger has put his back out trying to get her into bed. She is going in for her blxdder op on 12th April, so hopefully that will make life easier for her and we will be able to get out and about with her again. It will also be better weather. The building programme seems on track so that's good. The girls are both going this weekend for Mothering Sunday so that will be nice for them. Sue so sorry to hear about Fliss let's hope she rediscovers her appetite!

Well I have been to the doctor and as I thought I have to have an op to remove the gall bladder as they are quite large. They will do keyhole if they can and if I can loose weight it would help. Of course it would, it would always help and if I didn't like food it would be easy!

Oh Eva it would be great if we have chosen the same night. Sorry! But I promise he is worth it.

Sue, your poor little dog. I do hope she can get her appetite back. So awful when animals are ill.

Evening all

Thank you for the new home Scott.

The end of another manic week at w*rk!! My day off on Monday seems a distant memory after the week I've had! I had a lovely day on Monday though, Ploppy was off too so, although we woke up at about 7am (which is still a lie in for me!) we stayed in bed chatting and putting the world to rights until nearly 9am!! I can't remember the last time we did that! Then, after a morning of doing our own things, we met up back at home at lunchtime and, as it was such a gloriously sunny day, we strolled on to the local pub and had a long, leisurely lunch. We really should make time to do it more often! It really re-charged my batteries. Unfortunately, my batteries have now gone flat again, I'm obviously not a D*racell Loppy!!

I haven't been back to the old home so sorry if I've missed anything.

Pauline - sorry to hear you have to have an op. Hope it helps the problem.

I'm back at the hospital on Wednesday for the umpteenth time and, although I don't really want surgery, I'm half hoping that they'll conclude that they've tried everything else and surgery is the only option left, even if it's the BIG gynae op!! I'm so fed up of the pain I just wish they'd take everything away and get rid of the pain once and for all!!

Sue - so sorry to hear about Fliss. I do hope she rallies soon. It's so worrying when our pets are ill.

One of my colleagues, who is on holiday at the moment, came in to w*rk to see us today bringing in her 14 week old K*ng Ch*rles Sp*niel. It was the cutest little thing I have ever seen! Just made me want a dog even more!

Very envious of those going to see Alf*e.

Carol - hope Ann's op does make her life easier. She's a very brave lady.

We've had a man in today as well, fitting a burglar alarm, which has been sat in the loft for years (the alarm, not the man!!), in fact the electrician laughed when he saw it and said we should take it to the Ant*ques R*adshow!! (He's a friend of Ploppy's so we let him off laughing at our expense!!). It's not that old really but technology advances so quickly, I think he thought it looked like the one that N*ah had on the Ark!! Anyway, I don't care how old it is as long as it works and does the job it's supposed to do!!

Well, I'm on my second glass of red already so I suppose I better go put the dinner on whilst I'm still capable........

Scott Thank you for the new home, all bright and shiny and magic, as I can't see any pink, just purples and lilac!
I don't know what has happened to my laptop, but it has just slowed right up. It was fine last night.

It has taken me over an hour to get a bit of speed back into pooter. While I was waiting for a restart felf rang and she could get connected to BB at all. I went over saw her USB wireless receiver on her pooter was not flashing, so I pulled it out put it back in a couple of times and jiggled it until it started flashing. And it was fixed. Felf always asks how I fix things, I usually tell her I have no idea as I've just pressed lots of things and got it going, so same again tonight.
KK glad you had a good day off. But the benefit never lasts long. At least you gave the electrician a good laugh.
Eva, I always say for the modern technology you need a 14 year old. Although it didn't work with felf's TV. Shame he didn't find a fault, like a dodgy cable as that would have been a quick fix.

Hello honies, I'm home!
It was a wonderful concert with lots of happy music. The Strauss brother's music is always happy music, and with singing by Solveig Kringlebotten and Tom Erik Lie:
http://www.tomeriklie.com/tomeriklie.com/Biografy.html
and:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvDsP2FneBY
it was magnificent.
Solveig even had the audience singing the chorus from The Merry Widow's Vilja song! If she then had done ADWD, I wouldn't have been surprised!
It was a mix of Strauss, Lehar, Sieczynski and Emmerich Kalman
The parents had a great evening, first meeting other police pensioners for a drink and then the lovely music. When I left them at home, they were sitting down, father with a whisky in his glass and mother a glass of red, both beaming!

Jo,- at least the IP can't blame me and my equipment for the dodgy connection!

Pauline,- didn't I talk about S*d's Law the other day? Well, it has struck again. My ticket to see Alfie is for the Monday!
An operation? Did they say when, or just " join the queue"?

KK,- your free Monday sounds like a perfect day! Hope you can have more of those.

Oh pooh Eva, that is sxds law. Glad you enjoyed the concert. It sounds lovely. You need to hear Twin singing the Merry Widow with MM. It really is stunning. They moved me top tears...in a good way!! Yes of course it is join the queue time, but as I only get these attacks every now and then I suppose I vcan put up with it. More sxds law will be they'll want to do it when I'm due to go on holiday!!

Jo my big old slow pooter has a USB and it regularly needs a jiggle! Amazing techy stuff.

KK days like that are to treasure, and you really should try to have one on a regular basis.

Eva, an evening of Strauss sounds good to me. Have you heard Alfie’s Lehar CD? It's my favourite one of his.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Franz-Lehar-Love-Was-Dream/dp/B002UWA85I

Pauline, AB concerts . . . . . . . . a few!! Just have to go to the R*H, I’ve never been and always said I’d love to go there. Pretty impressive to have your own gig there methinks!! (Is that where you and twin are going? Hope so.) Lovely link, thanks, and to Another Liz.
So, you have to lose some weight, I see you have the same problem as me, we like food! Now if we could take a leaf out of Flissy’s book, just for a few weeks maybe . . . . . . . .

Oooooooo Eva, I’ll see you at the R*H, oh this is so exciting!!
We just need Jo there now . . . . . Jo????

KK, ‘putting the world to rights’ is that what they call it now?? Good to see you anyway, and good luck for next Wednesday.

Carol, thanks for news of Ann, good that she now has care going in, and on call if she needs them is brilliant.

Oh well my bed time I think, nite nite Loppies x

Oh btw Twins and Auntie Eva, I'll see you all at the R*H, now who would want go to the same concert two nights running??

RAH, mmmm my calendar for 2013 seems to be rather full. It is my favourite concert hall. I love seeing Cliffy there. It is big but not too big. Last time we went there to see Cliffy the seats my Cliffy friend and I had were the furthest I've ever been from the stage (and the highest up) but we still got a good view.

Been busy all evening (since I got the laptop running a little faster, I think it must have got stuck in a start up problem). Time for bed
Nightlee night

...ah in my young days I have prommed at the RAH, then when MM was working for one his firms he became friendly with the law firm his company used and they had debentxre seats at the RAH and we had use of them on many an occassion (including a Lxst Night of the P, and when they did M Bxtterfly), sadly of course we no longer get them. Those were the days when the company had a box at Cxvent Gdn, and the RFH, and if no one want to use it they would give us the tickets - happy days! KK that sounds like my sort of day! When MM and I both worked in Town you may recall we would lunch at least once a week as it was a time when we could sit with a bottle (ok maybe 2) of wine and chat about things that we didn't necessarily have time to do when we were rushing here there and everywhere! Oh Eva what a shame! MM will be devastated! Still we all get to Sue apparently! Somewhat in the distance but perhaps we can organise meeting up! Eva your concert sounds lovely - V from MW is one of my party pieces (used to be my Dad's favourite!). Off to collect Sloppy soon. It looks cold and grey here at the moment. Hope it doesn't rain on Twin in all her finery this evening! Hello BHB, definitely not outside weather so I think a large jug of Raspberry Bxllini and some waffles and a nice snuffle are on the agenda. I think the DCM might be along shortly as she has an exciting day ahead.

Not too cold today, but a fine rain. Dog very happy to see her friends. I've just given out the breakfasts, everyone not too happy that the food appeared after we'd been out.
Hope everyone has a good day today and all the poorlies (4 and 2 feet) feel a bit better.

Morning all, well it has rained overnight and is all drizzly now. Typical when I am out in a posh frock tonight! My shoes will be ruined. Never mind we are desperate for rain apparantly.

Sue I thought you might be going to a few, ok a lot, of the concerts! Think we all can relate to that here! Will be great to see you and we can hopefully get to see Eva as well.

Morning BHB, what have we today? Raspberry Bellini? Oh yummy I love it. So let's get another jug and join the CM.

Morning all. Yuk day - lucky I did all the w. word yesterday tho UB scollop coming home today so dare say will be a bit more to do tonight!

AB at RAH - hmm might have to join you:) Tho see loads of tics gone already. Think I will be like Jo and sit up in the g.ds.

Scott - thank you muchly for our new home. Hope Jan can now join us.

KK - hope you do get sorted! My friend we went to Ic.eland with has just had the "big" op - and feels miles better already - after 10 days only.

M-i-l back in hosp.. I obv have too much on as realised last night that I had forgotten - sis in law bday, 2 friends bday and that friend was going in for op - all last week. Aaargh. Lots of grovelling ph calls.

However as well as m-i-l have been helping ploppy looking for jobs and with Cvs, interview etc - and he may have a job:) Admin only and still a commute - but only locally. He still has to have his medical check approved and as he has been ref to various specialists at mo that is not a foregone conclusion so lots of ohhhhms. Also need to chase up his referrals as none have come thro - 6 weeks later!

Forgot to say. Happy St Patrick's Day to all our Irish contingent. Hope it is a good one, though I'd think Twin would prefer you not to win the rugby!

Morning all

Sue - these days "putting the world to rights" means exactly that!!! Especially at that time o the morning!! I'd rather have a cuppa!

Carol - I do remember your lunches with MM and I always thought how lovely it was.

Pauline - I don't know if I've missed where it is your going tonight but it sounds very posh and I have no doubt that you will look stunning, as always. Have a lovely time.

Oo, an Alf*eFest, I'm liking the sound of that!

Fi, loads of ohmmmmmssss for Ploppy.

And loads more ohmmmmmmmssss to all who need them.

Fi, I hope all goes well for Ploppy. Lots of ooohhmmms for a good result.
Must be off now. Rain is heavier now, found out when I loaded the car with all the clean saddle cloths. Not too bad though

Morning. We had to buy a new house phone as ours went wrong this week. Ploppy charged them overnight and is now playing with the various (piercing) ringtones!
Well, we didn't disgrace ourselves at the quiz last night. We were in 2nd place till the last couple of rounds and ended up 6th out of 17 teams.
Daisy is soo much better, although she did make herself sick by eating too much and too quickly. She has a check up on Monday and then hopefully no more vet trips.
Off to have my feet nibbled in a bit, I had a voucher for my birthday and just realised it expires today!
Happy St. Patricks Day to our Irish Loppies.
Have a lovely evening Pauline.
Oohhmms to Fliss and all poorly loppies

Morning all. When I got up this morning I noticed that the sky had a funny colour,- blue! I wondered what was up, and then realized: IT'S THE SUN! It's been absent for so long that I'd forgotten what a nice day looks like!

Hello sweetheart. Not sitting outside today? You could come to Bergen, you know, and we could take a couple of blue blankets and sit out on my terrace. No? You have to comfort Pauline, 'cause she's going to a posh do and it's raining and her shoes could be ruined and................ Never mind,- maybe another time, eh?

I see we have an Alfie fest building up. I have started planning next year's April break already. You're not surprised? Well, as I'm going to see the adorable Alfie at the RAH, I will have to combine that with seeing other shows as well, so I think 4-5 days at the SP might be on the cards. I'm getting excited already!

Happy St. Patrick's Day to the Dublops.
There was an Irish band on the radio this morning, and they were interviewed about Isrish customs on this day. They were hilarious, and when asked what was the traditional food on St.P's day, one of them said: " Food? We haven't got time to eat with all the drinking going on!" He also said when asked what the traditional greeting was:" ............(Something in Irish). It means Who's round is it?" That sounds about right!

Fi,- good luck to Ploppy searching for another job. Even if he has to commute locally, it will be nothing compared to the nightmare journey he had when he worked in London. I'll keep my fingers crossed for his health getting better.

I'd better get on with the h*****g.

Good Morning all - Happy St Patrick's Day Irish Loppies.

And thank you so much to our lovely landlord for our new home.

Well - it seems like they'll be a proper Alfie-Loppyfest this year! I hope all you AB fans enjoy.

Sue - I also like cooling towers. I think of them as modern castles. I was so sorry to see the ones near Sh*ffield go. They were a landmark on journeys home. OOOHHMMS for Fliss.

OOo it looks like we have a few Loppies facing Ops - I hope yours is sorted out without trouble Pauline and goes well.

KK - I hope they get you sorted out asap. I know the pain you're going through.

Carol - Ann really is a very brave lady. She always sounds to be upbeat.

Jo - When I was a computer support bod I did the same. Amazing how often the riduculled reboot works.

Fi - I'm sure your friends understand the pressure you are under. Many OOOHHMMS for Ploppy.

Ali - I'm glad to hear Daisy is improving.

Well I should now be at a re-enactor's market with a friend, but my friend has been warned by her doctor to avoid anyone who is infectious. And as we've still not got the W-cough tests back, there is a (tiny) possiblity I might be. Personally I think not as my cold symptoms aren't any worse. Ploppy is improving slowly thank goodness!

Oh, I might be to late to wish Pauline a splendid evening, but I'm sure she'll have one anyway!

Jane,- the Alfie-fest will be in April 2013! We're a very forward looking bunch, you know.

My usual Saturday pleasure is due to begin in 20 minutes, when the news and my i****g start at the same time. After that I have to peel fresh prawns for the Saturday Night Luxurious Meal! My, my,- who needs a posh do? (she said enviously.)

Thanks to Eva for the link. Here I am again but no time to say anything except it's lovely to be back full time and amazed to see so many posts already. Got to cook dinner now. See you all you lovely people later (if I can deal with the dreaded Captcha)

Flying visit before I leave, all ready to go so the most glam I have been in ages! Thanks Eva I will try to enjoy myself.

Hi Jan. See you tomorrow I hope.

Night night folks, I think I may be back late.

...dazzled by the beauty that is Twin!! Gorgeous or what!! We have just won at Twickers in the rugby so come second in the 6 Nations! Well done Boys!! Jan lovely to see you albeit briefly!! Eva I am liking the sound of the peeled fresh prawns!!! I may be popping over!

Why is nothing in my life straight forward!! We've just discovered that in the closet where the electrician put the control panel for the burglar alarm, we have a leaky water pipe under the floor upstairs, which is dripping water into the closet and on to the control panel!! Water and electrics!! Not good! Ploppy has managed to locate the leak and seal the pipe so I hope that works but we're having to keep an eye on it for now! Why did the bl*dy pipe wait until after the electrics had been done to spring a leak!! And why that pipe? In that place! S*ds law, or KK's law!!

Ali - sorry, I missed that Daisy has been ill. Glad to hear that she's feeling better. Rather you than me, having the feet nibbled! Ugh! Hope you enjoyed it.

Jane - ohmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmssssssssssssssss for your test results! I am being partly selfish, so that we can meet for lunch when you have the all clear. Much as I love you I don't want to share your germs!!

Jan - good to have you back.

Pauline - wow, you look stunning, you'll be the belle of the ball.

Pauline living it up!! Have a good time.
I have messed up my social calendar. I was meant to be at a party next Saturday according to my calendar. BUT it is tonight. I only found out at 4pm. I have made no arrangements, so I texted a grovelling apology to the hostess. I was far too tired to rush about to get ready for it. Today is the first day for weeks that I've done any running as I felt so much better, don't want to spoil it.
Anyway I have spent the last 2 hours on and off taking cactus spines out of my fingers and leg. I was taking photos for felf of a green house she wants to sell. She is down sizing. I was concentrating on a shot and walked into a 3 foot tall cactus. One of those with big needles and little ones. The big ones I got out at the time the little ones are much more of a problem.
GO has been Tw**ting like mad

...ouch Jo! That sounds really painful! Shame about the party, but I know what you mean about sometimes being too tired to rush about and get ready to go out. Eva have just heard AB on the radio singing Vxlia......it actually sounded weird with a man singing it (even Alfie)!! KK that sounds highly dangerous, not a good mix water and electricity as you say! Pour yourself another large glass! WAtching Lets D for S Relief at the moment....tricky one to call this year!

Jo - ouch! Hope you manage to get them all out okay.

Carol - large glass duly poured!!

My favourite won D for SR, I loved it when Chr*stopher W*lken did it and I thought RR did a great job!

....we thought it would be between RR who won and T&L. Brilliant that they raised £1 million. Now back with the Lxwis weekend on ITV3!

Jo,- walking backwards into a cactus? Are you sure your pseudonym isn't KK?

KK,- water and electricity do not a good mix make!

OK finally caught up with all the things I should have been doing over the last few weeks.
Nightlee night

Morning all and a lovely bright sunny morning here with clear skies.....think it is probably colder out than it looks though! Hope Cinders had a lovely time last night! We are taking Sloppy out to lunch for Mothers' Day after Church, so that gives me a day off from cooking. Semi final of DoI tonight so we will be watching that later. Hope everyone has a lovely day. Depositing oooooooohhhhhhhhmmmmsss for our four legged friends, and ooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmss for the two legged poorlies and needies. Fi have fingers crossed for Ian and also your MiL. Meant to ask did your parents definitely decide against move S? Hope Lady J gets the all clear soon too - I think KK needs that lunch! Ali, as Twin will tell you the idea of having my feet nibbled by fxsh is my idea of hxll! I have this phobia about fxsh! Hello BHB, what have we today? Champagne cocktails as it Mxther's Day? Lovely! I'll get the cupcakes and you bring that and we can talk about the rugby match yesterday. I think we have time for a nice long snuffle as somehow don't think the DCM will be up and about early today! Enjoy your day Ladies!

Morning all. Would you believe it? The sky is still blue out there and the sun is shining! ! ! ! I have to go for a long walk today. Can't waste such a glorious day, can I? Maybe Pauline will come with me, to clear the head? Stop throwing high heeled shoes at me!

Hello sweetheart. No, I don't want to talk about rugby. I don't know the first thing about rugby, football, t****s or any other summer sports. Now if you want to discuss cross country skiing or biathlon, I'm your woman! (He looks very puzzled, as if I've thrown unknown words at him.)
OK, OK,- we'll do the snuggling instead,- in silence!

It's not Mother's Day here, so I'll leave mother in peace. In fact, I'm having the day off! No parents to drive, no guests for Sunday lunch, no baking to do! In short, a whole day of doing nothing if I so chose. Talking a walk is pure relaxation.

Ali,- as you know I love fish, but dead on a plate!

Morning all, a nice bright morning here as well, though must admit I am feeling a tad weary. Gone are the days when if I went to bed late I'd sleep till lunch time. Now I seem to wake at my normalish time. However we had a lovely time. My friend that invited us is president for her club thingy this year. Poor thing had a speech to make and was wracked with nerves. Still she got through it and did well. I think Roni and myself were there as moral support. We had a very nice meal, of course full of things I shouldn't be eating! Fingers crossed all is well so far. We had abit of a dance, though as I have a bad back and Roni has a replacement knee our dancing is nopt what it once was! Geriatrics anonymous I think! Home late and not had enough sleep, so will have a lazy day, but I will go out for a bit to blow the cobwebs away, so no shoes thrown Eva. Oh and it stopped raining so the shoes were fine.

Oh I can certainly verify that Twin does not like fish near her. She was not happy seeing fish round my feet in the sea on holiday last year. I don't mind that, not sure I want a pedicure with them though. I'm more than happy with the conventional one!

Oh KK, it would happen to you wouldn't it. Really hope it is ok, not liking the mixture of water, electricity and you at all!

Jo that sounds very painful, hope you have de-prickled yourself now.

May try to have a peek at the SR winner later. I missed the winner both times, I think I was doing something else that weekend!

Good morning, Pauline! Glad to hear you had a good time last night, even if the dancing was limited.

I had a lovely walk and then I took Hazel for her very first wash! She was so pleased when it was done, because she thought the machine brushes were a bit harsh. She asked if they don't do handwash here, and I had to tell her that sadly "no". I did promise her some extra pampering when we get to England later in the year.

I have to start the lunch in a moment. I'm having "får-i-kål", the dish which consists of lamb and cabbage, simmering for an hour and a half, served with boiled potatoes. It practically cookes itself!

Glad you had a good time out last night Pauline. I am so late, I really slept in. Have to rush now as I'm out tonight, yes it is definitely tonight, I've checked. It's almost sold out

Jo,- who are you seeing tonight?

Quiet here today. IT support has just reinstalled felf's printer. No idea why I had to do it, but it asked for it so I did.
The old horse was very perky today. Nearly bolted off during his walk. I was clearing some texts as he was eating grass, then he heard something scary and tried to rush for home. Luckily as he has got rather weak I managed to hold him. He pranced back to the stables, ears pricked forward and head held high. Not his normal amble back up the track. M has been out with the good rider, she was an handful, as she must only walk. Rider said she would have been impossible if we hadn't given her some calming tabs.
Eva, an uplifting high brow concert of course and not a street sweeper in sight. Peter Noone, Chris Montez, Brian Hyland, Brian Poole ;)

What is this blog coming to? Pauline going to posh parties and Jo to high brow concerts,- well, I never!

Sue1,- I have now started on the B*st E*otic M*rigold H*tel and so far, so good. It's very funny. Mind you, I'm only on page 52, but it's highly recommendable.

I see DoI is "only" one and a half hour tonight, so it's bearable and then it's U&D. Busy, busy.

Good news bro has sorted felf's electrics. OK he said he's come on Sat, but a day late is not bad for him.
Tea time and then extra walk and I'm off.
Back later

Well I have had a bit of a lazy day. I did go out though. I did the shopping for food I would do tomorrow, but I have the game to play of 'let's wait in all day for patio furniture that doesn't arrive!'. Then this afternoon I did a bit of weeding in the gardenm but it started to rain so didn't last long! I feel better now but still weary. I think I feel an early night coming on Of course we have DoI coming up soon. I know who I think should go, but nothing certain with a public vote.

Hope Jo enjoys her highbrow concert.

Watched DoI. Didn't agree wioth all the scores, but did agree with who is bottom. Feel it is her time to go!

...also watched DoI, think right person had immunity and agree with the bottom scorer.....let's see what the voting public do!! Had a lovely lunch (with both champers AND PGB!) and clothes I had bought Sloppy all fitted. Hope Jo has a lovely time this evening!!

Well, I think the semi final results were the fair ones. I'm so pleased Chico went straight through, because he really deserved it.
Overall, I think Matthew is the best skater, dancer and actor. If I could vote, he would get my vote. I've never quite warmed to Jorgie, but she can skate!

It's been a long TV night and it's bedtime in Vikingland.

I wonder how Jo is doing? Do you think she'll still talk to us commoners when she comes back?

Eva as Twin knows, I can't stand Chxco at any price! I know he can skate, but in my opinion is third. I think Jorgie is better than him. Anyway, all being well it will Matt who wins, he by far the best.

Think I will have an early night, for some reason I am tired. Night night and sleep tight all.

Fi, lots of crossed fingers for Ploppy and that job.

Re Alfie fests, if you think you have to be quick off the mark for good tickets for Lee, you have to be even quicker for a decent seat for Alfie, unless you want to pay double and have what they are calling VIP seats in the first three rows, which include attending a sound check and various other things no-one wants, but do NOT include a meet and greet which everybody wants!! Rip off really, and it stops people getting front row seats, which I think is appalling.

Eva, with a bit of luck the ‘lovely’ Lee will have something on in April, and you can really indulge yourself. (sorry but if it’s Adorable Alfie then it has to be Lovely Lee, although i’m sure someone will come up with a better description)

Jane, good to hear that Ploppy is getting better. Thanks for the ohhhmmmsss for Fliss, I keep thinking we’ve turned the corner, and then she says “nope don’t want it” She has eaten both meals today though, and her proper low protien stuff . . . . . . . not holding my breath but . . . . . . .

KK, oh no here we go again!! Hope the leaky pipe behaves now. Maybe if we stopped calling you KK??

Pauline, I’ve missed where you were going, glad you had a good time though, and not too hung over today.

Jo, sounds like a good night, nearly as good as AA, and not quite the WOW factor of LL but okay all the same.

Oh nearly forgot for those who watch it, I thought the right person won M*ster Chef, I must say though I loved all of them, and any of them deserved to win. I hope they all go on to achieve good things.

Ploppy’s turned the heating off and I’m cold so I’m off to bed, nite nite Loppies x

Ben
http://www.whatsonstage.com/interviews/theatre/london/E8831332093643/Ben+James-Ellis+on+making+the+transition+from+screen+to+stage.html

It was a long show. I'd not got Dog cover so left before P Noone. It was Brian Hyland I wanted to see anyway. He was great. An early 60's popstar who does the numbers he is famous for, rock n roll, a Jimi H and Procal Harum song in set. I really pi**d off the lady next to me (she had really nasty perfume on) by bopping about in my seat. (Never mind she had a spare seat next to her for the last bit.)
Glad Chico got through, not seen DoI for weeks, but I've always had a soft spot for him.

KK hope your water vs electricity probs are fixed now
Nightlee night

Morning all, lovely blue sky and sunshine here but I can see a bit of frost so hope the plants are ok!! Glad you had a good time Jo....trawling my memory bank did BH sing Sxaled with a Kiss? If so I used to love it! Fingers crossed for Twin's gxrden furnitxre turning up today. Firm seems to have been fairly efficient (apart from the itinal blip) so I have high hopes. Taking Sloppy to do her food shopping this morning then this afternoon we are taking her to see the B Exotic Mxrigold ..... yes I know we have seen it, but I think she will like it and we are quite happy to have a second viewing; then of course we have small group rehearsal tonight, so quite a busy day! Lots of oooooohhhhhhhmmmmmss for the four legged friends and oooooohhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmsss for all the two legged poorlies, needies, MiAs. Hello BHB, yes it's a beautiful morning, but I don't think it is sitting out weather, so you bring the champers cocktails and I'll get the paninis and we can have a nice snuffle before the DCM arrives!

Morning all. When I woke up this morning, it was to a WHITE world! I really thought we'd finished with the snow, but no!

Hello sweetheart. Don't worry,- I won't suggest that you come to Norway with me. I have other suggestions if you want to hear? You do? Come closer and I'll whisper them to you. No,- I won't speak up, the others are soooooooo proper!

Jo,- thank you for the link to Ben's interview. It's good to hear he's doing so well. I loved him in H*irspray. He's such a good dancer, and I'm sure this show he's in now, suits him down to the ground.

Sue,- I'm now on page 143 in the book and still enjoying it!

I'm off to have my hair cut now, so I'll see you later.

Morning all. Have been up and about on the off chance the furniture turned up early. Of course it didn't, silly me. Nothing is that easy! Delivery time is between 8am and 8pm, so I foresee a looooooooooooooooooooooooong wait! However if it turns up I will be a happy teddy. It is a beautiful morning here, clear blue sky and sunshine. You have snxw Eva? Good grief, please try and shove it away to the east please.

Hope Twin enjoys the film again! I think it is such a lovely film it won't be hard having to watch it twice.

Glad you had a good, if curtailed time Jo. Yes Twin he did do SWAK also the Yxllow Pxlka Dot Bikini I think. Actually I liked Ginny Cxme Lately. My sister was a fan and had his records and she was older than me! Thanks for the link. Liked Ben a lot too. Talented if not right for Joseph. I see we weren't the only ones who thought the GO would win!

Morning BHB, you are looking a bit flushed,it was Eva? What has that lady been saying to you! Never mind we'll get more champers cocktails and find the CM and we can sooth you!

Morning All. Clear blue skies and lots of sunshine here but a bit nippy.

Re DOI, I didn't like Chico to start with but he has grown on me. I can't quite take to Jorgie, don't know why but I think Matt should win.

Tackling a boring job at the moment, the heading tape off one of the bedroom curtains has come adrift and as the sewing machine is out of action I am having to stitch by hand. There seems to be an awful lot of curtain, it is velvet and rather heavy. If I manage to finish it by teatime it will be a miracle.

Sue, I do hope that Fliss finds her appetite today, what a worry for you. Oohms for her and Daisy and Megan.

Lots of ohms deposited in the bank because a lot are needed at the moment.

Hope the garden furniture turns up Pauline. Nothing worse than waiting in all day for a delivery unless it's mending curtains!

Jan,- I could have written that paragraph about DoI myself. My sentiments exactly!
Mending curtains, eh? I never had a sewing machine after I left home many moons ago, so I'm used to do most of my sewing by hand. Not that I do much, mind!

How do you like the hair? (Tos.............) Not enough hair to toss!

I had a deep and intelligent converation with a neighbour about Hazel! He'd noticed my new car and wanted a proper look. Very impressed he was too! ( He's a nice man.)

It's arrived!!!! I now have a sore back after assembling it, but it is here and looking very nice on my patio, woohoo! Now have to take all the cardboard to the dump. I also had ordered some roses and they have arrived too, they are sitting soaking and I will plant them later. All very satisfactory, mind I may not be able to move later!

Been there, sort of Jan. I don't own a sewing machine either so had to do everything by hand in my last house. That included taking up some velvet curtains. Never again. That's why I had all the curtains made in this house!

Eva the hair looks lovely, if not tossable!

Afternoon. It's still a bit chilly but the sun is shining.
Pauline, glad the furniture and roses arrived safely. Mind your back.
Jan, hope the curtains are sorted. I do all my sewing (and my sister's!) by hand.
Lovely hair Eva.
Just been to the vets, Daisy is fit and well and has been discharged and the vet didn't charge me for the consult! Just vaccinations to pay for next!
Br*wnies tonight, loads of paperwork to sort for parents meeting for pack holiday.

Pauline,- I love the word " tossable ". I don't think it can be found in a dictionary, but can go into the Loppy Glossary together with Loppyversary and Lepry. More words we have invented?
I'm sure your new garden furniture looks great, even if it caused pain to put it together. I'm sure it's worth it.

Ali,- didn't you once or twice talk about " taking it easy"?

Well I am now sitting with a heat pack on my back. Garden furniture up and roses planted, back aching! You are right Eva, it was worth it. I like the word tossable as well.

Ali fantastic news about Daisy, you must be so happy. Nice of them not to charge you today at least. Nice gesture, even if you have already paid them a small mortage!

...back from cinema - enjoyed the film just as much on a second viewing, and Sloppy also enjoyed it and didn't fall asleep! A result!! Good news about Twin's deliveries, though take care of that back! Ali so pleased to hear about Daisy, now we need Fliss and Pickle and Megan to all have clean bills of health. Off to rehearsal soon, no rest for the wicked! Agree about the DoI comments completely! Eva, hair looks lovely! I am just tossing my for you.

Hello all,

And thanks to everyone for the OOHHMMS - they worked! I have the all clear and can stop ringing a bell and shouting 'unclean'.

So KK - we're ON for lunch! Oh dear, sorry to hear about the electricty prob. EEK!

Jo - OUCH!! I hope you got them all. Glad you enjoyed your concert but shame you had to leave early. Thanks for the link.

Well you Alfiefesters are organised!!! NEXT year eh?I hope you manage to get decent seats - it sounds tricky, eh Sue.

Pauline - glad your furniture arrived at long last.

What film was it Carol?

Jan - nice to see you getting on the blog more often.

Oh Eva - GORGEOUS hair ddaarrlinng. I'm having mine done tomorrow (don't faint Jo).

Ali I'm very glad to hear about Daisy. Further OOOHHMMS for our four legged and two legged needies.

Hi all. Had good day yesterday. Boys were both brought up from a very young ageto believe that everyone spends their pocket money to take their mother out for afternoon tea on mothers day - and I have never told them any different. So UB scollop treated me to tea and champagne (OK cheap cava!) at local garden centre - they had done bit of dining area up with posh tablecloths, waitresses etc. There was even a hand massage incl - never had one before - my hands were so lovely and soft .

I needed a relax as spent Sat with the daughter of friends - she has learning diffs. her mum is one who has just had hyster... and as carer was ill I offered to take her in to town to do her mothers day present shopping. made me realise how brilliant parents of children yp and adults with special needs really are. It was very enjoyable - but shattering - I was in bed by 8 that night. There is not one seconds break and so have to be alert all the time - very diff for me. have to say JL staff were superb. M & S and B..ts were good - and L.k.eland staff were very unhelpful! BUT JL were brill - must email JL to give feedback.

Sue - just realised AB concert at RAH next yr on our 30 wedding anniv (hard to believe - esp as I am only 27!) and we hope to go away. But have booked tics for Cl.ber park concert - tho if it rains - hmm. Thinking about our wedd anniv galvanised us to buy our present to ourselves - a summer house. very small and basic but always wanted one - and it was in a good sale. Ex neighbour who does garden work will help ploppy put it up.

Carol - parents decided yes to move south BUT they seem to think I will be popping in every other week and as 100 miles away on v busy horrible roads I think not - esp as in laws (also old and frail) 70 miles in other direction. I can see next few years being difficult. They are coming down at end of this month - and again in Sep to begin house hunting. Not sure i think it is right decision but they have made it.

Thanks for ohmms for ploppy job - will let you know how it works out. Ohhms for all - whether human or animal:)

Another vid from the lovely LD with fab footage of himself

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj6-U7LC3oI

Pauline,- thank you for the link. Do you think Himself will do a duet with her on her album?

Fi,- I am not surprised your scollops took you out for a treat on Mother's Day. They were so obviously brought up in a nicely furnished home!
Oh dear,- it doesn't sound too good if your parents move South. You'll have more than enough to do, in addition to the in-laws.

Ali,- forgot to ask. In addition to being a very nice vet, is he sexy too?

Well it would be fab if they did, but I would think the tracks were sorted before they did the tour, so probably not. Would love to be wrong!

Fi that would be some travelling. Hopefully they will understand you can't be there all the time! You obviously had a lovely weekend, congrats on the Scollop training!

Good you have the all clear Jane. So enjoy that lunch with KK.

Phew, Br*wnies were a bit loud again tonight. It's a select few to be honest and they are ready to move up to Gu*des soon so maybe things will quieten down for a bit (who am I kidding!) Successful parents meeting for pack holiday and got all the relevant forms signed on the spot which makes my job a lot easier.
Fi, sounds as if you needed the tea and hand massage after the shopping trip, I admire anyone who is responsible for people with special needs, exhausting. Mixed blessings having the parents move south I suspect. I'm quite glad sloppy lives nearby, esp as she's on her own. Today she was told she may need a cataract op which shocked me, I forget she's getting older!
Eva, the vet was lovely but was a she so I didn't find her sexy!! Last week's first appointment was with a young, male vet but to be honest I found him a bit arrogant. The lady vet has so much more compassion for both animal and owner.
Oohhmms for all needies, middle scollop is making me a cuppa then I'm going to watch S &B in bed. Night all

Ali so please she has been given the all clear. BB who was so ill, was right as rain in less than a week. Cats are amazing.
Fi I've said it before, you've trained them well.
Eva your hair must be very short, don't you get a cold head.
JANE!!!!!! going to the hairdressers? Are you having V*li*m, a local or general anaesthetic? Did I say I trimmed 6ins off mine a couple of months ago. It was getting annoying as it was getting caught in the waist band of my trousers.
Pauline, take care with all this manual labour. I'm sure it could wait a couple of days.
I have 2 sewing machines in the house. An electric, which was my grandma's and runs too fast for me to use. Uncle (before he died) said I could have it adjusted to run slower. Grandma was a professional, so had it set up for fast and faster. I use a machine with a hand wheel.

Jo, thanks for the link about Ben, nice read. Shame you missed the last bit of the concert, sounds like my sort of night out.

Pauline, when you’ve sorted your garden, perhaps you could come and sort mine, we do a very nice line in B&B, very comfy caravan, all mod cons. Do say you’ll come.
Thanks for the link, love the waggy tail, (and the curly dude)

Ali, good to hear Daisy’s back to good health, and what a nice vet, I think ours would charge for the air we breathe in the waiting room. To be fair it’s not the vets it’s the company, a large multi practice company, which can have an advantage as it’s got a hospital with 24hr waking care, vet and nurse on duty all night. Came in handy when little spaniel ate rat poison at 2.30 am!

Fliss update, eating pretty well now as long as one of us is there to persuade her when she gets fed up. Very good recovery from the stroke, even the head tilt is almost gone.

Ohhhhmmmmssssss for anyone needing them, especially Ann. A few for Chantale and Ploppy as well, in case they have a rocky road ahead. We’ve not heard from Kathleen for a while, hope she’s ok.

Early night for me, nite nite Loppies x

Jo,- it's just as well my brain gets cooled down now and again. It sometimes runs away with itself!

S&B was good tonight, except the connection collapsed a couple of times. What's so irritating is that when the connection is restored, I have to watch 2 batches of adverts before starting on the story, never mind that it's the live screening!

Bedtime again in Vikingland. It keeps coming round every day!

Glad Fliss is getting better. I told Mw3Ds about the concert. He asked how much the ticket was, got a little annoyed with me when I couldn't tell him exactly. He said he didn't know about it. As if I'd tell him, he might have said he wanted to go. He was a little miffed I think. He can organise his own trips out!! He has a computer he can look himself. I didn't think it was his thing as he's into Stones and heavier types of rock. I don't think I said but last week he ordered Adele's CD and he bought me a Monkees compilation, which was sweet of him, but quite unnecessary, as if I don't have copies of all that they released plus several cds of stuff that weren't released at the time. Specials from the US!! I didn't say, just thanked him for the cd. I can have it in the car.
Nightlee night

Sue well I would of course, but you may have to wait a very long time as I have masses to do in my garden before it is done. I've only just started! So pleased Fliss is doing well. Good news about some of our poorly four footers today. Ohhhhmmmms for them all and for our two footers as well.

My bedtime too so night night and sleep tight all.

I'm here Sue. Been a bi down in the dumps lately, but the sunshine is cheering me up. I read the blog at least once a day as it cheers me up to read about all the Loppy adventures, human and 4 legged. Glad to see that Fliss and Daisy are feeling better. Ooohhhmmmsss for the poorly animals and their owners.
Oooohhhmmmsss for all the poorly people too, and Chantale and family as it may be a tough time ahead for them.
We were goimg to go to the Bristol concert, but i had a hospital check up that pm Then we tried for Worthing but Derek has been poorly. He's had xrays and blood tests and goes for the results this week. It took days to persuade him to go to drs. in the first place! let's hope there will be some more concerts soon. I see there's an AA fest next year.
Glad that Jane isn't infectious any more. Youngest had w. cough when he was a baby and hadn't had all the jabs.
Good to see Jan back in our nice new home.
Fi, living near parents can be difficult. We lived 6 houses away from my parents which I was grateful for when needing a babysitter or someone to take the boys to school etc. When both parents were ill it was a blessing, especially when we got phone calls in the night to say that one or the other was going to hospital.
Jo, I used to like BH and P.N. Those were the days, good memories of my youth. Liked your photo of BG and I dreamt about him last night.
Pauline pleased your furniture came today. Please don't hurt your back.
Carol, you can recommend the film then?
I see the Olympxc torch is coming near us. on 2 days. Don't know that i shall go out to watch.
better go now. Can't seem to stop wittering on. Goodnight all.

Morning all, and another nice bright sunny one (going to sit in the garden on the new furniture then Twin?). Have you had any more of that snxw stuff Eva? Lovely to see you Kathleen and what a shame you had to miss out on the concerts. Figners crossed for Derek. Oh the film is brilliant, as Twin and Shirley will confirm. Lady J (so glad you can put the bell to one side and go out into civilisation again!) it is The Bxst Exotxc Marigxld Hxtel that we went to again. Thank you for the update on your parents Fi, and what a nice Mxthering Sxnday you had (you have obviously done a good job training them!). Jo interesting to read Ben's comment! Not sure KtheT actually viewed it that way, but could be wrong! I think that was very sweet of MW3D to buy you the cd for you! Good to know that both Fliss and Daisy seem to be progressing well...haven't had an update this week on Pickle, but will contact my sister to find out. Today is Tuesday so it's Lxnt Course again (I know this will impress Eva!). This evening is rehearsal of course! Haven't heard from Jill recenlty, but assume they have had the fxneral by now. Today should have been swxmming first thing but MM "forgot" to put the alarm on! Depositing lots of oooooooohhhhhhhhhmmmms for the poorly four footers, and more ooohhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmssss for all the poorlies, needies, and MiAs and for anyone who just feels in need of one. Hello BHB, yes it's a lovely bright morning. You've lit the fire? Good idea, we can snuffle in the warm by the fire and watch the sunshine through the windows! You bring the Vanillita and I'll get the Cxnnamon Buns!

I have been catching up with the blog when I have been able too, but just to say we are Ok and the Funeral is today so I don't know how long we will be in Sussex for this time we have to put the house on some sort of order before it goes on the market, of course needless to say we have had problems with B-iL and S-i L.
Lots of oooohhhmmms for all who need then see you all soon.
By the way Celia saw the film about eh Mar'''d Hot.l and really enjoyed it, might have to go when I can find time.

I can certainly confirm that the BEM Hot*l is brilliant. I read the book after we'd seen it and for some reason they have changed some of the storylines (in the film), to maybe s*x it up a bit and even the setting of the hotel, in the book its in Bangalo*e rather than Jai****. Can't see the point of that myself. The book is however, a very good read but perhaps you need to see the film first?
I haven't been on here for a bit so did a quick skim-Geri, wonderful news about your writing, very exciting time for you. Oomhs for all the poorlies, those having haircuts, waiting for deliveries...the torch is coming to our town, I expect I'll go and see it - I watched the last time when it was carried through Wimbledon (by Tim H) during the tournament

Morning, beautiful day here, may manage to put the washing outside for a change.
Sloppy just rang, she forgot about her tax return and has asked me to sort it out online for her!
Kathleen, lovely to see you and oohhmms for Derek.
Jill, hope the funeral goes as well as expected. And I hope the in-laws don't give you too much hassle!
I think the torch is coming to our nearest city but we probably won't go. However, the Royal Anglians are being granted the freedom of a local town later in the year so we will probably go there.
Better sort myself out before Sloppy arrives, bye for now

Morning all, well it is a little bit sunny here, but emphsis is on the little bit! Don't think I'll be trialling the furniture yet Twin!

Kathleen, lovely to see you. ohhhmmmms for D and I do hope he is ok. What is it with men ad getting them to the doctor? Anyway glad our slight bonkersness has cheered you a little. Thankyou for thinking of my poor back. It is a bit stiff today but not too bad considering what I put it through yesterday!

Jill lovely to see you too. Hope the funeral goes as well as these things can. Good luck sorting the house out. It is enough of a nightmare without others making difficulties.

Shirley, my guess is that Jaxpur was better to film in than Bxngalore. They probably couldn't find a hotel that would do in B. I have stayed in hotels a bit like that in Indxa. Maybe not quite so run down (but nearly!, but lovely old colonial buildings, usuallyt with lovely old colonial cockroaches and rats around!! Happy days. Must read the book I think.

Today I have to go and get Ari's Mum a birthday pressie. She is a nightmare to buy for, I have no idea where to start.

Morning BHB, Vanillita and cinnamon buns today? Sounds yummy. I'll get another jug of Vanillita and we'll join the CM by the fire.

Morning all. Just a quickie to say that I've had a very bad night followed by a migraine, so if I don't pop in again today, you'll know why.
Ooohhhh,- that was lovely sweetheart. (A big smacker from BHB.)

Been Mia for a while, no particular reason just very busy.
Glad to hear that Fliss and Daisy are much better.

Enjoying the lovely Spring weather, yesterday had lunch on the terrace of Somerset House overlooking the river, wonderful views as the trees not yet in leaf so could see up to HoP and BB.
Then friend and self went up to the City for a tour of Mansi*n H*use and tea at St Paul's.

I was very spoilt on Sunday with lunch cooked by scollop, flowers, cards and a voucher to have dinner at a Soho restaurant with dollop on a date tba.
Also was told that all the family are taking me to Edinbrgh for Easter, it's a birthday surprise (with some notice) as its a special one ending in an 0!

Good to hear from you Kathleen, hope you'll feel a bit more cheerful now that we're through the winter.

Btw Fi did you get to the Hockney exhibition? Really worthwhile if you can get there.

Hoping to see 'The H*lp' on Friday, missed it first time round, have just read the book, anyone seen it?

Eva, can't believe you've got snow again, hope it goes quickly.

Managed to sort Sloppy's tax assessment - she shouldn't have to do one so all letters have been cancelled and no fine to pay either.
Emailed eldest scollop's French teacher, she sent us a lovely letter praising scollop's recent efforts. I thought a thankyou was in order.
Paperwork all done and Ben is awake so time for lunch.
Oohhmms for your migraine Eva.
Have a lovely '0' birthday treat Maeve.

Sorry that you have the dreaded migraine Eva. Thank goodness I don't have them anymore, they disappeared along with the hormones!! Have a good rest in a darkened room and I do hope you feel better very soon.

As for Mother's Day, I got a quick phone call and en e-mail late on Sunday. The phone call was from eldest son who is still recovering from breaking up with partner and can't think of anything else at the moment. The e-mail was from second son in Malaysia who probably didn't know about the special day until tipped off by some other Brit.

Glad that Daisy is fit and well again and fingers crossed for Fliss.

Love the hair Pauline but all that tossing has left me feeling giddy. Slow down. Off to my own wig lady on Thursday so I will be able to show off with the best of you.

Good to see you Kathleen and sending ohms for Derek.

Maeve, can you tell me what The H*lp is? I a bit slow on the uptake today.

I have just made an enormous amount of Bolognese sauce for the freezer, I could do with a nice rest on Pauline's garden furniture and a glass of something refreshing.

Well still sunny here but it was a little chilly out. Hopefully the funeral went as well as these things can Jill. Good luck with the house clearing. Pleased to report that Pickle's lump was not sinister and the lump has been completely removed. He is having his stitches out this evening (he has been wearing a baby's tee shirt since the op, to stop him scratching!). Jan just put an "e" where the asterisk is - it's a film for which one of the actresses won best supporting Oscar. Eva sorry to hear about the migraine. Hope you feel better soon. Ali we have had tax codes for next year that we are desperately trying to work out - they never make these things easy do they? Maeve that sounds lovely - both the Mother's Day treat and the trip to Ed'burgh. Have looked at the route for the O Torch and it is coming very close to us - about two minutes by car (in fact near the swimming pool that we haven't yet managed to get to!!). Off to rehearsal tonight.....time is marching on!!!

Evening all, well had a fairly successful shop. At least I managed to get my friend a present. Not very exciting but hopefully she will like it.

Eva, not a horrid migraine. Lots of ohhhhmmmms that you manage to get rid of the ghastly thing quickly.

Maeve your day in London sounds really lovely. It is a beautiful city, we often don't stop to look at it. My favourite approach (airplane wise) in the world was flying up the Thxmes on a clear day. It was breathtaking and so interesting. I never tired of it.. You don't get that close to many cities. A break in Edinburgh, wonderful, another favourite place. I'm jealous.

Haven't seen The Hxlp. It didn't get brilliant reviews, mind that means very little to me as very often the films they like I don't and vice versa!

I'd better say this in a whisper "I have never heard of The Help". We have no cinema here so have to wait for anything good to come out on DVD.

The Olympic torch is coming to Deal.I had hoped it would be transferred from Dover when it would pass the top of the road but apparently it stops in Dover for the night, is transferred by vehicle and starts off again at 8.27am from Deal Pier. Shame, I would liked to have seen it but it is too early in the morning for a bus from here and I suspect the area will be very very crowded anyway and public transport will be re-routed.

At last I have some sleeping pill from the doctor which work but with some side effects. Horrid dry mouth that lasts all day, food tasting not quite right and slightly shaky hands. Another visit to the surgery I think.

I've had a feeling that for some days now there is something missing - oh yes, no TV or radio interviews with the GO. I wonder what he has up his sleeve for us.

Of course, I meant "pills" not "pill". One wouldn't be any use would it?

Lots of activity here today today. Kathleen, what a shame about the concerts, but it is more important that you both get well. Glad you liked the pic of BG. He was looking regal and I had the camera in my hand. I don't know about dreaming of him, but I woke up yesterday with little cuts all over my face due to BG trying to wake me in the night.
Maeve, how lucky are you? But it ends in '0' so it is deserved.
Pauline it was nice and sunny here today, not sitting out on the furniture though, as it was chilly.
Ali tax assessment!?! I just hate doing those. Just as well you could get it cancelled.
Got to do a bit of research for felf online tonight. Back later.
After I've also put the shopping away, MrS was very prompt.

Hi. Just remembered I forgot to wish all our Irish friends a happy St Patrick's day - hope you enjoyed it.

Good to see you Kathleen. yes spring does give one a boost |:) Hope D.rek OK.

Agree that parents very close by easier. And can empathise with you Jill re in-laws. ploppy had row with his family yesterday - they don't understand/wont accept he is not strong enough to be back and forth all the time - never mind that we need a life! Have seen this brewing for a while. will see how it pans out. No Pauline don't think there is a lot of understanding either side so expect lots of difficult times ahead but got to get on with enjoying life now. Hope today went well for you Jill.

Maeve - ploppy went to dinner at Mans..n house last month . A thank you to all his team for delivering the new building on time and in budget - before they made them all redundant! Going to H.ckney exhib on Fri. Edin - my fave city but as i was at uni there I am biased.

Had my hair done today - toss toss. really pleased with it - and that doesn't happen often. getting myself ready for 2 trips to big smoke. DH this week and Cl.r.dges next Fri. might see about tics to the newly restored Ken pal.ce next Fri too.

Jane - glad you don't have wh cough. I stupidly stopped my inhaler as felt so well and am now coughing again - aaargh.

Beautiful day and came home to find lawn had had its first cut of year. UB scollop got bored of revising! Wonder If I put pile of i...ing outside his door tomorrow he will still get bored!

Maeve I read the H.lp but not seen the film. Book was OK but I didn't rave about it. half way thro Hare with Amb.r ey.s

Hello all, I'm here, sporting my new hair cut. Toss Toss!

Don't worry Jo - I'm having anesthetic (ie red wine) and only had a wash I trim.

What a busy blog! Lovely to see so many MIA Loppies -

Kathleen - I'm so sorry your plans to get to the concerts fell through. Hopefully they'll be more meady goodness soon.

Jill - I hope the funeral was OK.

Maeve - what a wonderful pressy - I love Edin-gh. And that was a lovely mum's day treat too.

Shirley - nice to see you on the blog again.

Sue - I'm glad to here Fliss is OK. And with Pickle getting the all clear is it just Megan we're OOHHMing for now, four footed friend wise?

Eva - sorry to hear about your Migraine, I hope you're well soon.

Carol - thanks for your film review. I do rather fancy seeing it. I wonder if Ploppy will come.

Ali - please try not to worry about the cataract op. My mum had one when she was nearly eighty. It restored her sight better than it had ever been, and she was thrilled with the results.

Pauline - that is such a lovely vid. They had so much fun back stage, didn't they?

Jan - how exciting that the torch is coming your way!

Fi - Continued OOHHMS for Ploppy. You do have those scollops trained well. Another lovely mum's day treat.

Suprisingly, though not a mum, I got a Mothers Day card. It was from my niece - a mum's day card for Aunties. Very sweet of her!

Sweet Meads

Ooo Fi - you got in before me. Looks like we are both toss-tossing!

Jo, how kind of Mw3Ds.

Ah Pauline, how did I know you’d say that. We’d better get our green fingers out then!
Ohhhmmmsss for the back btw.

Good to see you Kathleen, we don’t mind you wittering on at all. I’m glad you keep up with all our ‘goings on’ even if you don’t always feel like posting. At least you can pop in to put our minds at rest if we worry that we’ve not heard from you in a while.
Ohhhmmmssss for Derek, that he gets good news this week, do let us know if we need to add him to the list.

Ah there you are Jill, what I love about this blog is that you only have to mention somebody and up they pop. Nice to know you keep in touch. Hope the funeral was as good as these things get.

And Shirley as well!! Ok all we need is Maggie, where are you Maggie? Hope all is well. Not heard from K2 for a while either, but I did get a word on St Patrick’s Day.

Oh dear Eva, sorry you’re having a bad time of it today, horrid things migraines.

Maeve, wondered where you’d got to, everybody’s popping in today!

Carol, excellent news of Pickle. So all our animals are on the mend, I dare say Megan still needs ohhhmmmssss though.

Jane, I count myself lucky that I also get mother’s day cards, from Ploppy’s children and grandchildren. His daughter in particular always includes me in family life. Considering Ploppy and their mum split up before she was born, makes it extra special.
When she got married, her step dad gave her away, (he’d been her ‘dad’ since she was a baby) I was treated exactly the same as the other two mums. When they were about to sign the register she beckoned me and her dad to come with them, the vicar said “parents only” Claire replied “we’ve got three sets”
Cards from the beloved godchildren? You have to be joking!!

Nite nite Loppies x

It has taken me 2 hours to put a listing up on eb*y for felf.
Phew Jane, just a trim. That's OK then.

Feel tired and still got the shopping to put away
Nightlee night

Morning all -

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Jan
Happy Birthday to you.

Hope it's a good one! As you will see the BHB has been up since the crack of dawn decorating - we have pansy posies on all the tables and the best tablecloths on
, ballons, streamers and banners in multicoloured shades, all saying "Happy Birthday Jan!". The birthday cakes have been made and decorated (he must have got up really early to do that!) and the champers is on ice. Well done BHB - shall we sneak off and have a glass of bubbly? You lead on!

Busy day today - have some ixxning to finish, then off to Town for lunch with girls from the office. Back this afternoon, Twin coming over, collecting Sloppy, going for something to eat and then going to see my friend Janice in her show in Rxislxp. The hall/theatre that they usually use is have refurb work done so they are trying out a new venue on the same place - it's an Elizabxthan Bxrn. She's told us to dress warm, particularly on our feet as the floor is stone, and there is minimal heating in the place!! Ooooohhhmmmss for the poorlies, needies and MiA (think currently the Giggle Sisters, Auds and Maggie, apologies if I've missed anyone). Oooooohhhhhmmmmm for Megan and any other four footed friends, or those on the mend. Loots like it will be a nice day. See the blog was awashing with tossed hair yesterday! Hope Eva's migraine has passed and she is feeling heaps better today. Lady J, well MM enjoyed the film, so give it a whirl! Have a good day everyone!

Morning all

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAN. Hope you have a wonderful day!

Much as I love w*rking from home, they do tend to be long days, especially as we're coming up to the financial year end which is my busiest time. Yesterday I started at 7am, ate lunch and dinner whilst still w*rking, finished at 8.30pm and fell into bed shattered at 9am. I still had to take a sleeping tablet though!! For some reason, I don't feel at all refreshed today. I think it will be another late night too, as I have to take a couple of hours off this afternoon for my hospital appointment!! Fingers crossed that they actually decide to do something this time!!

How lovely to see so many MIA's. I think it's wonderful that no matter how long we stay away, or what keeps us away, there is always a warm welcome waiting here. It's like good friends that you don't get to see very often but when you do it's like you've never been apart!!

Oh well, suppose I better get back to it. Have a good day all.

KK - hope it all goes well at the hospital this afternoon! Don't work too hard!

Morning all, very grey and cloudy here at the moment, hope it get's brighter later. As Twin says I am off to them to see the show in a barn, hummm, wonder if I should wear thermals?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jan, hope you have a lovely day.

Karen fingers crossed for your appointment. Hope they do the right thing! I have been there and when over it I can honestly say I was delighted! Sloved a lot of problems.

Sending lots of ohhhmmmms for Eva and for our long term sick, for Megan and for all the absentees, you are missed.

Morning BHB, oh just look how pretty everything looks, you are so clever. Aww he's blushing. So let's get more champers and we'll find the CM and drink to the birthday girl.

Morning. Beautiful day again, just had a walk around the weekly market with nephew, he's now asleep.
Happy Birthday Jan, have a lovely day.
Jane, thanks for the reassurance re:cataract op. Sloppy has spoken to the optician and is being referred to the hospital.
Adding lots of oohhmms to the bank as I had a withdrawl recently.

Afternoon all. Just popped in to say:
JAN,- HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
GRATULERER MED DAGEN

The weather is grey and foggy,- a bit like my head! I am a little better, but will stay put in my bed.

Good Morning all!

And HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAN!! I'm desperately trying to remember if I sent you a card, I hope I did! Many appologies if not.

Sue - your Claire sounds lovely. K2 has been tweeting, so I think she's OK.

KK - Many, many OOOHHMS that you get on all right at the hospital and they agree to give you the operation you need.

Pauline and Carol - I hope you have a god time at that show and it's not too chilly. I recoment thick soled shoes.

Glad I could help Ali - many OOHHMMS for Sloppy.

Afternoon All. What a beautiful day, blue skies and sunshine and just right for the first day of Spring. OK, I know that some people think it is 20th March but I have been brought up to believe that it is today so I'm sticking to it.

What a lovely lot of Loppies you all are. Many many thanks for the cards and e-cards, makes me feel very special. I think I am beginning to show all of my 27 years as until I came downstairs this morning to find a wrapped present and card from Ploppy, I had momentarily forgotten it was my b'day. Doh.

The bistro looks wonderful, all those different colours. Thank you BHB, you must have been working on it throughout the night.

I see lots of ohms are needed so I have put some special ones in the bank for KK, Eva, Kathleen and, of course, Ann.
I hope your hospital visit goes well KK and they can give you a satisfactory decision. Eva dear, migraines are horrid and hopefully you will be fighting fit again tomorrow.

Had to stop tying for a moment as doorbell range and a lovely man has just handed a bouquet of spring flowers from my eldest son who had already given me generous Amaz*n voucher. I expect I will get a phone call from Malaysia later but no present as the poor youngest son hasn't got two ha'pennies to rub together.

I wanted a bit of a lay in this morning but to no avail as men with pneumatic drills arrived at 7.25am to start digging the road. Ah well, can't have everything we wish for.

My goodness, what a ramble I have just typed. Alright, I am going now, be back later.

HAPY BIRTHDAY JAN, sorry it's a bit late in the day, a lovely Spring one as you.

Sorry to hear that the migraine is still with you Eva, hope it's gone soon.

Hi all

Thank you for the good wishes for the hospital. I didn't get the result that I hoped for but maybe progress is being made!! I finally got to see the consultant herself, for the first time, instead of one of her staff. She said they won't do the big op yet as that is the last resort after they've exhausted all other options, which is fair comment but a little odd, given that about three years ago they told me that the big op was imminent (typically, I wasn't ready for it then but now I am, they won't do it!!). I think "imminent" in the medical world is a very different thing to "imminent" in the real world! Anyway, they are going to "go in and investigate again" (her words, not mine, I had visions of her in a flak jacket, shouting "I'm going in chaps, cover me"!!) and whilst there, hopefully, perform a minor procedure that she is confident (I'm glad one of us is) will help reduce the pain to a level where the painkillers actually work (I would prefer a no pain at all option!!). She said that she is 90% sure that, in six months time, my life "will be transformed" (maybe she has a second job as Myst*c M*g and she was predicting that I'm going to win the lottery!!). Anyway, it's a six to eight week waiting list so we'll see what happens!

Eva - sorry to hear about the migraine. Hope you feel better soon.

Jan - I also thought the 21st was the first day of spring. Anyway, it's a nice day to have a birthday so, as you say, stick with that idea. Btw, you ARE very special!

Carol - your comment about the venue for tonight's show reminded me of when the GO was at L*ncoln C*thedral. It was absolutely freezing, I don't think I've ever been so cold (not when he was on "stage", of course"). He commented on how cold it was and when we spoke to him afterwards at the signing I was tempted to offer to warm his hands up for him!! (Couldn't say how though, we were in church, after all, so I had to behave!).

Better go, the dinner is nearly ready and there is a large glass of red calling me............................

Happy Birthday Jan
I'm sorry but all my family knows that the first day of spring is my birthday;) We always used to go and see wild primroses then.
I've been updating felf on the greenhouse listing, as she didn't know how much I was going to put it on at. She had no idea, so I did a search for completed listings. Also trying to get her an online account for her telephone. I'll phone them as I think there is a problem as her email has been used before. I also showed her how to watch dvds on her laptop. I made her one last night of the Hairy Bikers, apparently they are doing a tour of Europe. Busy busy. I missed the beginning of MM:(

hello girls.
Sorry for long silence but things are rather upside down with granddaughter about to give birth etc.
Pauline sorry to hear you are to have an op. hope all goes well went it comes, you will feel better after that.
Lots of ohhhmmmss for those who need it.
Jan happy birthday to you I am sorry it is so late tonight, hope you had a great day.
Ninite dear friends Chantale

Bit tired again

Hope all is going well for the birth Chantale
Nightlee night

Morning all and a lovely bright one here. KK love the thought of the insultant in a flak jacket "investigating" your innards. Well let's hope she is right and six months from now you will be amazed at her accurate her prediction was! Last night was.....interesting. This is the group we saw last year when I was obliged to stuff hanky in mouth. It was a compilation show on C Pxrter - I'd seen this particular show done by another Society and didn't like it, even though I adore CP music! Last night did not change my mind....it lasted from 7.30pm until about 10.10 pm with a fifteen minute interval, on very hard chairs and falling temperatures....I had indeed put on my half inch soled ankle boots and Twin had her think soled ones on too, so our feet were fine, it was the upper part of us that got chilly. Fortunately for Sloppy the lady behind had taken a blanket and a hot water bottle and for the second half she loaned Mum the hotwater bottle (Mum was in trousers, top, kept her coat on, had my fleece over her knees and a shawl on top of that.....getting an idea here? Still we had a nice meal beforehand and Twin and I are off for some R Therapy in Whxte City this morning, so that should cheer us up. As well as Jan's birthday it was also Roger's (Ann's husband). It was the day Ann goes to the Sxe Rxder home, so Sarah (their youngest daughter) had come down and spent the day with her dad. They took Ann to the SR, then went for a walk and a visit to the pub before collecting Ann at SR. He emailed me last night whilst we were out to say that Ann has been offered an assessment for up to 2 weeks at the Sue Ryder to sort out her bxwel problem and help with mobility. This is planned from Wed 4th April, so she will be in over Easter. Not sure what will happen on April 12th, as that is when she is due to have her blxdder bxtox op. He said the SR are brilliant on the nursing and medical support. He also said Ann gets very tired (doubtless as she sleeps in a chair at night) in the evenings when he is home. Think the two weeks will give him a little respite too, and hopefully she will come back to the completed conversion. Eva hope the head is feeling much better today. Lots of ooooohhhhhhmmmmmmmsss for all the poorlies and needies. Hello BHB, yes still too chilly for outside I think, so let's grab the Itxlian Jxb and some hot paninis and have a lovely snuffle under the pink blanket.

Morning all. It looks like it's going to be a fine day here,- when the fog clears.

Hello sweetheart. Oooohhhh, I must get sick more often if I'm rewarded with hugs like that!
Just popped in to say I've joined the living again, and now I'm off to take the parents for their weekly shop. Father wants to come too, so no doubt he's going to the monopoly shop to store up his whisky supply!
See you later.

Hello me dears,- I'm home again! Shopping don and parents exhausted. I'm feeling a tad tired myself.

KK,- you made me laugh with your fantasy insultant examination! Well, it's better to laugh than cry! I just hope she can deliver what she promised.

Jill,- I hope the disagreement with the i-laws is too upsetting. There is nothing like inheritance for creating bad blood between relatives!

It was a hard round of migraine this time. Jan,- it became much easier after the menopause. I was often ill for up to 3 days at a time before, and it was really horrible. I don't get it nearly as often now as before, and the attacks usually last for about 24 hours.

Jill,- I meant to say: I hope the disagreement with the in-laws isn't too upsetting.

Afternoon all. Another bright sunny day here in the south-east.

Do you recall my story last year of the murderer from the bungalow across the road? He was a friend of the tenant's son. Well, just learned that the friend of murderer (son of lady in said bungalow) has just been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for r*ping a young girl. I thought I lived in a highly respectable area, not downtown Chicago.

Glad you are feeling better Eva. KK, my Ploppy read your post and thought it very amusing - he sends best wishes btw and hopes that very soon things will be sorted satisfactorily.

Putting lots of ohms in the bank for Ann, Kathleen and Chantale and her family.

Time for a full leaded I think.

Enjoyed MM (no not Rick, the other MM) last evening, good body count. I'm glad that Jones is depicted as more intelligent than before.

Jan,- tsk, tsk. I see all the bad apples are coming out of the woodwork (to mix a few metaphores!) when I've left the town.

I will admit to a long (ish) Eva this afternoon, and I'm now ready for tonight's entertainment. No, no i****g tonight, just the telly. I didn't watch MM last night, as I'll save it until it's showed later this year here.

Hi all - HAPPY belated BIRTHDAY Jan - sorry I missed the day. Flowers - how lovely. And lots of entertainment in your neighbourhood:)

Glad you are feeling better Eva - and that your dad still enjoying his Whisky:)

What a lot Ann, Roger and family are having to put up with.

Reeling a bit as looks like my job will end in Sep. aargh. always knew it would be dicey after March 13 but didn't expect things to happen so quickly. I am not the only one so we are all a bit shell shocked. Not def who will go but I always knew my post (the role not necess me!) was a bit precarious so fairly sure in my own mind that my role will go. Annoyed as saw good job in paper 4 weeks ago but didn't apply as thought I needed to stick with this job . hmm wrong move.

Off to Big smoke tomorrow. My heart not in at the moment but after a (nother!) g + t I might feel more positive - or just forget the awful day.

Jan, the area looks so nice where you are. (Amazing what you can see on G**gle!!) Shame about the people.
KK I hope they can sort you out soon. It must be very painful.
Carol, sounds like a bad show in a bad venue. Not sure I'd go there unless it was a very warm summer day. Mind you then it'd probably be too hot.
Fi, maybe the other job in the paper haven't had suitable candidates you could phone up and ask.
Eva I had a couple of migraines a few years ago, nurse (I nearly typed vet), said that it sometimes happens with the change in hormones and she was right I haven't had one since.

Hi all I am back home. Had a lovely time with Twin and MM, though not so sure about last night's entertainment. There were a few, um, rather iffy performances to say the least! However glossing over that (please!) and the rather chilly temperatures the barn the thing was in was fabulous. Very old and beautifully renovated. Anyway as Twin says today we felt we deserved a little light shopping,and had a very nice day. I got home about half an hour ago.
Chantale
Hope your grandaughter has a nice straight forward birth.

Glad the head is ok now Eva.

KK what a picture you conjure up! An Insultant in flak jacket and a miners lamp on her head I presume? Fingers crossed it can all help you.

Fi that is a bxmmer. I hope you cna find something else to see you through. Hope you have a good day out and it helps.

Lots of ohhhmmmms needed still I fear especially for Ann and her family.

Fi,- oh no. Not another job hunt. Will it never end?
Have a good day out in London and enjoy yourself.

Pauline,- I hope you kept an eye on Carol's buying. Not another handbag, I hope?

Chantale,- a great granny, eh? I hope everything goes all right.

I have some beautiful roses on my coffee table. My mother always buys me flowers when we do the weekly shop, and today's flowers are white and pink, long stemmed roses. Booooootiful!

Well there were no handbags bought Eva. Afew other things, all in the sale so we saved lots. What a lovely thoughtful Mother you have.

Hello girls we are still waiting!!!
sunny day today but managed to catch a cold and I have to run on Sunday so no training for me today and no sleep last night either.
Hope you are all well lots of oooohhhhms for those who need it especially lovely Anne and a certain very loved loppy.
Oh how lovely Eva you have a lovely mum.
ok must go to bed just wanted to come and say hello,since comp was behaving.
Ninite dear friends sweet mead all.XXX

Well I’ve excelled myself this time in terms of lateness! So sorry Jan, hope you had a lovely birthday.

KK, you summed it up perfectly:
“I think it's wonderful that no matter how long we stay away, or what keeps us away, there is always a warm welcome waiting here. It's like good friends that you don't get to see very often but when you do it's like you've never been apart!!
Hoping that the consultant ‘going in’ brings the 90% result and not the 10%

Hi Chantale . . . . bye Chantale.

Carol, Sue R*der have got an excellent reputation, hopefully the two weeks will give both Ann and Roger some respite, and if the extension is finished so much the better.

Jan, I’ve said it before I’m sure, it all happens in your neck of the woods!

Fi, have some ohhhmmmssss, seems like you need them. Fingers crossed though that your job is safe.

Eva, how lovely to have flowers every week from your mum, I have to buy my own, and you may smile at the reason why I buy them . . . . . . my old black spaniel died 14 years ago, and I have a delightful little photo of her (and my boy spaniel who died when we moved house) sitting on a small drawer unit, and for 14 years she has always had flowers, when we go on holiday she has a flowering plant, . . . . . . . all say ahhh!
I do like to fill the house with spring flowers though.

Fliss still doing well, we’re walking a bit further each day, the (not very sexy) vet says it will take about 6 weeks for her to get completely back to normal, but I’m happy she’s as well as she is.

Nite nite Loppies x

Sue that is excellent news about Fliss and I love that your doggies past have a little shrine, awww!

My bedtime, so night night and sleep tight.

Glad Fliss is on the mend
Nightlee night

Morning all - as Twin says had a lovely day yesterday and honestly Eva, I didn't even look at handbags! Well Jan and Eva you never told us before that you lived in such an exciting crime packed part of the world! MM usually buys me flowers on a regular basis (told you he was well trained) but do like your story of the flowers for your spaniel. Glad Fliss is on the mend. Oh Fi that is bad news. Fingers and toes crossed it all works our and a) it isn't you who goes or b) you find something else very quickly. Jo's idea of checking on the other job is a good one - you never know! Rick's ex colleague should have heard yesterday and was supposed to let us know, but we haven't heard from him, so I suspect it is bad news. He is the one who has the wife who is deputy Mxtron of Chxlsea Hxspital (you might remember we had a private tour round year before last). Off to see Ann this morning. She has the doctor coming in early afternoon so we are going over a little earlier than normal. Will get an update on the SR situation from her. Any news yet Chantale? Beautiful day here at the moment, so looks like another lovely day. Hello BHB, do you think we can risk the verandah yet? No, that's a good idea, we can move the sofa near the patio doors and enjoy the view while staying snug inside. You fetch the Woo Woo and I'll get the paninis and time for a nice long snuffle I think before the DCM arrives for the staff meeting.

Morning all and another glorious one here. I know we need rain, but this is just so lovely (and probably the best weather we'll get all year) how can we be sorry.

I have wxshing to do today and other delightful house hold things, but at some point I will go and christen the patio furniture!

Ohhhhmmmms needed for our sick list and for Fi and her job and for MM's colleague I think.

Morning BHB, we are by the patio doors? Lovely. I'll get more Woo Woo and we'll join the CM.

Morning All. First and foremost HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARYS - Hope you have a good day.

Lovely day here again so I am about to stir myself and get out into the garden. Someone ringing door bell - be back later

Morning all. It's a beauty of a day here too, so I've been out for a long walk after doing some shopping. No, no handbags!

First thing first:
CARYS,- HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
GRATULERER MED DAGEN

Hello sweetheart. I look a bit flushed? Yes, I've had a d*vil of a time getting the pooter to work this morning. It's been like: "No,- I don't want to do that." and " I think I'll shut down. Why? Because I feel like it." It's taken me 25 minutes to get the blooming thing to operate properly. Have no idea why.

Carol,- I hope you have a good time with Ann today. I hope you remember to tell her that we think of her and ask after her?

I'm back. The doorbell was ringing because two elderly ladies wanted to save my soul!! Bit late I'm afraid.

Jo, we really do live in a nice area but like anywhere else, there are always rogue elements. The bungalows on the other side of the street belong to a housing association and are occupied by highly respectable council tenants from south London. It's just this one property that there is trouble and even then we never know about it until it is reported in the paper. They keep it well away from home. Mentioning Google, if I look up my own address they have put me in the wrong road. (I really live at Walmer Castle)!!

Ohms for the poorlies and needies. Now I really must go into the garden.

Jan,- I remember they appointed a new Lord Warden of Walmer Castle to take over when The Queen Mother died, but I never knew it was you! You have to admit that the photo doesn't quite looks like you,- you look a tad more masculine than I remember:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Boyce,_Baron_Boyce

As you can see, ladies, Jan has plenty of rooms if we want to visit:
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/walmer-castle-and-gardens/

Hello all,

I'm afraid I've not caught up on the blog so have done my tradition try-to-catch-up-by-reading-Sue's-last-post - it usually works.

So:

Sue - I'm pleased to hear Fliss is improving.
Jan - I had no idea Deal is the excitment capital of the UK! Glad you had a good birthday.

Fi - I'm so sorry to hear your job is under threat. Many OOOHHMMS.

KK - still OOHMing for you too in the hope they do get you sorted out at last.

Eva - how lovely getting flowers.

Twins - glad you had a lovely day.

and finally HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARYS!!

I'm off this weekend for a 21st for Ploppy's niece - I think some of you met her when we went to LB in August.

OOOHHMMS for all needies

Hi all

Yaaaayyyyy Friday!!

Happy Birthday Carys.

Carol - every time you tell us about Ann, I am full of admiration for her bravery and strength of character. Hope you had a good day with her.

Jan - aw, thank your Ploppy for his good wishes. My, it all happens where you are, doesn't it! Hope you stay well away from those rogue elements!

Fi - so sorry to hear about your job. Hope it works out better than you fear. Very good advice of Jo's re the other job. Hope you've managed to have a good day in L*ndon today.

Jo - you made me laugh when you nearly said vet instead of nurse. I told Ploppy the other day that my Mum had an appointment at the vets!!

Pauline - I also laughed at your comment about the miner's lamp, I just hope I don't remember it when I'm laid on the table in THAT position!!! I don't think when they say relax they mean crack up with laughter! Then again, it might work!

Eva - glad to hear you're feeling better. Roses, how lovely.

Chantale - ohmmmmmmms for your cold. And for the imminent arrival!

Sue - so good to hear that Fliss is doing well. Your story of the flowers for your dear departed pets brought a lump to my throat. That is such a lovely idea.

Jane - you've probably gone but hope the lovely (and very patient!) Lottie has a lovely party. Have fun!

Well, we've had more fun and games with the burglar alarm! Btw, I forgot to tell you that we (or rather Ploppy) sorted out the water/electrics problem so all is well there. However, at 2am this morning the alarm went off so I woke Ploppy (who was happily sleeping through it!!) and he dashed downstairs (looking very scary (NOT! )in his boxers!!). I ran after him (looking even more scary with bed hair!) to find the cat up on a shelf, blinking sleepily and wondering what all the fuss was about! Even though the electrician has positioned the sensors so that they don't detect the cat as she moves around, she still managed to find the one place where it did pick her up!! I never thought burglar alarms could cause so many problems!! Whaddyamean, they don't for most people!!!

I'm having a night off cooking tonight and we're having takeaway pizza - spicy pepperoni, yum! But first, a glass of red.............

KK,- only in your house a burglar alarm will do the business when the cat moves!
I shouldn't laugh, though, as last summer when Fi and her Ploppy were here, we stopped at Mrs. Scrooge's house to check something or other. They were away, and Mrs. Scrooge had given me the code to their alarm....I thought! When the alarm started an almighty row, I realised I had the wrong number! The alarm company rang, I didn't have the right answer, phones were made to Germany, I had to give my name, date of birth and so on and so forth, and in the end it was sorted. Mrs. Scrooge had given me the wrong code! As it was meant to be their wedding date, you'd have thought she could get it right!
Btw. I think I'll join you in the incahol stake, but mine will be a G&T.

http://www.officialterridwyer.com/blog/

Don't talk to me about burglar alarms. I've not forgotten setting the postman's off when I went to watch the prog about Davy when they were away. '30secs is plenty of time to get out of the door'. NOT if you have to turn an elderly ghound around to push her out of the door.
KK at least you know the alarm works.
felf's greenhouse is sold. Perhaps I should have asked for more, but it's done now. And she gets it dismantled and taken away.

KK, what is it about men and alarms? When I was at the old folk’s home our house was wired up to the phones and fire alarms for the home, which was very convenient because it meant I could do my nights on call in my own bed. The alarms used to go off quite frequently during the summer months, thunder flies would get in them, (yep, I’ve always had problems with flies!!) the very loud buzzer was right above our bed, Ploppy slept through most of them, goodness knows how, because I couldn’t de-activate them until the place had been thoroughly checked!!

I seem to have been run ragged today, one of my old ladies isn’t very well, so I’ve ended up doing all sorts of errands, laundry and such like. She’s a grand old gal, think I may have mentioned she had a fall a few weeks ago, she’s not been right since really. She needs more help, but S*cial S*rvices are being their usual efficient self . . . . not.

Where do we reckon our boy is then, rumour has it he’s out of the country. He hasn’t twittered for ages. I DO like to l know where he is, so at least I know if he’s asleep or awake!

Fliss has decided she doesn’t like her renal diet food “POISON!! Give me some nice cat food please” Quite hard for us trying to persuade her, not helped by little spaniel saying “me, me, I’ll have it”
Decided mixing the cat food with her food is our best bet. I’m wondering if the stroke has taken her taste away, it can do that in humans (and sense of smell) I know.

Early(ish) night for me, nite nite Loppies x

Sue, Fliss must have been talking to Dog. I often give Dog poison. I do the mixing technique, but if I overdo the normal dog food in the mix, she refuses to eat it.
Rumour is he's in NYNY.
Eva, I though you were going to have another 'chat' with Mrs Scrooge. All calm though, if you discount the alarm.

Just made it

Happy Birthday Carys

a bit late, I have been a bit forgetful this week.

Nightlee night

Sports relief almost 46 mil

Morning and whoops didn't say Happy Birthday to Carys. Off this morning to help clear our the church hall (it's being sold) then collect Sloppy, go shopping then collapse in heap at home later. Looks like being a very nice day again today. Ok KK you will have to train the cat not to dance in front of the BA beams! Love the idea of how prowling around looking for somewhere to trigger it so that she can then sit back and watch the antics that follow. Had a bit of a trauma at Ann's yesterday. Her right foot now cannot move at all, whereas last weeek it could still drag, and she said her left leg is getting worse too. She has a red strap thing that she has to put under her right foot so she can haul it up to move the leg. When I was trying to get that one, get her wheeler in the right place, and get her standing so she could get to the kitchen to feed, she fell and I just managed to cling on to stop her going right down whilst yelling for Rick, who was in the conservatory. There isn't much of her but of course she is a dead weight. Worse of course is that she didn't have her writing machine at the itme so couldn't tell us what to do. Eventually Rick got a green belt that clips around her and is used to pull her up. Think we were all shaken after that. It is such an effort for her to do anything, but she is so determined and still manages to smile and laugh with us. She has decided not to have the bxtox op in her blxdder but to go for a catheter as she says this will mean she can go out to the girls' houses (Kent and Warwick) - they both have upstairs bathrooms and as she now can't manage stairs it would be impossible for her. She says they could do it at the SR whilst she is in, unless they decide on a keyhole op - it was one of the things she was going to discuss with the dr yesterday. MM did say you can see why they train people in handling lifting pxtients etc. Apart from that she was in usual good spirits. Actually when I had sent a text saying would she like us over yesterday, she text back if we wanted to but she wasn't much fun to visit at the moment. After all the excitement I told her I didn't know how she could say that! I do pass on everyone's good wishes, and she smiles and raises her thumb, which is her way of saying good and thank you. As it was Roger's 65th on Wed his present is going to be a driving experience at Sxlverstone - the present was from "your three girls". Ann is going to go too (it's A Fxxls Day!) but he will be the first one of the day, so it will mean early rising. As Sarah said they managed to get her up and ready early for the Nxrway trip, so there shouldn't be a problem. I do so admire the girls and the way they are coping with all this. They both gave Ann lovely M Day cards, basically both writing the same thing, about how much they loved her, how brave they found her and how they considered themselves lucky to be her daughter. She did a good job with both of them! Oh Jo that was a brilliant total for SR. We were at Choir practice last night so I missed the SCD underwater but Twin thinks it will pop up on YouTube at some point so I will try and catch it on that. Lots of oooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmssssss for all those in need (two and four footed). Have a good day all.

Carol, my friend with MS said, when she was really bad and could just about still speak, said it was worse for the people around her as she had accepted things. I thought she was very brave. I really feel for her and all the family. We did still have laughs with my MS friend at the daft things that happened. Especially the firemen requirement one time when she got stuck and the ambulance people couldn't extract her from where she'd fallen.

http://musicalscore.wordpress.com/2012/03/24/lee_mead/

Morning all. I was shaken awake this morning,- we had an earth quake at about 6am! I could feel the earth moving,- unfortunately not for a better reason! According to the local news, no damage was done.

Hello sweetheart. Yes, we have a gorgeous day here too, and it's feeling much better now the earth has calmed down!
I have a busy day ahead. First the usual Saturday h***w**k, then I have to make a pie for tonight. Tomorrow is Mikkel's Naming Day, and his parents have invited the family back to their house for a sit-down lunch after the ceremony. Viljar's dad rang me earlier in the week and asked if I was free to come up and help them with the preparations tonight. He said it is impossible to do anything until Viljar is in bed, because he loves to "help" ! Viljar's dad promised as a treat I will get to put the little men to bed before the work starts!
I said that I'd be delighted to help, of course, and said I'd make a pie which the grown ups could eat when the work is done. I thought a bacon/mushroom pie would be nice.

Carol,- I am lost for words (and that doesn't happen often!) when I read about you, Ann and her family and how you all manage the difficult circumstances around Ann's illness. I admire you all so much, and I'm sending all my love to you.

I'd better get started with the h******g.

Jo,- thank you for the link. What a lovely review.

Morning all and another fabulous day here. I'm sure this is our summer! Still best just make the most of it.

Oh dear I'm another one who forgot Carys' birthday, sorry Carys. Management failure!

I watched SR last night and ended up in pieces. The films are so sad. So many poor children with terrible lives in the world. However I see the end total on the night is over £50 million and that is without the money from the mile runs tomorrow. Now that is properly amazing Eva! The underwater SCD was fab. Alixna looked just so beautiful. I thought that ahe and Hxrry were the best, but young Chxlsey won. Bless she was so terrified of going underwater, but battled on and did it and I think that is why they gave it to her.

Today I have w&i to do plus it is Ari's Mum's b'day so I am taking her pressie round later. Hopefully I will have time to use the patio furniture again! Have to say it arrived at the right time!

KK love the cat story. Bless they do know how to cause chaos. I bet she was laughing her socks off at you.

Just had a little weep reading about Ann. So brave and such a lovely family. my love and thought are with all of them.

Love the review Jo, thanks.

Morning BHB, oh yes it is a lovely day and I think we will go on the patio. I know the CM is in a bit of a tizz this morning, but she will not have forgotten and will be here. I think we'll get some belated champers and some waffles shall we? Right let's go.

Knew it would be on YT! Here it is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijDCWlhXQFU&feature=related

off to walk Dog again, then horses, back later

Pauline,- thank you for the link. This I think merit the word " AMAZING "
Loved it, loved it, loved it!

Morning all

Oh Carol, I shed a tear at your post. You are all so incredibly strong. Lots of love to you all.

Eva - so, the earth moved for you, eh?? Oh, I see, not in a good way. Sounds a bit scary. Glad there was no damage or injury.

I watched SR last night too and spent most of it in floods of tears at such tragedy. Strictly was, indeed, amazing. I thought H&A were simply beautiful but was happy that C&P won because she was so brave to overcome her fear.

Today is turning into one of those days when I wish I'd never got out of bed. I was up at 8am and doing the h'work, so far, I have broken a glass, a very special (to us) commemorative glass that we bought in V*gas in 1997 (yes, I know the surprise here is that it's lasted that long in this house!!), thrown the cat's dish on the floor, thankfully it didn't break but the contents were flung to the four corners of the kitchen (which startled the cat and she suddenly turned into the T*zmanian D*vil as she ran round the kitchen in a panic tying to eat it all as I was trying to sweep it up) and almost broke the washing machine door!! Oh, and I think I've pulled a muscle in my back, it's very sore!! Think maybe I should just sit and not move for the rest of the day!

It was very foggy here first thing and it's taking quite some time to lift, I hope it hurries up as I want to put some w*shing out.

KK,- aahh, I see everything is normal in the C****er household!

What a fantastic amount SR raised, I don't remember anything like as much being collected at previous similar events.

Carol, don't know what to say after reading the account of your visit to Ann yesterday, how brave she and all of the family are, my thoughts are with you all.

Sorry Carys, also forgot your birthday, don't know if you read the blog, but belated good wishes to you.

Thanks for the links Jo and Pauline, never tire of reading good reviews!

Lovely day, must get outside this afternoon.

Thought you might like that Eva. Very lovely and unusual. I don't think it really mattered who won.

It's just another normal day odf chaos in KK's house I see! Lovely image of the cat. Shame about the vase.

I went to see my friend this morning and we sat and had coffee, yes coffee, on her patio. Lovely. She was going out to lunch with family so I didn't stop too long. She was off to Lxtxn Hxx. Reminded me I haven't been there in a long time. Must do it again. Anyway then back to reality and wxshing and ixxning and then I hxxvered. I did go and sit on a patio chair though. Felt it had to be done if only a token gesture!!

Had fab day in L.ndon yesterday. beautiful day. D h.ckney exhib fab , then to B.r.ugh mkt and walked to St P's and up to the Str.nd. We got half price tics for Swe.ney T.dd. Funny to be back in Ad.lphi. I liked the show - but didn't love it. thought IS was brill but MB less so - and I like MB. Before the show we went to Tce of S.merset Hse to sit and have our sandwiches and we met one of Ian uni friends (who also doesnt live in l.don and was up to see the DH exhib). Small world. Got home after midnight - called UB scollop to collect us - payback time:)

Yes Jo - did think of contacting org with job - but know they had over 140 applications. Iwill see if I will do that as know them - and they knwo my work - a bit delicate but will find a round about way to do it. ! Seems to be a constant yr of job applics - both mine and ploppys - fed up now. Ploppy says maybe fate trying to tell me time to stop work - but not sure bank manager would feel same way!

Carol - Ann and family seem to be treating their circumstance with love and humour - fab combination.

Ploppy had to dash thro to his dad (tho as fog bad the 60 mile journey took almost 3 hrs) as step m-il worse and his dad not coping but refusing to have carers in. Ploppy having diff time trying to mediate. M-i-l much worse tho says ploppy. I didn't go as my cough back and they would panic I would infect them. stupidly I thought what a good winter I have had - I don't need inhaler. OK perhaps the dr does know best!

Back knackered as ploppy away I did all h.work, w.shing, shopping AND loads of gardening. But UB scollop cooked the tea - I think he knew that otherwise he would starve as I was too tired to cook. Chicken + avocado - yum

OOOps Belated happy Birthday Carys

Pauline - loved the link - but could only see H + A - is that right?

Eva enjoy your family time:)

Lose an hours sleep tonight - aargh . think i might go to bed now:(

Sorry Fi, didn't realise that there was only part 1. Here is part 2.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhNqbVVz9n4

Your doy out sounds fantastic, well deserved and needed I would think. Hope the in laws can sort themselves. Your Ploppy doesn't need that.

Eva, hope the world has stopped shaking for you. Do you get many e quakes in Nway?
KK, haven't I always said hw*rk is dangerous? Hope things calmed down. Poor cat, must have had a shock.
Fi, what a busy day. Enjoyable though. Good luck with both your job applications. I hope that the careers are allowed in soon, sound like they could do with the help.
M's feet have been seen to by farrier, looking a bit better. The front foot lameness has been coming and going in the week. Decided to carry on with gentle exercise. May be the wrong thing, but standing in her box for weeks is not good either. The old one was on good form today. Kept pushing me with his head, it amuses him I think. We even did a bit of trotting. He had some grass. His weight seems to not have dropped over the last week, so hopefully he'll survive until the fields open and he can get some more grass. Although he can't have too much as that'll set his tummy problems off.
Felf has sold lots of her cacti, so the down sizing is going a storm.
Mw3Ds has asked me to sort out his pooter. I may have to take a magic pill before I go to do it, as he always keeps making making suggestions of how to do pooter stuff when I go to help him. I feel like screaming 'well you do it then!' But I have to think of Dog, who else would take her for a couple of nights?

first one on the voice I've liked. Chap with guitar and hat

hhhmmm I seem to heard this song before, sung better!!

Funny thing Jo, I,ve heard that one sung better as well! Last girl had a very powerful pair of lungs. I liked the guy with hat and guitar best so far as well.

Glad to hear M's feet are a little better.

My shape up shoes, which I wear all the time I'm out with Dog and walking about have had it. They are split all around. I've worn them everyday for 19 months. New designs have an improved sole, the ones I have are a bit slippy in the mud are £75. I've just ordered a discontinued style (unfortunately same type of sole as the ones I have) for £35, free delivery. Strangely from the same site as I bought the last ones. I had no idea until I tried to register and it said that email was already in use. (Hopefully I've ordered the right size.)

Evening all.
Being an auntie is hard work, I tell you! I put both the little darlings to bed and sang for Viljar. I think he must be tone deaf, because when I'd finished the first song, he demanded " More!" I did another lullabye, and when that was finished, I think he came to his senses, because then he said " Stop!" The other little man just cooed and gurgled.
When they were both fast asleep, I started cutting and chopping vegetables, which I kept doing for 2 1/2 hours. Viljar's dad is an excellent cook, and he's doing a game casserole for tomorrow. There was a lot of chopping going on. It's needed with 19 people round the table tomorrow.
Then we ate my pie with strawberries for dessert, and very nice it was too.
I'm exhausted, and since the coming night will be cut short by an hour, I think I'll have an early night.

Jo,- glad the horses are doing OK.

Fi,- it sounds as if you had a lovely day in the Big Smoke. Now all you need is a new job!

You sound to have had a pretty frantic evening Eva! I'm sure tomorrow will be wonderful. Love Viljar saying "stop"!

Off to bed as well, Do not like losing the hour. Will take me about that to change all my clocks! Night night and sleep tight.

2.5hrs chopping veggies is a long time Eva. I'm sure it will be worth it.

I have set my old laptop up to use as a TV when the switch over happens. Just in case I don't get to buying a new TV in time. It seems to be working OK at the moment, except it freezes from time to time. It is not as fast as this laptop (I bought it in June 2007, hmmm why did I did that?) or maybe because I'm overloading the bb.

Loosing an hour at 1am so
Nightlee night

oops screen has gone blank, must remember to change the sleep settings. It'll wait until tomorrow

Morning all - looks like it is going to be another lovely day. Sadly we will be in Chxrch this morning and have a two hour rehearsal indoors this afternoon.......fingers crossed the weather continues into next week! So KK, living up to your name I see! Hope the day improved after that and you had several large glasses! Eva I have some vegetables to chop.....if you wouldn't mind!! Hope all goes well for Mikkel's Naming Day and that Viljar continues to appreciate your singing. Thanks for the links ladies. Jo I've had that happen when I try to buy off a site and it tells me I am already registered...then have to wrack what little I have of brain to guess what password I used way back then (more organised now and have them safely stored for reference). Missing my hour of sleep and still some clocks to change - arrgggh!! MM thought he was being helpful and tried doing the one on the oven....unfortnately he hit the end cook time and I couldn't cancel it for some reason.....so gave up and went to bed. Will sort it out today!! Lots of ooooooohhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmsss for all the poorlies, needies and Fi and Ian and jobs! Hello BHB yes it is lovely out, I think if we open the patio doors? OK you bring the Blushing Bubbles and I'll get the paninis and we can have a nice long snuffles until the DCM appears!

Morning all. It's a foggy morning, but I hope it will clear up later.

Hello sweetheart. Yes, I know,- I'm feeling tired too, but I have to have an early start today, as I'm going to pick up the nerd's partner before we go into the city for the ceremony, which starts at 11.30 am. Oh, I do miss that lost hour!

I've checked the scedule for DoI tonight, and I'm quite sure I'll be back home before then.
Have a good Sunday all!

Morning all, well yes I did remember to put the clocks forward last night, then I go and have the longest sleep I've had for ages and woke at 10! As I usually wake up at 8 it is ironic that I oversleep on a day when we loose an hour. Oh well I'll get it sorted, by next winter anyway! So I feel fine, not tired at all. I am off to a friend's house just down the road. She is holding a birthday/farewell party for the daughter of another friend who goes back to Oz on Tuesday. How lucky can you get with the weather? Wonderful. That is this afternoon, so will be home for DoI as well I think. I then have the last episode of U?D then to +1 for Txtxnic so a busy day ahead. Oh and I have some ixxnxxg to do at some point.

Enjoy the naming day Eva. Hope you done get too tired.

Morning BHB, I know I'm sorry to be so late, but you know I like my sleep! So let's get some more Blushing Bubbles and find the CM and we can make up for lost time.

Ploppy put all the clocks forward last night - and then this morning we woke up at 9am - but our bedside alarm clocks adjust themselves automatically so it was really 8am - and would have been 7am yesterday - complicated!

No Jo f-i-l wont allow carers in - even refuses to allow us to set up on line shop but expects ploppy (60miles away) or his bro (30 miles away) to do it. Lots of battles ahead. Ploppy did his shop yesterday and it only came to £20 - f-i-l commented how cheap it was - and ploppy said yes but he hadn't added in his time and petrol yet!

I have decided not to job hunt but to wait and see what happens and when exactly job will end. Tho of course if ploppy job doesn't work out i will have to, but otherwise will just look and only if something I really want go for it - . Just cant bear going thro it all again.

Eva - sounds a fab time with Viljar and Mikkel - I still have their photo in my kitchen - beside the N.rwegian glass dish you gave me. It is a Xmas photo so am sure they have both changed since then.

Of off out in to the sun. enjoy the sunshine everyone - hope the fog clears in B.rgen Eva - it did here yesterday

Hello all…I’m back.R/Life now will allow me the time to come on the blog.
Dad has been allowed more care time and this will mean more time for me.
Martin and I were called to Dad’s one night at 9pm because he was very upset and wouldn’t go to bed, we left at midnight and he still refused to go to bed.
The night cares kept trying but he still wouldn’t go so he spent the night on his sofa.
Now he has more visits in the evening before bed time and 3 checks during the night to put him back to bed if needed, seems to be working well
I’m sorry I’ve missed lots of the S/Loppies Birthdays.
Thank you all, for my Birthday cards.Martin was is Hospital on that day and they helped cheer me up (He is ok)
My new job is great all the girls I work with are lovely and my boss is really nice.
I haven’t read the blog for ages so I’m not sure how you all are.
I must catch up with what GO has been up to as well

Hello all,

We had a lovely day yesterday at R*ymond Bl*nc's resturant. I did mention it was a POSH lunch! (£120 of posh! Each) The meal was wonderful and the service excellent (no BHB, not as good as yours, honestly) and we had such lovely weather we had drinks and coffee on the terrace.

Neice was delighted with the whole day - and I'm pleased to say very happy with her pressy which included a signed copy of a certain handsome singers latest CD.

Hi there Maggie - lovely to see you. Glad the job is working out and that your dad is getting the care he needs.

Fi - such a pity your FiL is been awkward. Thankfully my mum has embaced the idea of my bro on-line shopping for her - though sometimes she still gets out with Step-Dad to shop. I think you are right to see what happens with your job. Many OOOHHMMS that you don't need to look for another.Thanks for your thoughts on ST. Was Adam the Baker in it?

Carol - I'm very moved by Ann's courage and all the support her family give her. She sounds like a wonderful lady.

Sue - So far we have rumours that the GO is in LA, NY and Br*stol. I think all we can be sure of is he's somewhere on the planet! Your Fliss story reminds me of our chow-chow. She was such a well behaved dog - never stole any food, you could even leave chocotate in her reach and she wouldn't touch it till you said she could. Then the vet put her on a diet of rice (she was very ill) and after a few days of this was obviously bored of it. A neighbour brought us an Apple Pie and we left the dog in the same room as it for a minute. You guessed it - dog chomped her way through the pie. Bless her!

KK - Your burgler alarm story made me LOL. Now PLEASE just still with your feet up for the rest of the day! I want you in one piece for our lunch date!

Jo - thank you for the link to the review. Another great one I see. I'm sure you know what's best for M. Standing still all day can't be any good for her.

Eva - wow! An earthquake! Viljar sounds so funny - I can just imagine him saying 'stop'. I hope all goes well for the naming day.

Pauline - thanks for the YouTube link. I didn't see any of it so I will watch this afternoon.

Many OOHHMMS for needies

The weather here is awful. Started off grey and overcast and continued that way. It is so cold we have the central heating switched on.

Jane, HOW MUCH for the meal? Blimey, that would feed us for a month. How the other half live!

Glad the earth moved for you Eva, about time too.

Did anyone watch BGT last evening? It's not something I would normally watch but there was nothing else on that I fancied. Anyway, there was a boys choir from Wales called Only Boys Aloud (not very original), and they were truly wonderful. I had tears in my eyes. The whole programme was repeated at lunchtime today and I taped it for Ploppy to see because he sang in a Welsh choir at Uni. Needless to say both of us then had tears rolling down our cheeks. Simon C was most impressed.

Good to see you again Maggie.

Ploppy tried to reset the timer on the oven but gave up. Why is it that some men cannot do the simplest things?

Looking forward to DOI final this evening, a close run thing I think.

Afternoon. Been a busy weekend but I can at last put my feet up. We're just waiting for eldest to get home (he's been away with cadets) so we can eat then I'm having a bath and watching tv for the rest of the evening.
Jan, Only Boys Aloud was set up by Only Men Aloud to encourage the tradition of male voice choirs but keeping it a bit more up to date. I saw them on S*ngs of Pra*se the other week. They've also set up Only Kids Aloud as well (the conductor talked about it when Sloppy and I went to a concert recently)
Jane, the meal sounds lovely. A real treat.
Eva, hope the naming ceremony went well
Pauline, hope you enjyed the farewell party?
Fi, fingers crossed FiL can be persuaded to get some help to save your poor Ploppy. Hope the job works out ok, no wonder you're getting fed up now.
Maggie, lovely to see you back. Love to Martin too, hope he's ok.
Poor Daisy is limping and her eye keeps watering, she really has been in the wars lately! Sending some oohhmms to her fellow 4 legged friends.
Mmmmm dinner smells good, hope scollop hurries up, bye for now

Maggie, lovely to see you back on the blog.
It's been a great day today. Although the girls at the stables said it was slightly colder than yesterday. It felt about the same to me, but then I did have a fleece and t vest on. Took Dog for a walk to the farm to see the horses. We used to do it in 30 mins, it took us an hour today.
I feel like a lie down while watching Carry on something

Evening all, it's so light still I keep thinking it is still afternoon. Had a lovely afternoon, met the new baby, well he is about 8 months now, but the first time I've seen him. He is a cutie pie and very good. Don't envy them the journey back to Aus though.

Maggie great to have you back. Glad you have more care for your Dad. Hope we can see more of you now.

Jane your lunch sounds wonderful. I do like a posh meal.

Ali poor little Daisy, more ohhhmmms for her.

Hmmm, NYNY eh? What’s he doing there and who with?

Carol, I can never read about your Ann and her family without a huge lump in my throat. Certainly makes me count my blessings.

Thanks for the link Jo, . . . . . . one I missed 

Blimey Eva, waking up to an earthquake, I wouldn’t like that.

Ooops, sorry Carys. Oh well that’s one I missed altogether, not doing very well this year!

Didn’t see any SR, do let me know if the under water SCD gets to youtube, I’d like to see that.
Oh, and there it is, thanks Pauline.

KK, I hope you’re still sitting down, out of harm’s way.

Fi, you may have answered my question, should I, should I not go to see ST.
Ohhhmmmsss for your cough, well not for your cough exactly, but you know what I mean.
One way to make the old man see sense about having carers is for Ploppy and bro not to respond, but I guess they won’t do that eh!

More ohhhmmmssss for Megan. Please don’t upset Mw3Ds Jo, although he does sound a bit of a trial, Dog loves him.

Lovely to see you Maggie, good news about the job, and about your dad. Hope we get to see a bit more of you now. Love to Martin.

Flippin’ eck Jane, that’s twice what we paid at R*ck Ste*n’s although that was about 15 years ago. Was it a special day, have I missed something?
Loved your doggie story.

Jan I saw Only B*ys Aloud, they were excellent, I also liked the 17 year old tenor.
Didn’t rate The V*ice much.

Ali, more ohhhmmmsss for Daisy, she’s certainly had it rough lately.

Hope you get your lie down Jo.

Eva, didn’t realise you lost an hour as well, hope you’re having a lovely time today after all that chopping last night.

I had about 10mins snooze then the phone rang. Postman was out in the park with his 2 dogs. I was doubtful that Dog would want to go as she was spark out. I rattled the lead and much to my amazement she got up, so we've been around the park. So I'm still kn**kered.
Ali try washing Daisy's eye with salt water, tepid about 1/4 teaspoon in half a pint. She might just have pulled something jumping. My younsters do that from time to time. I put them in a bedroom overnight and usually they're fine in the morning or the next evening. Hope she gets better soon.
Jane - I'd prefer fish and chips in the pub in Liverpool. The cost would pay for the rail fare too. But as long as all enjoyed it. As I always say it's up to everyone how they spend their money. A chap at w*rk used to moan about what I spent on my animals, he spent his money on his 4 kids.

I've not seen DoI for weeks. They have got so much better. I still have a soft spot for Chico

To The Purple Mafia
Tomorrow is Purple day. One of the suggestions is paint yourself purple !!!! I'll wear a purple T shirt.
http://www.epilepsy.org.uk/involved/purple-day.

The right person won DoI, I still don't know what he's a celeb for doing. Or the one who came 2nd either.

Well I thought it was the right final two and definitely the right winner. They are in soaps Jo.

Now U/D, it's all go!

Hurrah! a proper purple day!! Mind you every day is Purple Day for the Purple Mafia - thanks Jo!

I hope daisy's eye gets better Ali.

The meal BTW was MiL's treat to niece (her grand daughter) When Ploppy offered to contribute she said "No - I'm spending your inheritance."

So it seems now from tw*tter that the GO is in LA but is flying home shortly.

Sweet Meads all

...that sounds a lovely meal Lady J. Maggie, welcome back - new job sounds good and added bonus that we will now see more of you! Please give our love to Martin, hopefully he is ok. Ali, hope Daisy's eye sorts itself out. Spent the afternoon indoors rehearsing - it looked beautiful outside!! Watched DoI and horray my favourite won. Fi, fingers and toes are still crossed!! Going to have an early night (want to catch up on the hour I lost!) Sweet Meads all.

Hi me lovelies!
Sorry I've been MIA for most of the evening, but I arrived home just in time for DoI. I agree, I've been cheering for Matthew for most of the series, so I was very pleased that he won.
After DoI it was U&D, so there has been no peace for the wicked here!
I was so tired when I came home I really wanted to go straight to bed, but had to watch DoI.
It was a lovely day with the family. The ceremony was beautiful, and Mikkel was good as gold. The other "angel" was a bit restless, so he was taken outside by his grandfather.
The meal at Viljar's home was sooooo tasty, especially the veggies, of course! The meat was so tender, and a chef friend of the family had made the sauce. Yummy!
My pesky camera decided to go on strike, so I had to use my mobile to take the pictures. They're not too bad, but now I have to find out how to transfer them to my pooter. I think I'm a cable short for that job!

I took the parents home, and stayed with them for a couple of hours, because mother was having a dizzy spell. I didn't want to leave them before I was sure she was OK.

I've only breezed through the blog for today, and my! haven't you been busy? It's lovely to see Maggie back.

Jan,- I agree it was about time the earth moved for me! It's been some time!

Jo,- a purple day tomorrow? I'll join you and Jane with a purple top.

As I said at the beginning, it's been a very long day and I'm knackered, so I'm off to my bed.
See you tomorrow.

Ali, thank you for telling me about OBA - what a good idea. I hope they go on to be as great a success as Only Men Aloud.

Watched the first episode of Titanic, didn't think I was going to enjoy it but Ploppy wanted to see it and actually I quite enjoyed it.

I know it's only 9.25pm GMT but as I was up so early this morning I am feeling shattered. AND I have a very early doctor's appointment tomorrow, sleeping pills giving me nasty side effects.

Nite nite all, sleep tight.

Well that was a frantic evening of tv watching! At least next week there is no DoI so I may get to eat in peace. However as Sxlxnt Wxtnxss is starting it looks like I will still be having to dart around! Wasn't wholly convinced by Txtxnxc. It felt very rushed to me. I think the film was too long but this was the other extreme.

Glad your day went well Eva. It all sounds lovely, if exhausting.

Bedtime, yes even if I did sleep in last night! Night night and sleep tight all.

Good to read from Den he's on his way home.
Eva, a good day then. I'm sure the veggies were wonderful.
(Just seen the Heston ad on tv for new buns (sound yuk btw). The Heston kid has a cup of tea in front of him and a box of Earl Grey, but there is milk in the tea. Do you have milk in EG tea? Must taste even worse if you do.)
I've just spent a fun couple of hours paying bills and paying money into account.
Nightlee night

Morning all, and all the signs of it being another glorious day (now if only most of my summer things weren't all packed away in storage bags under the bed I'd be fine). Have maanged to find my lost hour of sleep I think - went to bed at 10.30pm and have only just woken up. We kept Sloppy here last night as we had been out most of the afternoon, and it meant MM could watch Txtanic (or Drownton Abbxy as some wag referred to it) without having to rush her home and miss part of it. I do know that one review said the first episode was a bit rushed and confusing but it calms down for the next three when it concentrates on various characters, so we will stick with it. Thought M's Bxlero was brilliant and quite different to most we have seen. Liked that he had a lot of impact. Eva your day sounds lovely, but fingers crossed your Mum is ok, are they still doing tests? We went to the garden centre between Chxrch and rehearsal and bought three nice plants for the garden.....bright pink in one case! Will be taking Sloppy food shopping later this morning and then taking her home. Have meeting tonight at Chxrch as well as hoping to make it to rehearsal for small group. Have another jam packed week ahead, so don't understand people who say they find retirement boring!! Depositing lots of ooooooooooooohhhhhhmmmmmmmmmsss for anyone in need (both two footed and four footed). Hello BHB, yes I think we can sit by the patio doors again - you have made some Chxrleston Girl? Lovely. You bring that, I'll get the paninis and we can have a lovely snuffle until the DCM arrives.

I have remembered not to go to w*rk today. Eva, you would be proud of my list of things to do.
Carol, when my my mum retired she said she'd get a part time job after a short time. After a month, she said she was too busy to get a job.
Better get cracking.

Morning all. The fog is so thick here that I can hardly see the houses across the road. It took a long time to clear yesterday, so fingers crossed it goes a bit quicker today.

Hello sweetheart. You've been away? Ah, you've been using the blessed T*rdis to get here every morning? You're a treasure!

Well, I haven't found my missing hour yet. I can't remember feeling so tired before just after the time change, but I wanted to go on sleeping when I woke up this morning. Have things to do, however, so I kicked myself out of bed. 3 cups of strong, black coffee later, I feel a bit more awake.
It's a lot of tedious bits and bobs that have to be done this morning, like going to the surgery to sort out some presriptions for mother, then chemist, then electrical shop to see if I can sort out the cable for my mobile ( for the use of transferring photos to PC ) and so on and so forth. Just a lot of driving around from shop to shop.

I'll give T*tanic a go tonight, before S&B starts. Do you know if another series of U&D is planned? Last night's episode good as always. Good to see the back of Lady P*rcy. She was a nasty piece of work!

Jo,- you snuck in while I was typing.
A list, eh? Good girl. Is there a lot of cl*****g on the list? (Runs away to avoid being drowned by a bucket of water!)

Morning all, I know I'm early today! Well for me I am. I seem to have slept sort of my normal time last night, still feel I'm a bit jet lagged though.

Absolutely beautiful looking day here, though it was cold overnight I think. I have to do food shopping today and some hxxsxwxrk, so don't think I'll have much time for sitting on the patio furniture. In fact they are still building the last house on the developement which is sort of close to me, so with the dust and the radio noise it isn't that wonderful to sit out yet.

Love the title Drownton Abbey!

Morning BHB, nice hug thankyou. You are jet lagged too? Oh you are really properly jet lagged...wonder if he's been to see Eva? Right we need something to perk us up then, so we'll get more Chxrleston Girl and join the CM.

Hello all

I'm respendant in purple, Jo and Eva!

Jan- I hope all went well at Dr

Eva - glad the naming ceremony was so lovely.

Afternoon all.
The fog is finally clearing away, so I think it'll be a nice day by and by.
Mother's meds sorted and delivered. We went through the list together and I think she now has what she's supposed to have. Sorting the parents' meds is normally Mrs. Scrooge's job ( she being a nurse ), but today I did it.
I also sorted the missing cable for the mobile, so now I've transferred the photos to the pooter and will send the best ones to Martin when I've finished this. You will note that Mikkel isn't wearing the same gown as Viljar did. That's because we couldn't fit him into it! Fortunately they had a family gown on his mother's side, so that's the one he has on. It's a lovely gown, specially made on Malta about 25 years ago.

It's nearing lunchtime. Today's menu is fish cakes with roasted garlic, potatoes.

Maggie, lovely to see you back on the blog, new job sounds much better, not working at night.

Fi, sorry to hear you mght be having job problems again, hope that doesn't happen.

Ali, poor Daisy, still not right, she's having a bad time.

Eva, your day sounds fun, glad it all went off well.

Jane, what exalted circles you move in, Lady Jane indeed!

I'm feeling a tad nervous as I have apptment at our local hospial this afternoon. My GP wants to get an average reading of my BP as it's rather all over the place and suggested I have it measured every 15 min.s for 24 hours, I said OK and it wasn't 'til later that it really sank in, every 15mins OMG!!
Don't know if they'll attach me to the machine today or just do some tests and talk about it but I'll find out this pm.!

What a beautiful day, really Springlike. I've been in the front garden and pruned the hydrangea and sorted out one of the Japanese Anemones, looks much better now.

Had to get up early this morning to go to the quack's, saw a different one as mine was on holiday. Quite a satisfactory outcome, she said I had had an extreme reaction to the sleeping pills and has given me different ones. Fingers crossed.

Maeve, a couple of years ago I had to have my BP tested every 15 mins and they gave me some contraption that I had to wear at home for 24 hours. The feedback showed that my BP shot up every 15 mins during the day because I was winding myself up for the bleep and constriction around my arm. It also went up if I had a coffee and a ciggy. Happily it is much better now.

I enjoyed DOI and although Jorgie's Bolero was "prettier" I think the right decision was made. And as for T*tanic - I think they are going to concentrate on different passengers each week and the boat sinks every time!

Glad your day went well Eva, what lucky little chaps to have a lovely auntie like you.

Time for lunch.

Afternoon. I've been back to school this morning, youngest scollop's teachers held a revision session on how they now teach maths. I think I could now help scollop properly with his homework if need be.
Popped into town for some bits and pieces for Br*wnie holiday and spent 68p on several sale items, bargain!
Daisy seems ok today, Jo I think you're right and she just jarred her leg poss jumping down from the fence. Her eye is a little weepy still but she can open it so can't be too serious.
Right couple won DoI, satisfactory ending to UD (hope there's a new series) and while T*tanic moved rather fast I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
Looking forward to pics of your 2 little men Eva. Glad the day went well.
Jane, my friend had a 24hr BP monitor on over the weekend. She was rather frustrated with it by the end but the GP obviously felt it necessary.
Better go, I'm doing a roast for 9 people this evening and need to prep stuff before the school run.

Maeve,- my mother has had the same contraption Jan's talking about attatched to her twice, and while it's quite painless, it's a bit of a nuisance, but that is all.

Ali,- have you got room for a little (!) one, me, at that roast dinner?

I have had a nice Eva. Maybe by tomorrow I will be getting used to the lost hour.

Beautiful day.

Yes Sue Ploppy will not respond and that is what we are now doing. Ploppy has said he is no longer dashing over to do his shopping or every time he phones. Ploppy is going thro tough times himself and I am not having him kill himself working FT, commuting and driving 130 miles each weekend cos f-i-l doesn't want on - line shopping or carers - tough! I need a well ploppy! In fact ploppy insisted f-i-l got dr out to see step mum and f-i-l has just phoned to say it was right decision and her medicines being changed as she seems to have reacted badly to one. So think f-i-l beginning to see that we are a "voice of reason" and not just saying no.

In complete contrast my mum just phoned - father (remember the one who was 90 last year) up on roof painting the tiles (do NOT ask!) . Sloppy says he is inching his way across the roof very slowly - oh well that's OK then.

Sue - I wouldn't go back to see Sw T. not sure if that helps your decision making. But then I quite liked the Vo.ce on Sat - thought it was much more good natured and building people up rather than knocking them down, than IT.'s sat night offerings. Don't know if Adam was in it Jane -. Didn't recognise him but I am very poor at recognising anyone - except a certain curly haired singer:)

Jane - did you go t Br.y for your meal - sounds a wonderful family experience.

I am an avid H.meland watcher (like B Ob.ma!) so missed UD and T.tanic . Must try and watch on catch up TV but so busy in garden.

Well it's not as bad as I expected, it measures BP every half hour until 10pm and then every hour until 8am tomorrow then back to half hourly 'til 1pm tomorrow when I have to take it back. I tend to jump when it starts, not sure how I'll sleep tonight.

Fi, I'm loving H*meland too, DL absolutely brilliant.

Fortunately,( or not, depending how you look at it), I've never had elderly parents to care for but I can quite see what a worry looking after them can be.

Evening all. Been and bought lots more plants, now I have to plant the things. Then watering them will be fun. Still it has to be done. Typical we get a drought when I'm trying to plant a new garden! Hey ho.

Maeve I had a thingy for BP attached to me years ago. It was so unweildy, really heavy and I had the cuff round my arm. It went off all day and all night and woke me up every half hour. I was so tired and fed up with it my bp was all over the place and they gave up! I think they have improved considerably since then. I know I was aguinea pig, they told me so!

Eeek Fi! Your father on the roof sounds very dangerous. Hope he is ok. Glad your f-i-l is seeing a bit of sense. Hope it continues.

Fi,- good for you and Ploppy for putting your foot down on f-in-law's demands! Your father up on the roof? Why am I not surprised?

Fi I have some barge boards which need painting, send him over!!!

Eva, cl**ning was not on my list. I have tried on trousers and tops in 2 charity shops (not bought any), done a little shopping, sat in the sun having a coffee and salad bap (£2, bargain!!) and Dog left at home, walked Dog 3 times, found the postman's glasses in the park, cut the grass, read the gas meter (after I'd bought a key for it. No, pliers wouldn't fit to turn the key), dealt with 2 computer problems and identified one (beyond my knowledge to fix) for felf and Mw3Ds, found I can Tweet photos from my phone and booked my car for an emergency appt at the garage as it is weeing petrol. Oh, washed 2 mats and I'm just about to cook a chicken.

Jo,- are you sure there isn't more to do? It sounds like a lazy day! Hehehe.

I'm sure every day is like today when you retire. Except that after a time I could fit some cl**ning in!
Got to feed everyone now. I've had a cheese and tomato sandwich, so I'm OK.

Jo I definitely don't find time to clean, mainly cos I don't go looking for it! Your day sounds like most of my days now, apart from the dog walks. A cheese and tomato sandwhich eh? Gourmet dining!

I've done the recycling and watered some of melf's pots. Just have to cut up the chicken, find BB so I can give him his meds, wash my hair, have a bath and go to sleep. I think I have to walk Dog at 6.30 tomorrow morning, as I've an early start after dropping car off at garage. Arrghggggggg
Nightlee night

The lovely Martin has put the photos from Mikkel's naming Day in the Miscellanious album.

I've been watching T*tanic on iplayer, and the first bit was very difficult to follow because there was something wrong with the sound mix. At times there were two dialogues going on at the same time, so I missed a lot, but fortunately after the first ad break, it had righted itself. I'll be watching the next instalment. I do like J*lian F*llowes. I have a couple of his novels and they are very good and very funny.

Jo,- I see you took my suggestion to heart and did some more chores. Good heavens, girl, you'll need another day off to recover from this one!

DoI winner in Emm*rdale Jo, I only watched the last night to see Laura, and nearly didn’t recognise her!
So, the boy is back, he didn’t say where he’d been though, and I did ask him.

Jane, what a brilliant MiL.

Eva, roasted garlic potatoes yummy, do you just toss them in the garlic and roast, or is it altogether more technical than that?

Ali, wish I’d come to yours for me tea, we had beans on toast.

Oh Fi, you’ve just made me laugh out loud, but it’s not funny really, what on earth does you dad think he’s up to crawling on a roof at his age, even if he is going slowly!!
Good on your Ploppy hope he sticks to his guns, too true you want him well, and being stressed out over his parents is NOT the way to go.

Jo, that was some day off, you’ll need to go back to work for a rest!

Lovely photos Eva, I love the one of the family 5th along.

Oh well bed time for this bunny, nite nite Loppies x

Sue,- I use new potatoes, roll them in oil, sprinkle garlic( finely chopped or pressed) on top and bang them in the oven. You can parboil them first, but keep the skin on.
Glad you like the photos.
Good night all.

Love the photos Eva. Both boys look so sweet. Lovely naming gown and Viljar, so cute.

My bed time as well so night night and sleep tight all.

Morning all. Another sunny day looming. Eva have you got rid of the fog yet? Loved the picture of the Naming Day, they both looked gorgeous (especially liked Viljar's outfit). I do a similar roast new potato, but put grated Parmesan in a bowl with olive oil and seasoning and dunk the potatoes in that and then roast on a baking tray. No need to parboil....simples! Fi your tale of your father reminded me of the time we called round to my parents and found my father on the roof sorting out ridge tiles on the top....he was 81 at the time, so your dad beats him! He couldn't understand why we would be alarmed! Yes that's the sort of day Jo (without the cleaning). The nicest part is being able to do what you want when you want. Glad Daisy is getting better Ali. Maeve, MM had to wear not a bp contraption but was the receiver for the capsule containing a minis ule camera. It didn't ping when it went off but he found it quite disconcerting. He had it for a day too. This afternoon is e final Lent course so we are looking at places St Paxl visited. As we have been to several (Mxlta, Ephesxs, Rxme) looking forward to it. Hello BHB definitely a morning for the patio. You bring the Itxlian Jxb and I'll get the waffles. Time for a nice snuffle until the DCM arrives.

Lovely morning but a work day. Ploppy got 6.10 train which meant leaving home at 5.30 eek - but last time ever - we hope - as he plans to go in much later on his final day - Friday - and he is at home rest of week.

Eva - pics are fab - love the one of you with Viljar.

Maeve - yes elderly parents are a mixed blessing. as one friend put it -"you are both lucky and unlucky to have all 4 parents alive (1 a step parent) - and still to care for at same time". Ploppy also is only relative for his aunt and uncle (they are estranged from rest of family) and has PoA for them - they live 150 miles away so we try and get across there when we can. So yes Sue we will have to look after ourselves (and esp ploppy) too.

Eva - I know someone who knew JF when he was younger - didn't rate him highly - esp in his treatment of women. But hopefully he grew up!

Jo - Father always does his own barge boards so dare say he could do your too!

Must dash to work. enjoy your days.

Morning all. The fog was here when I got up, but fortunately today it has decided to go away early. I will be off for a walk a little later, as the rain will be back tomorrow.

Hello sweetheart. You want to sit in the sunshine? Of course we can, but a couple of blue blankets will be required.

Glad you enjoy the photos. Will you believe it? Now my camera works like a dream! Stoooooopid thing.

Fi,- I didn't mean I like JF personally. I've never met the man, but I do like his work, both the books and his television series . When he was acting, he always seemed to do posh caracters, of the unsympathetic kind, so maybe he was cast in character?

Better get the day started properly.

Morning all, and another beautiful morning. It is a bit chilly at the moment, but I'm sure it will be lovely and warm soon. Have been out watering my new plants (without a hose pipe) and it was a delight.

Fi I know what is meant by a mixed blessing. I was so lucky to have both my parents for so long, and I did appreciate it when I saw so many friends losing theirs. However the last years of both their lives is something I am working hard on blanking out! 5.30 rise? Good grief, you two will need some serious training I think!

I like JF's work on the whole. Funnily enough I saw an interview with him and he said what an awful young man he was in his treatment of women, so maybe he did indeed grow up!

So today I have some planting to do. Aching back later I think!

Morning BHB, I know, isn't the weather fab? I think the patio a great idea. So let's get more Itaxxn Jxb and we'll find the CM.

Morning. What another beeeooootiful day! Got an appointment with nurse later for BP check, just routine. Until then I'm catching up on Br*wnie stuff.
Eva, lovely photos of Mikkel and Viljar, such an attractive little family!
Fi, does your Father come with a health warning? just the thought of him being up there makes me shudder.
Better get on, have a lovely day ladies, and Scott!

Hello all!

Fi - GOOD FOR YOU AND PLOPPY! You can't let him live his life at dad's beck-and-call. Love that your dad climbs on roofs still. I hope he doesn't have KK issues! (The resturant was near Oxf*rd if that helps)

Jan - Oh no!T*tanic! The boat sinks!! What a spolier! (He He!) A woman once complained to the BBC because B*rry Norman mentioned the ship sank in his review of the film)

Maeve - I hope that BP thinggy isn't too uncomfy. At least it's not doing it every 15 mins.

Sue - I agree. I have a wonderful MiL. She's been lovely to me ever since I married Ploppy.

Jo - you make me tired just reading your posts!

Eva - thanks to you and Martin for the pics - I'll have to wait till I'm home to see them.

It's a gorgeous day outside. I almost didn't want to come inside again. Walked down to my little bay and sat there for a long while in the sunshine breathing the sea air. Wonderful.

I've been chopping vegetables again. Going to make a big pan of stew, so that I can take some out to the parents on Thursday. I've put in cabbage, swedes, shalots, onions, leeks, carrots and potatoes. Smoked sausages will go in at the end with a homemade brown sauce. (Not the kind you can buy in a bottle in UK!), but one based on browned flour, butter and water, with a couple of OXO-cubes thrown in. It's really tasty, even if I say so myself!

Lovely sunny day here but my goodness, it is so so chilly. That's what happens when you live where the North Sea meets the Channel, the wind spoils things.

Sorry about the spoiler Jane! Did anyone listen to the radio yesterday when there was an item on a book written by a lady bookseller? It was hilarious and quoted questions asked by the great reading public such as: Did Ann Frank write a sequel, Do you have any signed copies of Shakespeare plays and What else did Jane Eyre write?

You couldn't make it up could you?

On the subject of elderly parents, count your blessings ladies, I had lost both mine when I was 16 years old. I often wonder how different my life would have been had they lived but there again, I would not have met my lovely Ploppy.

Great pictures of the naming day Eva, what little smashers those boys are. BTW, how long do you cook the potatoes for and at what temperature. They sound delicious.

Can't believe the cost of 1st class post rising to 60p. Outrageous, all my mail will now be sent second class.

What do we think the GO was up to in LA? Something private or something stunningly showbiz.

Jan,- if I parboil them, it's for about 15 minutes, then in the oven for about 25 minutes on 180 degrees ( gas mark &?) in the oven. It depends aon the size of the potatoes, of course.

I've had a busy afternoon after my Eva, but now my broadband seems to be fixed and I have my wireless back. I've done it all myself, so I'm pretty pleased.

Sorry Jan,- a typo due to me writing on Black Beauty. It should be : gas mark 5 or 6.

Evening all, I am now sitting with a heat pad on my back! No, I'm not cold, I have planted and watered (by hand) 15 plants and still only scratched the surface. It was lovely out there though so I did enjoy it.

You are at it again Eva, making me hungry. Your stew sounds yummy.

I glad you enjoyed the sun today. Me? All day (lunch was brought in to us) in a room with no windows. At 5.30pm I thought better go to l**, not been since 5.30am. Car? In the garage, needs a part to stop the petrol leak and of course the tank has to come out to fix it. Anyway, good news. The man who bought felf's greenhouse (she has more left) is coming tomorrow to dismantle it and take it away.
Eva the photos are lovely. No wonder Mikkel wouldn't fit in the other naming robe, bouncing babe.
MrT was booked for 9-11, but came at 8.15, which was good. I'd booked him late as I thought I may be late home.

Recycling and washing done.
Pauline, have a good rest tonight, hope you've had a warm bath for the aches and pains.
Nightlee night

Thanks for the garlic potatoes tip Eva. Save me some of that stew please. You were up very late last night, or is that the hours difference?

Carol, your spuds sound good too, I’ll have to try both ways.

The scary thing about seeing the deterioration in your old parents is that you see yourself in years to come, scares me anyway!

Jo, I don’t think I could bear to work all day in a room with no windows.
I used to really appreciate my job, I worked in a home, in all senses of the word, it was less than twenty yards from my house. I’d been there so long I was as comfortable there as in my own home. We had a really good staff team, with two excellent cooks. My office overlooked the lawn and on to the road with a bird table outside my window, and to cap it all I was the boss! Good times, how lucky was I!!
Of course it wasn’t always hunky dory, but on the whole it was, and all of the staff and a lot of the relatives that I meet from time to time now, always say how wonderful the place was and how sad that they closed it down.

I can’t believe what lovely weather we’re having, definitely need to get in my garden Pauline, as you’re obviously much too busy to help! Just take care of that back missus.

Final update on Fliss (I hope) we’ve had three days now where she’s eaten everything put in front of her, and she’s been for her usual mile long walk for the first time tonight we took it a bit slower than normal, but she was fine.

Nite nite Loppies x

Thanks Jo, I think I'm ok, lots of heat on it immediately always helps.

I'm off to the Idxxl Hxme tomorrow. Have to leave at 9am sonot sure I'll get on here until I'm home. That could be quite late. So be good and miss me!

Night night and sleep tight.

Morning all, and another bright sunny one (mind you it was quite chilly last night on the way back from rehearsal). It was a lovely night for viewing the stars though - crescent moon and a very bright Vxnus. Actually so was Monday night and when we came home from church/practice we went out into the back garden and looked up at them all - very clear Plxugh but couldn't see Oxien. Twin off to the IH (take it gently!), my friend Janice (our namer) went yesterday. I think I'll beg some ooooohhhhhmmmmmmmmmmss for her please as she is getting divorced (though her choice, and we all think it is a good thing for her), also oooooohhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmsss for everyone else - two and four footed. We are off to Town too - we are seeing SSTC at the Nxtional with our Chxlmsford (ex Lxncoln) friends so really looking forward to that. As it is forecast to be another lovely day we are going to stroll along the Thxmes, find someone nice to sit outside and have a drink, and then a meal and then see the play. Jo!! You can't be cooped up in windowless office on days like this!! That's awful. Sue glad Fliss is getting back to her normal self. Jan they listed some of those comments in the paper yesterday - I particularly liked the one saying "I read a book when I was little, I can't remember what it was called or who wrote it, but it had a green cover. Do you have a copy?". Hope everyone is able to enjoy the sunshine (that includes you Jo!) even if at work. The garden over the road has a beautiful blossom laden tree - it's a real picture. Hello BHB, yes I think the patio with the pink blanket and the pxtio heater this morning. You bring the Vanillita and I'll get the cupcakes. Think the DCM may be in early today!

Morning all. I'm glad I could enjoy the outdoors yesterday, because today we're back to the grey sky and drizzling rain.

Hello sweetheart. We're sitting outside. Just as well I hired the Tardis to come to you, as there will be no " sitting outdoors " in Bergen today!

Sue,- I was up late last night. Went to bed about midnight, but that would be 11pm your time. I've had a decent night's sleep and need to do some h****w**k today. Tonight I'm off to the library. They are setting up a meeting with 3 of Norway's best selling crime writers. They'll give a talk and answer questions. One of them is a working policeman, and his books are excellent. I'm really looking forward to it.
Fliss sounds as if she's found her missing brain cell again. I'm pleased.

Jo,- are you going outside for a ciggie now and then. According to the newspapers we should get at least 1 hours daylight on our faces every day!

Morning. I have about 25 t-towels blowing on the line! We got all the stuff out of storage for Br*wnie holiday and they smelt damp so I've had to wash them all, good job it's nice and sunny! I've also printed off the last (I hope) of the necessary paperwork so now I can relax until Ben arrives for the afternoon.
Pauline, how's your back? I need to get some more plants too I think.
Carol, the sky has been beautiful the last couple of nights, I was stargazing too.
Jo, a windowless room? don't know how you stand it!
Jan, after you mentioned Only Boys Aloud I watched them on the laptop, weren't they good!
Sue, so glad Fliss is improving. These pets do worry us don't they.
Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts, supposed to get chillier again at the weekend.

My what a busy lot you are today! Eva - enjoy the crime writers thing, Pauling enjoy IH, Carol enjoy SSTC (of course take some OOHMS)

Ali - enjoy having your feet up for once.

Jan - the book seller stories made me laugh. You couldn't make it up.

Very glad to hear about Fliss. Jo - how is M doing?

TTFN.

Hi all

Late lunch for me!!

What beautiful weather we're having. Not that I've seen much of it. One of the problems with w*rking at home is that I can see the garden calling me and it's so hard to resist!! The other problem is that I'm w*rking even longer hours because it's now daylight till much later so I don't realise what time is!! Getting loads done though, so that's a plus.

And at least I have windows!! Eek, Jo, no windows!! My claustrophobia would kick in big time! I thought my office was bad enough, we do have windows, so we can at least get some air in, but on the side where I w*rk we overlook the central area of the building (the building is sort of oval shaped with a central area where all the bins are kept and the caretakers office is - lovely!) and you can't see any sky, just the outside of the other side of the building (if that makes sense) which has horrible white, shiny tiles up the walls so it's like looking into the inside of a gents loo (not that I've seen the inside of many gents loo's!). I find that quite claustrophobic sometimes.

Maggie - wonderful to see you and to hear that you'll be here more often. Glad life is settling down for you.

Maeve - my Mum's had that BP thingy. Every time she went to the GP her BP was up and her pulse was racing. Both the nurse and GP were convinced that it was due to nerves, because of the fact that she was having her BP taken, so they did the 24 hour BP thingy. Once she'd got used to the anticipation of it going off it showed that her BP was fine. Now she has her own BP thingy and for 24 hours before she is due to go to the GP's for a BP test she takes her own BP at frequent intervals, writes it down and takes that to the GP so that they can check it that way. So far, it seems to work as they are happy with the results. Hope the results are good for you.

Eva - love the photos, your two little men are just adorable. Your walk down to the bay yesterday sounded delightful. I am so jealous of you living near the sea. I love the sea, there is just something about sea air, it's so invigorating. One of my favourite places in the UK is on the cliff tops by Wh*tby Abb*y - sun, wind, rain, it doesn't matter, when I'm there any problems/troubles that I may be having just seem to disappear, even if only temporarily!

I had a really weird dream the other night which started off with me in a field full of sheep (which I was convinced were evil) and ended up with the GO "rescuing" me by scooping me up in the digger of a JCB and dumping me outside the field in a muddy puddle!! Not exactly my knight in shining armour!

Oh well, better get back to it, might try for an earlier finish tonight and get out into the garden with a glass of wine whilst the sun is still here!!

KK, thank your lucky stars it was only a muddy puddle and not a great heap of cow d*ng. I agree about Whitby Abbey being good for the soul even though there are all those steps to climb. My stepson worked at the Youth Hostel there for one summer and he loved it. Cross fingers for him tomorrow as he has flown back from Canada for a 2 day interview at Sheffield University for a position as a lecturer. At least it will be warmer here than what he has been experiencing this winter. Temperatures of minus 40 degrees C and an emergency number to call if their heating breaks down. His girlfriend got frostbitten knees at one point.

Glad you thought that Only Boys Aloud were great Ali. When I watched the programme I couldn't believe it when SCowell said he had never heard the song before. It's one of our favourites and we have about 3 versions of it sung by various Welsh choirs. Having said that I expect he has heard of hundreds of songs that have passed us by. And 25 tea towels blowing in the wind must have been an impressive sight.

I seem to have been stuck indoors all day cooking and wrapping stuff up for the freezer. The garden looks tempting but although there is blue sky and sunshine it is really very cold.

Twins, I am trying to work out what IH and SSTC are. I expect you have given the answer somewhere but my poor old brain isn't what it used to be.

Carol, the quote about the green book was funny but I actually had almost the same thing said to me by the junior at the hairdressers when washing my hair. I had taken a book with me because I was in for a long session of having my roots coloured - ah, those were the days - she asked me what it was about and she said that she was reading a book, it had a blue cover.

Curry is ready to time for dinner.

KK, thank your lucky stars it was only a muddy puddle and not a great heap of cow d*ng. I agree about Whitby Abbey being good for the soul even though there are all those steps to climb. My stepson worked at the Youth Hostel there for one summer and he loved it. Cross fingers for him tomorrow as he has flown back from Canada for a 2 day interview at Sheffield University for a position as a lecturer. At least it will be warmer here than what he has been experiencing this winter. Temperatures of minus 40 degrees C and an emergency number to call if their heating breaks down. His girlfriend got frostbitten knees at one point.

Glad you thought that Only Boys Aloud were great Ali. When I watched the programme I couldn't believe it when SCowell said he had never heard the song before. It's one of our favourites and we have about 3 versions of it sung by various Welsh choirs. Having said that I expect he has heard of hundreds of songs that have passed us by. And 25 tea towels blowing in the wind must have been an impressive sight.

I seem to have been stuck indoors all day cooking and wrapping stuff up for the freezer. The garden looks tempting but although there is blue sky and sunshine it is really very cold.

Twins, I am trying to work out what IH and SSTC are. I expect you have given the answer somewhere but my poor old brain isn't what it used to be.

Carol, the quote about the green book was funny but I actually had almost the same thing said to me by the junior at the hairdressers when washing my hair. I had taken a book with me because I was in for a long session of having my roots coloured - ah, those were the days - she asked me what it was about and she said that she was reading a book, it had a blue cover.

Curry is ready so time for dinner.

Hi. I'm back from my evening of crime! I now know all about how to write a crime book. ( I wish!) It was very interesting and informative, especially as the 3 of them explained how they planned, thought about and constructed the plots and their novels.
They have such different backgrounds: One is a working policeman, a CID Superintendent, one is a psykiatrist and the last one a journalist. Their approaches to the writing are so different.
They were very patient and answered all the questions from the 50 (ish) people who were there. I thouroughly enjoyed it.

Jan,- fingers crossed for your step-son. I bet Ploppy would be pleased to have him back home again permanently.

http://www.whatsonstage.com/interviews/theatre/southeast/E8831332935036/Lee+Mead+on+making+the+transition+from+screen+to+stage.html

aaaarrrggggghhhh
'potentially the last tour for a long time'
I just hope he was a bit down at the turn out at one of the venues

Not caught up yet

Car is still in the 'hospital', the required part did not come in this morning. Hopefully it will be in tomorrow. Yes, another day in the windowless meeting room. Except I had to drive to a site 25mins away have a tour and drive back. They had hired a whizzy automatic car. Amazing to drive, after the security guard had shown me how to start it. It had no key!
http://www.audi.co.uk/new-cars/a4.html

Sue glad Fliss is feeling better, a worrying time.
Jan, hope the interview goes well for your stepson. Very good university!
Carol and Pauline you are having a very busy time, at least you have good weather for it.
Ali weather is meant to get cooler at the weekend, but I'm sure it won't worry the troupe.
KK don't w*rk too long just because you are at home. Take some breaks as it is so nice outside.
I have another early start in the morning to be ready in time for my lift. Hope car is fixed tomorrow as lift is off to Singapore next week.
Nightlee night

Eva, forgot to say. Sounds like an interesting meeting. I must sketch out the murder story I've been working on in my mind over the last few years.

Jo,- oh, that's a posh car. I had one as a rental once,- they didn't have what I had booked, so gave me an upgrade. I didn't mind.
As for the interview, he says he's looking for a new musical. I wouldn't mind that either!

Jo thanks for the link. I can stand no tour if he does a new musical with him in the lead and it is a very big part! Awww to the last bit. Nice car.

Glad you had a nice evening Eva. Sounds good.

Just had some news which has shaken me. A member of my staff in job before last has died. She was younger than me with 2 teenage girls. Internal bleeding in brain I think. What a shock. Going in to the old job tomorrow - we will prob all have a cry tog.

Yes Jane I did think of KK when writing about my dad on roof!

Eva - and Carol your roast pots sound yum.

Jan - yes i do count my blessings for having my parents around so long - and so active. gosh you did lose yours early . I just have to hope tho that with 6 x over 80 yr olds to care for in next few years the stress of care doesn't erase the happy memories of past and strain all the relationships . I have seen that happen with friends and it is sad. But got to enjoy the good times when they are here- off to big smoke again on Fri to meet sloppy, sis and sis in law for afternoon tea in Cl.ridges. My idea as told sloppy going to get her experiences from now on for her bdays etc - but she insists on paying - so even better.

Oh Fi, that's awful. MM had an aunt who died of something similar. She went out to hang washing on the line and just dropped dead. I think she was in her 40s at the time with three children. Take a virtual hug. At least you have Clxridges to look forward to - you must visit the Lxdies when you are there. A very nice lady runs the waterin a handbasin to the right temperature for you and hands you your towel and directs you there when you come out of the cubicle. Very grand!Jo, I am assuming that was around Wxrthing time as he said end of tour. I'm with Twin, if he does a new mxsical or even play we can plan around that. Eva I am liking the sound of your crime writing meeting - sounds fascinating (although I suspect I wouldn't have understood a word of it if I had been with you!). Jan Twin went to the Idxal Hxme, I went to the Nxtional to see She Stxxps to Cxnquer, which was excellent. Wonderful set, beautiful costumes, excellent acting and full auditorixm. MM and I went up in the early afternoon and strolled along the South Bxnk in the sunshine (hundreds of people doing the same!). It was a beautiful afternoon! Then we met up with our friends, had a meal and saw the play. Mind you it was quite long - started at 7.30pm and finished about 10.20pm, so it was a quarter to midnight when we arrived home. KK that sounds a promising dream that took a wrong turn somewhere!! Going to be another lovely day I think (Jo I feel for you in a windowless room again) I remember the first time I drove an automatic years ago - we had a visitor over from the States and the Office Manager's daughter fell ill and she couldn't come into the office. She had the keys to a filing cabinet where he needed to access papers, and as I was in early, he asked me to drive to her house to collect the keys. The car was a very large automatic and I had no friendly secuirity guard to show me what to do - it was all trial and error - lots of error! Only two good things were I didn't have to go too far (about ten/twelve minute drive), and it was early and there weren't many people about. I kept hitting the brake of course thinking it was the clxtch! Put me off automatics for a long long time! Twin is coming this afternoon and we are off to the cinema....very highbrow - "The Pxrate Cxptain and the Scientxsts). Ali I like the idea of all the teatowels on the line! Beautiful day for drying them. Lots of ooohhhhmmmsssssssss for the bank. Hello BHB, yes another glorious day. Let's grab the Bramble and the paninis and sit on the terrace - we can put the pxtio heater on, and snuffle under the pink blanket untl the DCM arrives.

Morning all. It's certainly not a nice day here,- grey with drizzling rain.

Hello sweetheart. You want to sit on the veranda? Ah, you've brought the sky blue blanket, I see. That's OK then. This will only be a very short visit as I'm off to do the weekly shop with mother. I have to be back by noon (11am your time), because then I'm expecting an electrician to fix a socket. If he's young and handsome, I'll let you know.

Fi,- I'm so sorry to hear about your collegue. Such a dreadful shock.
I do agree with Carol that you have to visit the Ladies at C*aridges. It's the poshest loo I've ever been to. We felt like royalty.

Gotta go.

Morning another beautiful day on the cards. I spent a lovely couple of hours out in the little park next to my house yesterday. Nephew and youngest were playing while I had a long chat with next door neighbour, we usually just exchange pleasantries.
Fi, what a shock for you and ex-colleagues. I think a group hug and shedding a few tears will be good for you all.
KK, don't work too hard will you! Enjoy a glass or two in the garden.
Fingers crossed for a musical for our boy, I have missed meeting up with you all over the last year or so and a new show would be ideal.
Washing machine sounds as if it's on the final spin, ready for second load (then third!) May as well get everything done while we have the lovely drying weather.
Bye for now.

Morning all, I feel much better now after a good sleep. I was shattered last night for some reason! We are getting so used to this weather it is hardly worth mentioning, but I will as it is gorgeous! Sadly I fear it means severe water shortages so we will all be smelly and, as the media have very cleverly managed to create panic ahead of the need for it, we will be walking everywhere! As Twin says I am off there this afternoon. It could be my last drive there for a while if the petrol thing doesn't sort itself out. Hey ho.

Fi, that really puts things in perspective. How awful for you all, especially her children. Big hug. You are going to love Clxridges, a well deserved treat.

At the moment I am waiting for a man to come and look at one of my windows. Hope he gets here soon.

Morning BHB, yes I think we should get on with it as I may be interrupted, so I'll grab more Bramble and we'll find the CM.

...just back from Sloppy. Had an emergency call to say she didn't know what powder to put in her washing machine....Went round and she has washing powder (I think, hope) in square unmarked containers under the sink....hope I picked the right one, it had blue specks in it so I am hoping it was Dxz!). We are buying her liquid washing "powder" at the weekend as then all she has to do is put that into the drum!!!!

Grrr I have lost my pencil - even though I am signed in it says it needs my email adress and the dreaed captchas....wouldn't mind but they are getting increasingly difficult to read!

Carol it must be a day for washing queries. I had a call from BinL to ask which programme he needed to put coloureds on! My sister has left him a long list of jobs to do as he is taking the boys to his Mum's for the weekend while we are away on Pack holiday. I popped round to sort him out and then took Ben up to town to do some shopping so BinL could finish the ironing.
Talking of Claridges, I run basins of warm water with bubbles in and dry the Br*wnies hands for them does that make us posh too??!! We're not pampering them, it's just when you have 2 sinks and 1 hand dryer and 24 girls to wash their hands before cooking it just makes life easier!!
Time for a coffee I think.

Ali,- you made me laugh! If you and the other adults are dressed in black costumes with white, lace pinnies and white caps on then, yes,- you are posh too!

I'm sitting here waiting for the electrician to arrive. He was supposed to be here 35 minutes ago, but hey! who ever heard of a workman being on time?

Well,- at least the electrician had the decensy to call and tell me he couldn't make it today. He'll be here at 8am tomorrow morning. We'll see.

Morning - it is beautiful. Hmmm don't think I have anything to wear for such posh loos! All my summer stuff still in loft and no time and energy to go up to loft - esp as last time I tried I broke loft door.

f-i-l on phone again saying he cant cope BUt actually tho she is frail m-i- l can get up dressed, washed etc herself and even does the washing up!. Think a bit of attention seeking/control going on here. Very, very wearing for us esp ploppy. this old age lark not great - but then neither is the alternative!

Your day out sounds fab Carol - similar to ours last week - I love down by the S Bank. I have to work late tonight down in C.mbr.dge and then hour drive home so dont suppose i will get an early train to L.ndon tomorrow and so wont have time for any meandering - but we will see.

Off to work now - have to q for petrol first. would be weekend I am up and down to Camb and then we are off for family gathering to Clchest.r and then on sun off to Southwold - UB scollop chose that as his day out to celebrate his 21st bday - he had many childhood hols there. Crabbing lines all packed:) - even tho sun will have gone - sob.

Ali of course you are posh! Love the training of the B-i-L.

My window man turned up and all he did was press down oin the hinge! Still as he said he knew that is what was needed and if he broke it he could just replace it. If I'd done it and broken it I would have to pay for it. Felt silly though.

I hate waiting in too Eva, but agree that it is good he had the decency to ring and 'release' you.

Fi I'm sure you are right about the control thing. It is not easy, especially when you think this will be us one day! Of course some of us have no children to torture!

Just off so see you tomorrow.

Fi, so sorry to hear about your ex colleague, what a shock for you.
When I was working a similar thing happened to a colleague, she was fine on Friday laughing and joking as usual, we heard on the Monday that she died on Saturday, it was almost impossible to believe. Have a lovely tea at Cl*rdges.

Poor you Jo, fancy being incarcerated in this wonderful weather, I believe it's going to start cooling down tomorrow, fingers crossed it won't be too cold or wet in Ed*brgh at Easter. Thanks for the link Jo, shame about the concerts, GO did seem to enjoy them, I hope he has something good on the horizon.

Ali, hope you have a good camp with the Brownies, I think it will be dry for you if a bit cooler.

Eva, the detective story meeting sounds interesting, with all your experience you're not tempted to have a go at writing one yourself?!

Pauline, I 'm sure your garden must be looking lovely with all the work you're putting into it.

KK, take it easy, don't work too hard, it's not worth wearing yourself out, and in my experience never really appreciated either, enjoy the sun!

Maeve,- my Shirley was always saying that I should write a novel. She said she always enjoyed my letters and the way I told a story. I used to get top grades for my essays at school, but I'm afraid it would take a lot more than good letter writing to write a good book. It takes a special talent and an urge to write. Just ask Geri,- she'll know what I'm talking about. Although I've always enjoyed writing, I've never felt that I had a book "in" me.

Pauline,- did you get inspired at the exhibition yesterday?
Mind your back with all the gardening.

I HAVE MY CAR BACK and it has been mended, so no petrol dripping out. It was really odd without a car out front, the other night I nearly walked past my house. There has been no problem getting into w*rk thanks to my friend who lives at the other end of the village. Although last night he did drive past my turning as he was in auto mode.
Fi, what a shock for you and your ex-colleagues. Live life to the full while you have it, as Ethel used to say. (Old lady who wished she'd done more before her health failed.)
Not much time in a windowless office today. Lots of walking to the other site twice (not the one you need to drive to) 15mins each way and then a 20min walk to pick up the car. I have also volunteered to be officially on call Good Friday, so I'll do on Friday what I was going to do on Monday.

I know a new show would be good news, it's just I love the concerts.

It's been a quiet night here. I've been watching telly and now I'm ready for my bed. I have to be up early to be clean and fed before the electrician comes at 8am.

Jo,- I'm glad you got to spend some time outdoors today in the sun, because I have a feeling that with your long working hours, there isn't much daylight left when it's time to take Shannon out and about.

See you tomorrow.

Been doing not much tonight, except some washing-better hang it out
Nightlee night

Morning all, last of the nice days for a while I think. We were due to go and see Ann today but my uncle is taking my Mother and four visitors in one day is a bit much for her so we are going on Monday afternoon instead. Jo, are you pleased to have your car back by any chance???? Hope Fi has a lovely day at Clxridges (well I am sure she will as it's wonderful!). Love you doing the handwashing for the Brownies Ali! Hope you have a lovely Pack Holiday. Maeve the last time we went to E'burgh it was about this time of year and it was VERY cold (in fact first day when we did the open top bus ride it drizzled as well), but I think it had been generally like that all that year so far, this year they have had warmer temperatures up there so you should be fine. I love Eburgh. MM of course loves the Whxsky Expxrience by the castle for some reason.....The film was hilarious - lots of well known peple doing the voices, including DT (we didn't recognise him but knew we knew the voice if you see what I mean) as Chxrles Dxrwin. We also managed to fit in a little retail, and I have a new pair of linen trousers (blue) and floral top from M&S, as well as going for a Pxzza. Came home and watched Mxry Pxrters Bxttom Lxne - were inspired to buy some of the Kxnky Knxcks only to find they are currently sold out! Hello BHB, yes it could be the last chance to sit out on the terrace, so if you fetch the pink blanket and the Hedgerow, I'll get the waffles and we can have a nice long snuffle before the day starts. The DCM may be a while - she is still asleep!

Morning all. It's not too bad outside, but I have to wait to go for a walk until the electrician has fininshed.

Hello sweetheart. You're jealous? Because I have a handsome young man in my flat? You thought you were the only one for me? But of course you are! ( Keeping fingers crossed on back. I daren't tell him about GO and Alfie and Viljar and Mikkel and...........!) The man in my flat is only here to put in a new socket and stretch some cables. So that's all right then? (He nods. PHEW!)

The electrician arrived only 25 minutes late. He was apologetic, saying it was the rush hour traffic. I gave him a mug of coffee and he started working. (It's coffee for workmen here, not tea.) He should be finished in another half hour, I think.

Carol,- whatever next? You want to buy kinky knickers? I'm shocked and BHB is blushing. Tsk, tsk.

My visitor is gone now, his work completed. He was very pleasant and we were chatting all the time. As he noticed that I had a lot of books, he wondered what kind of litterature I was interested in. His favourite novel was The Idiot by Dostojevski! I've never read that, but remember putting away his Crime and punishment 120 pages (or so) in, because I completely lost the plot because of all the names.
From literature we moved to theatre and music, and when I said I love the musicals and the opera, he said his father was an opera buff, so he grew up listening to the opera greats. It was so pleasant, so I made him another mug of coffee and offered him a cinnamon bun.
He certainly knows more than his electric circles!

Afternoon, this will probably be my last post for a couple of days. I think I've packed everything, just waiting for a couple of bits to dry on the line, although it's nowhere near as warm as yesterday! T*sco have just delivered (some goodies for the weekend plus basics for the rest of the family) and I have a potato baking in the oven for lunch. Fingers crossed the rain stays away for the weekend please.
Eva, glad you got your electrics sorted, nice to have a good conversation while he was at it.
I'll add some oohhmms to the bank and wish you all a lovely weekend.

Hi all. Had a lovely day, again, and just loved the film. Very funny, they are so clever those Axrdmxnn people. When I was going passed the garage I always use and there was a long queue, so as I was going to get petrrol on my way home I didn't hold out much hope. However it wasn't too bad today, busy but not a huge queue, so I bowed to the panic and bought some! Didn't feel bad though as I needed it and I always buy coming back from Twin. Seems so daft when they aren't even on strike!

Maeve the garden is a long way from looking much as I have bought plants that are quite small to let them grow in situ. Much cheaper! I will get some colour for tempory looks after the threat of frosts has passed which will help.

So glad the car is all better Jo. You miss them when they aren't there.

Eva a cultured electician? How lovely. My window man was young and good looking, but definitely not into opera I would think!

Ali have a lovely weekend. Fingers crossed the weather is ok.

Hi all

I finally got to see some sun today, just in time before it disappears again, it's back to cold weather tomorrow according to the local forecast!! In fact, my Dad was telling me that he'd read in the paper that we were to get some snow for E*ster! Aggghhhh!! Oh well. it was good whilst it lasted! I spent yesterday in bed wracked with pain (just the usual, nothing to worry about) which was worse than usual because, like a plonker, I'd forgotten to order my repeat prescription in time and by the time it was ready I was in so much pain I couldn't go for it and Ploppy was w*rking away, so I tried to manage without but the pain was so bad that, in the end, I gave in and rang my parents and they came to the rescue and went on a mercy mission to pick up the prescription, get the meds from the chemist and bring them to me. Whilst they were here they made me a cup of coffee, filled my hot water bottle and my cold water bottle and tucked me back up in bed!! God love 'em!!

Jo - thanks for the link.

Must admit, I'm hoping for a new musical. Much as I do love the concerts it's MT that does it for me every time!! And, as bonkers as this may sound, I like knowing that he's in the same place every evening and that I can hop on a train (get me, eh??) whenever I feel like it and go see him!! Anyway, just because he's not planning another tour doesn't mean that he won't do one-off concerts!! Fingers crossed. I just wish it would be soon, I fear we may have another Meady drought on our hands!

Got the g*s bill yesterday. Yikes!!!!! I think we must be supplying the whole street!!

Fi - so sorry to hear about your ex-colleague.

Ali - have a good break with the Br*wnies.

Eva - coffee, cinnamon buns and a chinwag with the workman, Ploppy would love that, he wishes all his customers would be as nice as you, although in his case I don't think the conversation would be quite as cultured!! Now, if you know anything about knocking b*lls around with a stick.............!

K*nky kn*ckers????? I won't ask!

KK,- I could do a cramming course of golf conversation for your Ploppy's sake. The coffee and cinnamon buns are no problem!
Glad your parents could look after you. I really hope "they" can do something about your pain soon.

Pauline,- it's a lot of work getting a garden to look like you want it to. As you know, I'm no gardener, but I did make the 2 gardens I had in England look nice. Plenty of annuals, and then pots with pansies around. Not to forget the most important thing,- a gardener!

KK I do hope they can sort this for you. I know before my op I had some terrible pain, it isn't a picnic. I agree that we are looking at a drought again I fear I do hope I'm wrong.

It is hard work Eva, but it is ultimately so rewarding. I think lots of annuals will help make it pretty till my little plants grow. I do have a friendly gardener if it gets too much for me!

KK the pain must have been bad to lay you up. I'm naughty with my repeats too. I have once had to go to the local chemist for 2 tablets without prescription, just to fill in until I could get a new prescription. Luckily (as not through planning) I've always managed never to be without. Oh, I'm paying for the gas for half the street too. Mind you, I did work out how much it was per day and decided I'd rather pay that than be cold.
It was a bit chilly this evening for my walk, but not too bad.
Did I say that a couple of weeks ago I was walking with Dog and a man with a camera dashed out and took a photo? It was like being a celebrity. Well, not really as it was the editor of the community magazine and he'd warned me he wanted a photo to go with the article. I'd sent him a photo of Dog, but he said he wanted one of me. The magazine came through my door today, so tomorrow I expect I'll be asked for my autograph ;) What is the article about? Litter. Nothing highbrow.
Eva you have my respect I tried to read a book by Dostoyevsky, didn't get to page 20 (or maybe less).
As it is getting warmer I'm letting Gefn out of her bedroom, she is wandering around upstairs and coming down the stairs to hiss at various cats walking past the other side of the stair gate. Hopefully she will get a little integrated into the family in this way without a big fight.
Nightlee night

Cl.ridges was fab - the loos ARE posh - and lovely. Lovely "girlie" family get tog.

Off or further family weekend - so of course weather changing .UB scollop chose day at sea side on sun - and it is due to be *degrees. it will be bracing!

KK - pain is so debilitating. Hope sorted soon.

Pauline - not sure about annuals with hosepipe ban. We are not buying any this year due to that.

Eva -when we had the communal area in our tenement of flats done up in Ed.n our builders all had degrees and played Radio 3 all day and talked literature in their tea breaks! A very high class of builders in Ed.n:)

Ali - enjoy Br.wnie camp - my mum still talks about the only one I went on when she had to be called out to hospital - I fell down a hill and split my head open!

ooops she is getting brave, she has just jumped over the stair gate. It has taken her a week to be that brave. She is 9ish, but small and agile. I'll have to keep an eye on her.

Fi so glad you enjoyed Clxrxdges. I think it fab too. The annuals will be pelargoniums as they are very drought tolerant, in tubs with water crystals and not in lots of sun, then a watering can. I have done this before and it worked then so fingers crossed.

Oh I agree about Dxstoyevsky. I tried but failed miserably. Well miserable sums up what I read!

Sounds like Gefn is getting her paws under the table Jo. Hope all goes smoothly for her. Do we have to request interviews to see you now you are a celebrity?

My bed time so night night and sleep tight all.

Carol, ohhhmmmsss for Janice, divorce is traumatic regardless of the reason.

KK, not much of a view from your office then? Your dream of the GO sounds like a typical KK escapade to me.
I do hope you get your problem sorted out soon, you shouldn’t have to be in that sort of pain!

Eva, sounds like a very interesting time with the authors, I’d love to have that experience.
We’ve just put a load of pansies in pots, I love pansies.

Jo, I thought aaarrrrggghhhh when I read that interview, how long is long I wonder?? He did say hopefully a musical though.
If we have to have a drought, I do hope he keeps twittering, we didn’t have that in the last drought.

Fi, no wonder you’re in shock, what a dreadful thing for that family to have to face.

The chap who did all our garden renovation last year came today to tidy it up a bit. In one day he’s made more difference than I would in a week.

Eva/Twins, I forgot to ask where are you sitting for the AA concert next April? What a long time to wait!!

I went to see a very special cat this week, she was the last to go when our Home closed, the sister of one of the staff had her, I was really upset because we couldn’t have her, our spaniel would have eaten her, he hated cats with a passion.
We’d had her at the Home for about ten years and I adored her. I had a horror that she’d die before I had chance to see her one more time. I’ve not seen her for six years, and she hasn’t changed a bit. She’s a lovely little grey girl with a short tail, and a fat tummy. I was a bit sad when I left her but she has such a lovely home. I said if she’s still around in five years I’ll go again.
Must admit that much as I love my dogs, I’m a cat person really.

When I was much younger, a mere teenager, I went out with a lad, and eventually lived with him for seven years, we were set to get married but it didn’t work out that way. I’m still friends with him and his wife, and have watched their kids grow up. Anyway to cut what could be a very long story short, their son starts work with my Ploppy next week. Funny how life turns out ain’t it!

Morning all, and no sunshine and blue sky today, it looks very grey after the last couple of weeks. Today we resume clearing our the Chxrch Hall, then collecting Sloppy and going for something to eat and shops. This evening there is a final Bxrn Dxnce at the Hall before it is sold, so we are all going to that. Memo to self must remember to take seat cushions - the chairs are hard and plastic! Yesterday we ate lunch outside again, it was lovely as although it was chillier than earlier in the week we were nice and sheltered. Long Chxir practice last night as we aren't meeting during Apxil due to Exster and holidays etc., so we had to deal with the whole month in one evening! Fi, knew you would love Clxridges. It's brilliant isn't it and the staff are so lovely. Hope you have a lovely rest of the weekend and it isn't too chilly! Similarly Ali and all the Brownies. Eva like the sound of your young man (well and Fi's in Edinb'gh too). Sue, Twin will have to tell you where we are sitting as she booked the tickets! So Jo we all curtsy and ask for autogrxphs now do we??? KK do hope they can sort you out - been there and know how awful it is. I use to punxh myself in the tummy just for a different sort of pain! Right, better go and dig out my "working" clothes (they went straight into the washing machine when we came home last week!) ready for the fray. Hope everyone has a good day even if the sun isn't shining!

I think I must have been given a hot off the press magazine, as no one stopped me for autographs this morning ;( I think the 85 year old who delivers the magazines in my area can't have done her deliveries yet. The editor of the magazine lives opposite me. Well, he did until yesterday. Their house is empty as they moved to Spain yesterday. He must have popped it through my door before he left.
It is chilly this morning, but no worse than yesterday. I can only assume that it just won't heat up later as it has the rest of the week.
Sue, funny how things turn out. I now w*rk with the nephew of a chap how left the company 15 years ago.
Carol, w*rking clothes!! Oh well I suppose retirement is w*rk of sorts.
I have to collect a parcel from the post office. It is was delivered by the Royal Mail, so not sure what happened to my personal delivery service. I can only assume it was put on the post van and not the normal postmen.
Busy day today, so back later.

http://www.music-news.com/showreview.asp?H=Louise-Dearman&nReviewID=8022

Morning all, all cloudy and cool here, so that was summer then! Be nice for my plants if we could get a bit of rain I know, but it was so lovely while it lasted.

I have a lovely weekend of clxxnxxg ahead as I seem to have had a week off but the dust hasn't!

Jo thanks for the link. I do like the sound of LD's albumn. Will definitely get it. So fame has to wait a day or two then. Enjoy the respite as when the magazine comes out you will probably have people outside your house waiting for you!

Sue we are in Block H row 8. Not too far from the stage to one side of it. Wouldn't be satisfactory for the GO but ok for AB!! Didn't feel we could afford the best seats, they were a bit eye watering in price.

Morning BHB, you look a bit woe begone. The CM left without seeing you? Oh my, well she is very busy today and had to leave quickly. Nothing personal I promise, she will be very upset when she realises I know. We'll get some pastries and some Raspberry Bellini and sit on the sofa ( I feel the patio is out today) and snuffle. I will try to make it up to you.

Morning all. Would you believe I woke up to a white world this morning? Not much snow, just a dusting, and by now it's more or less gone. It's been frost overnight, and it still isn't more than + 3.8 degrees.

Hello sweetheart. Yes, I know I'm late, but I've already been to the shopping centre. Father rang last night and asked: Would you be passing the monopoly shop (the incahol one) tomorrow? I hadn't planned to go anywhere today, but of course had to ask what he wanted. 4 bottles of red for mother, he said. I suppose he feels better blaming her! Why couldn't he remembered it the day before when we did the weekly shop? Parents, eh? Sometimes a very mixed blessing.
So I drove down early to avoid the crowds. When I was there, I had to do some book browsing, of course, and ended up buying 4 new books. A very expensive Saturday morning I'd planned to spend doing h****w**k! I drove out to the parent's flat and delivered the goods. but didn't stay.

I asked Scott dear what he thought of Louise D's new album, and here is his answer on T*itter:
"@evamohn5 had a preview CD with a selection of tracks. Great vocals, lovely arrangements—but ultimately the song choice isn't quite my thing"
I will definitely be buying it.

Sue1,- my ticket for Alfie's concert is Block B, Row 12, out to the side.

I'm going to play Bob The B*ilder(ess) today. I've bought one of those large boxes, hard plastic, meant for the outdoors, that you assemble without using any tool or screws. I was fed up with seeing plant pots, diffrent gardening tools and other miscellanous tucket into a corner of the terrace. It will look so much more tidy when it's tucket away in a box.

Fi,- maybe my electrician did his work experience in E*inburgh?

Hello everyone. I finally made it back on here! It seems ages since I last blogged.

I’ve had a manic few weeks at w*rk firstly with our annual salary review and then organising a conference the London office was hosting for some colleagues from our Melbourne, US, Singapore and HK offices including the global management team. I’ve been putting in very long hours (one week over 90 hours) so time for personal stuff has been very limited. The conference took place this past week and thankfully, even if I say it myself, could hardly have gone better. I was invited to one of the dinners and one of the social events (One Man, Two Guvnors – brilliant, well worth seeing) and was given a lovely gift set of M&S mini rose bush, chocs, champers plus theatre voucher for my efforts. W*rk should return to something like normal and be much quieter for the next few months (famous last words) so should have time to post here regularly as well as catch up on stuff at home.

Ploppy & I are now back in South Africa for 2½ weeks for a much needed rest – we arrived in Knysna last night after the longest journey we’ve had to date. We were due to have a seven hour wait between flights at Joburg airport anyway but it turned out even longer than we were expecting. It at least gave me the chance to do a bit of w*rk I’d forgotten as well as deal with some emails, catch up a bit more on the blog and Lee news.
So we started queuing for our internal flight about 30 mins before it was due to leave at 15.25 only for the airline staff to announce the plane was delayed on its previous flight and wouldn’t be landing for at least 2 hours so it would be about 1800 before we took off. They then advised our flight had been rescheduled for 17.25 - Ploppy & I went back to the lounge for yet another couple of hours. Queued up again waiting for the desk to open, then sat on the bus for ages and eventually boarded the plane about 17.45 to be told that the crew was short one stewardess (she had been transferred to another flight!) and her replacement was on an incoming plane and expected at 18.20.
We finally took off just after 18.30 and were told the flight would only be 1 hour 25 mins – sometimes the internal flight is about 2 hours depending on the plane. We were getting concerned as we had a car to pick up and the car rentals close at 20.00. Quick if bumpy flight, plane descended and was coming in to land when suddenly we started climbing again. After a few mins wondering what on earth was going on, the pilot announced that the landing lights at George airport automatically turn off at 20.00 and even though the airport staff were expecting us, no-one had thought to manually over-ride the system!! Must have given the pilots quite a shock to see the lights just ahead suddenly go off. Lucky it hadn’t been a minute or two later when it would have been too late to abort the landing. When the plane touched down on the runway, most of the passengers clapped and whooped that we’d finally made it to George.
Thankfully the car rental was still open – don’t know what we’d have done otherwise. Stopped off to get some milk at a petrol station as of course by this time all the shops were long closed and finally made it to the house about 9.45 pm, unpacked a few things – had to find the teabags and sugar to make a cuppa! – and made the beds, had a shower, sat down to watch a few mins TV only to find no reception on the satellite (Ploppy was not a happy bunny at thought of no TV over the weekend ie no sport and especially no golf) so it was about 1.00 am before got to bed.

I’ve had a busy morning. We were woken up about 7.00 am by very noisy neighbours, did some more unpacking, dashed into town to get some food and essentials including buying data for my dongle (that’s critical!); fortunately the lettings manager was in the office briefly this morning and the satellite is now working; finished the unpacking and put everything away, put a load of washing on, Ploppy went to golf, got the garden chair and cushions out of the cupboard, changed into more casual shorts & top, got comfy ….. and the sun went in and it’s almost completely clouded over!! So once I’ve finished on the laptop, I’ll be off to the gym but only for a short session as I’ve not had time to do any exercise since before the tour.

I’ve still 2/3 days of the blog to catch up on. Unfortunately as I have mostly caught up on the bus/train going home in the evening, I didn’t make any notes

Just had a scare. I heard a noise outside so got up to investigate and saw a large baboon with his hand on the lounge window handle pulling it open and about to climb in. The lounge, dining room and kitchen are open plan and I was sitting at the dining room table on the laptop but just out of view as it’s an L shape. I’d only left the windows slightly ajar – thank heavens I hadn’t left the back door open as I sometimes do. I ran to the window screaming and the baboon went, yanked the windows closed, ran upstairs to close the bedroom windows and the skylight. There was a lot of noise from next door, people yelling, so not sure if it tried to go in there and sounded at one point like something on our roof. Never had one try to get in this place before - why do these things always happen when Ploppy’s not here! There were several baboons around the villas this morning and I just heard one lady say one got in their kitchen, opened the fridge and threw everything out. We’re normally very careful not to leave any ground floor windows open when we’re not in the house but we’re going to have to be even extra vigilent this holiday. Not looking forward to walking over to the gym nor back home afterwards. Better go now as I want to be back before it starts getting dark.

Er Diana did you say youare in SA for a rest??? What a bad start to the holiday. Hope things quieten down for you now. I'd have been terrified. Baboons can be so vicious, here's hoping they move on. Anyway so lovely to see you back and congratulations on the successful conference.

I have had enough of hxxsxwxrk for one day. I will do the rest tomorrow.

I feel that Louise's albumn might be for me as well as I love what she did at the concerts.

Diana,- I was thinking about you the other day, wondering if you were off somewhere. You were, and now I know where too!
I echo Pauline,- love to know what you do when you have a busy time! Ugh,- baboons,- not my kind of animal at all. I remember the monkeys in GIbraltar. They were dangerous too.
That journey was a nightmare. , but you made it.
Ploppy without golf on the telly for two weeks? Unthinkable, I should think.

Bro told me tales of the apes in Gib. Some were amusing, others quite frightening. Diana, at least you got there. Just hopefully when you have settled in you can have a rest.
I had a lovely ride today (stand in horse for me as mine are not up to it). An American couple who work in London. They were over the moon that at the end of the ride they had a couple of short canters.
Took Dog for a walk to the big river when I got home. It used to take us 30 mins, now it's an hour. Just as well she was going slowly as my right hip seems to have decided to join the left hip in being a bit dicky. I'll just have to strengthen up the muscles like I did for the left. Until that works, I'll join Dog and BB with their nightly meds. I'll just check the human dose before I do the teas.

No drug interactions, dose checked and I'll risk the gut perforations as it didn't happen last time I took it and I'll eat first. I always feed Dog and BB before their dose

Never mind Kerry you have Music Night concert to come. Should have chosen a different song.

All meds taken

Agree about KE Jo. Have to say I thought she was so nervous she didn't do herself justice, she can sing better than that. Anyway I really don't think she needs it.

Gut perforations? Jo! do take care with these things. Too late, she's taken them.

It's similar to the problems that are possible with asp*r*n or ib*pr*f*n, so you just have to be aware. My first ghound was on it for 5 or so years, we just had to watch for the signs.

The temps are falling again here. I won't be surprised if we have another frost night. I've made an appointment for Monday morning to change Hazel's foot wear to summer tyres, but I think I'll have to re-schedule that.

Tomorrow is Iselin's birthday. She'll be 28,- older than me! We're invited to her parent's for a celebration dinner. She texted me this afternoon, saying if I had the time, she would love one (or two) of my homebaked loaves. Subtle she's not!

Oh Jo,- be careful with those meds. I can't use them, but that's because I've had an ulcer.

Pauline, the thing that rattles me about AA’s arena concert tickets is that to get seats in the first three rows (five in some cases) you have to buy VIP tickets, so unless you’re prepared to pay double the price you’re back to Row D or F!! VIP status doesn’t entitle you to a meet and greet, just attend the sound check and a program, oh and a signed photo, big deal!! At the last concert tour you could buy tickets for where ever, including front rows if you were lucky, and the VIP package which DID include a meet and greet was fifty quid extra. Apparently Alfie’s management have agreed to this appalling rip off. Pure greed if you ask me, and on par with the lovely people who sell on tickets at hugely inflated prices on certain web sites.
Oh dear, that’s my rant for today!!

Eva, it’s the Monday you’re going if I remember right, we’re two rows in front of you Block A Row 10 5&6. On the Tuesday in spite of what I said above we’re in Block F Row 2 25&26.
I’m nearly as excited to be going to that fabulous venue as I am to be seeing Alfie.

Diana!! You had fun then?? I have hysterics when I have a mouse in the house, heaven knows what I’d do if a bl**dy baboon was trying to get in.

Jo, what exactly are you taking?

Didn’t think I was going to like the V*ice, but it’s grown on me.

Hope Ali’s having a good weekend, not too cold.

Bed time for me, nite nite Loppies x

I know Sue, it is so sick making but all to common I'm afraid. They do it cos they know some people will pay I suppose.

Agree The Vxice has grown on me and I do like the concept. Think I agree with himself! After it had finished there was nothing I wanted to watch so have been wallowing in the past with some dvd's. 5 years ago, where has the time gone. Had a lovely time.

Have a lovely time tomorrow Eva and love to Iselin and please wish her Happy Birthday fcrom me..

My bedtime so night night and sleep tight.

I'm afraid I'm on the other side of the ticket debate. I would love to be able to pay more for front row seats for Cliffy concerts. Well you actually can by going on one of the hotel and travel included official packages. It bugs me that all the tickets are the same price, whether you are right at the back or in the front. I don't regret paying the extra from a ticket site for 4th row seats for Cliffy and the Shads at Wembley.
Can't believe it's 5 years since ADWD (and the death of my friend, whose wake was the night of the final). It also means it is 5 years since my last dog had her knee op.
Sue - meloxicam, I'll only take it for a couple of days. Since I took the dose after tea, my hip feels a lot easier.
Paid more bills tonight, why is March such a heavy payment month?
Nightlee night

Morning all and frost overnight I see. It was certainly chilly last night when we came back from the bxr dance, which was great fun. Even Sloppy had a go, although she had difficulty hearings the caller and often went the wrong way, which added to the fun. Off to Church shortly then will probably pop to a local Fxrmers Mxrket for some cheese. and bread. Diana, lovely to see you, and it sounds like you needed break! Didn't like the sound of your journey......nor your unexpected vsitor! Eva please wish Islen a vey happy birthday. Enjoy the celebrations. BHB I am so sorry I had to rush off yesterday. Will you forgive me? You do....awww that's a lovely hug. Right let's grab the Vanillita and the cinnamon buns and have any extra long snuffle to make up for it. Yes I think we will need the pink blanket!

Overslept or had a lie in, depends on your point of view. Dog is 'saying' she is on the overslept side of the argument, so I'd better go for the neighbours' sake.

Morning all. It's wet and windy here, and what's coming down is half snow and half rain, so I'm definitely cancelling my appointent for a shoe-change for Hazel. She'll be perfectly OK in her winter boots for another week!

Hello sweetheart. YAAAAAAAWWWWWNNNN! Is that a way to greet a fan and admirerer? Carol was so early this morning, you had to have a power nap after she left? I see, you and Jo both!

I've been feeling out of sorts ever since I got up this morning,- no newspaper on my mat! If I can't start the day reading the newspaper with my breakfast, I feel totally cut off from the world. The internet? Not the same at all. You can't touch the Internet! However, I had a text from the newspaper distribution centre telling me that deliverances in my area was delayed this morning. It landed on my mat 10 minutes ago, so now all is right with the world.

Thank you for Iselin's birthday greetings. I will of course tell her. She will be chuffed, as she always asks what's going on on the blog.

My newspaper is calling.

Good Morning all,

Sorry I've not been on for a couple of days. I only have a short time now before I go to church so I've not read back very far. Sorry if I've missed anything important.

Diana - It's lovely to have you back on the blog but EEK! What a scary start to your holiday. I hope everything returns to peace and you can relax.

Jo - please be careful with those meds!

I'm with Sue on the ticket debate. Though I agree that I don't mind paying more for better seats, in the case Sue's talking about it seems to be a rip-off.

Hope you have a lovely birthday party Eva.

I watched the Voice too. Well, the Meadster did recommend it. I missed seeing KE, but I liked the concept and I thought the standard was very high.

Ah for me the ADWD anniversary is today. I recorded all the programmes and I watched them on Sundays. I may have to have a little ADWD fest to celebrate.

OOHHMMS for all needies.

Morning all and happy April Fools Day! It is a beautiful looking day here, all blue sky and sun, though it is very chilly out there so it is deceptive. I have the joy od clxxnxxg the kitchen today and some ixxnxxg to do, plus I will do the bedding. My word my life is exciting!

Jo I don't mind paying extra for front row tickets, agree it is better that there is a difference in price, it is the business of making the front rows very expensive and then saying you are paying for 'extras' that you don't want that irritates me. Mind I'd pay it for one person!

Morning BHB, awww you are happy cos the CM was here today, and she gave you an extra long snuffle? That was so good of her! I think we should get more Vanillita and see if we can find her.

IT'S SNOWING !

I think I need to go to bed and start the day all over again. What did I do? I cut some dead leaves off a couple of indoors plants, then I threw the scissors in the bin and placed the dead leaves on the shelf!
I told you missing my newspaper with my breakfast wasn't good for me!

You just keep that snow Eva! Mind I know we are forecast snxw in parts of the UK later this week. Knew we weren't done with winter. I have done things like that, it's a worry isn't it.

Good morning all, I spoke/wrote to soon. …”I’m back” I was unable to get on the blog this week as Martin and I spent most of our evenings at Dads.
Haven’t read back so not sure what’s going on. I’m off for the next two weeks Easter break at the College. So hopefully I’ll be here a bit more.

Good to hear from you Diana, I thought you must be away. How very frightening that close encounter witha baboon must have been, hope they can be moved away from your area and that you can get to and from the gym safely.

Hope the hip isn't too uncomfortable Jo, you obviously know what you're doing re the med.s.

I'm off shortly to BiL's for lunch, near Ch*lmsf*d, always go at this time of year and quite often spend the day in the garden, think it'll be too chilly today.

Must go and tackle the captchas!

Goodness Diana, what a fright you must have had. I'm not a great lover of travel and that has convinced me to stay at home.

A couple of weeks ago I bought some Antirrhinum(Snapdragon) seeds and sowed them in a seed tray. As I have two round beds in the front garden to fill I bought another packet just to be on the safe side. I think 90% have germinated. When I tell you that each packet is supposed to contain 1500 seeds you can imagine how many little seedlings I have. Two seed trays each with a mini forest in it. I fear some are going to be thrown away which I hate doing but I have asked around my neighbours and they are only interested in plug plants, can't be bothered to transplant seedlings into individual little pots. Oh well, another lesson learned.

We've had some good news, stepson was offered the post of Lecturer at Sh*ffield Uni. He was grilled by 5 worthy academics and had to give 3 presentations. Apparently the decision to employ him was unanimous. The PTB paid his airfare over from Canada and will cover the entire cost of his relocation to Blighty. I am very proud of him and Ploppy is absolutely bursting.

Eva, please keep the snow to yourself. It's been a day of brilliant sunshine and blue sky here but perishing cold and I don't want it any colder thank you.

Am I alone in not liking The V*ice? I only know Tom Jones. I sat and read a H Potter book last evening instead and now it is going to be on the telly in 3 mins so I'm off. Byeeeeee.

Good evening all.

No further sightings of baboons phew.

Beautiful day today – mid 20s and sunny all day with just a few small clouds. The forecast is good for the next few days too. Most of the people staying in the villas left this morning so it’s been very peaceful.

Everyone moans when having to stay in all day for a delivery. We ordered 2 sunloungers and a small table recently which are being delivered from Cape Town. We’re told they’ll be delivered sometime between Monday and Thursday this week!!! So one of us has to be in during the day every day until they’re here so hoping it’s sooner rather than later. Very much looking forward to testing them – we have one partly broken plastic lounger and a plastic fold up chair (also past its best) so when Ploppy decides to join me on the veranda, we have to take turns on the lounger.

To carry on where I was so rudely interrupted on Saturday, I still haven’t quite caught up and haven’t made any notes. Ohmmmms to everyone in need, especially Ann; Fi, fingers crossed for your job – shocking about your former colleague; don’t work too hard, Karen – yes I know that’s great coming from me.

I have some more photos from the concerts to upload to Photobucket but of course they’re on the PC at home so I’ve made a reminder note to do so when we’re home. I hope when Lee said in the interview about no more concert tours for some time, he really meant tours and they’ll still be some one off concerts. As long as we can see him in one form or another, I’ll be happy.

Avatar was on TV here last night but we were dining out so hoping it’ll be again another night when we’re in.

Dinner’s almost ready so better stop. Oh Ploppy’s just changed channels and Strictly’s on – it’s the series with Ali B*astion!

Diana, glad the baboon has disappeared. Maybe they took the final solution like they had to do in Gib for one particularly aggressive and inquisitive male, they shot it.
Maeve thank you for your confidence in me.
When I got to the stables there was a minor panic about my oldie. He had not poo'ed overnight. He looked bright and cheery, tried to knock me over and kick me, so I thought he was OK. But as he goes from fine to 'call s*xy vet' in minutes action had to be taken. Me running, as best as I could, to make him trot and walking for about an hour. There was some gut gurgles but no gas or anything else coming out. In the end I gave up. I kept checking him in his stable, bright and perky. Then about an hour later there was a pile in the straw, so panic over.
I got home desperate for an eva (keep the snow btw, Eva). Of course Dog wanted to go out. After an hour got back and MM repeat was on TV, so lay on the sofa and slept through most of it.
Right, meds round to do and then I have some end of month figures to do.
Back later

Evening all. Back home from a lovely family afternoon. Full to the gills with pork roast and a chocolate cake to die for. The birthday girl was mighty pleased with her presents, and sends her love back to you all. I gave her this throw:
http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/30139623/
in bright red, 2 large chocolata bars and a gizmo you can clip on to your book and there is a LED light on it, so you don't need an overhead light to read. Very smart.
The Pirate Hunter (as was) was there of course with his girlfriend, and he dressed up in his national costume which has finally been finished and delivered. He looks so smart. I took a couple of photos, and if you're interested, I'll send them to Martin. Youngest sister has done all the embroideries on the shirt cuffs/round the neck, knitted the stockings and knitted and plaited the whatsits round his trouser legs (beneath the knees).

OK, since you ask so nicely,- I'll keep the snow, but there is a lot by now. We've had several blizzards during the day, there is a strong wind and it feels like midwinter. Not nice at all.

Oh Jan,- I'm so pleased for you and Ploppy. Of course he's proud of his boy, and well he should be. I'm sure he's delighted to have him home. What about the girlfriend? Is she coming with him?

I do not like hxxsxwxrk! Still managed to everything I wanted to today. So quite pleased with myself.

Diana thank goodness the baboon has gone, here;s hoping he stays that way. Crumbs I thought a day waiting in was bad enough! I have a plumber man coming tomorrow, I have been give any time between 10 and 1. I won't complain about that. Agree we just need the man to do something we can see him in.

Jo so pleased the old one performed for you!

...well just watched Drxwnton Abbxy and it was much better this week - I was rather hoping the passengers might all be saved this week, but sadly not to be. Good grief Diana, that's what you call a large window of opportunity!! Glad the birthday girl had a lovely time Eva - love the throw. I have one of those lights - they are brilliant. Oh that's good news for your stepson Jan. When my niece came back from Canada to work for Cxventry uni, they paid all her relocation and travel back to UK (even though she was going to come back anyway!). Bright day here but a little chilly so I guess Maeve didn't eat out....mind you compared with Eva it was probably tropical! Maggie, sorry to hear your Dad hasn't been so good. Must be nice to have the college holidays. Off to bed soon, so Sweet Meads all.

Jo, glad your oldie was OK after all even though you missed a chance to see the sexy vet. I think that sometimes animals are more of a worry than children.

Was disappointed in T*tanic this evening. Ploppy and I thought it not so good as last week and a bit boring. AND the ship sunk again. Did anyone see the fantastic diamond brooch on AntRoadshow? Worth thousands, absolutely gorgeous and just the sort of thing I would wear to go up the village pub!!

Belated birthday wishes to Iselin and I thinks ohms are called for re Hazel and her excursions in the snow.

Time for bed.

Night night, sleep tight.

Glad the birthday party went well.
Dog has been very good tonight while I was w*rking. She did start to moan and bark, but the look on my face and the tone of my shout must have convinced her that I was serious.
Nightlee night

Morning all, and it doesn't look too bad at the moment (actually more blossom is out so it looks lovely). I know we were forecast to be 0º last night, so hope plants MM put in last week are ok! Off to take Sloppy food shopping this morning, then over to see Ann this afternoon (it was yesterday they all went for Roger's birthday treat to Sxlverstone), then out for a meal this evening with our small singing group. Eva hope no more of the white stuff has fallen. Oh Jo, was the look on your face like the one I give MM sometimes? Works every time! Depositing lots of oooohhhmmmmmmmmmmmmsss for the bank! Hello BHB, yes I agree, perhaps not the verandah this week. You bring the Raspberry Bxllini and I'l get the waffles and I think a nice long snuffle under the pink blanket is called for. Suspect the DCM will be earlier than usual today....she's expecting a man!

Morning all. I'm dreaming of a white April........NOT! It seems my dreams are coming true,- the world outside is completely white with an inch or so of the dreaded stuff. The sun is shining though, so it is a beautiful day.
I rang the tyre hotel this morning to make sure they'd seen the cansellation e-mail I sent yesterday, and the man assured me that he had,- and I wasn't the only one. "It's going to be a quiet day here!, he said.

Hello sweetheart. Yes, I know, snow boots in April, eh? I had put them away but had to dig 'em out again. Oh yes please, a snuggle beneath the navy blue blanket will surely warm me up!

I need to drive in to town today, to pick up some concert tickets for Iselin and myself. We're going to a concert on the 20th April. It's another free-bee from my contact at the B*rgen Phil*rmonic O*chestra. They will be promoting their program for 2012/2013 with first a talk, seving coffee and cakes, then a concert of B*la B*rtok music, and then some kind of party afterwards. When I rang Iselin about a week ago and told her about this, asking if she wanted to come with me, she said:" All this for free? Of course I'll come!" She's got her priorities right,- that's my girl!

Hi ad fab family weekend. Nice meal with whole extended family near C.lch.ster then Sun with just the 4 of us in S.uthw.ld. UBs bday treat - and it was a treat. he arrived looked around and said "I think I could retire here"! Nothing like forward planning. Weather was superb - we had our afternoon tea outside - it was warm out of the wind and very sunny. So Maeve may have got her meal outside. within 2 mins of arriving we met another family from our village - over 100 miles away. But in general roads and everywhere very quiet - I think anticipated fuel strike put people off.

Well done to stepson Jan - it will be lovely to have him so much nearer.

Diana - good to see you. You always sound so busy - but then you do have lot of time away too so I guess works for you. Think I would have collapsed before I could go away!

Eva - happy belated birthday to Iselin. Gosh snow - no thanks.

Our summer house due to arrive (in bits!) today BUT road being dug up and neighbour./handyman due to help phoned to say cant come.

Also booked N.ises Off in June. Both summer house and the play our 30 wedd anniv presents (and as that not until next year) told ploppy he cant divorce me for another year! NO was play we saw in London day after we got married so will be a bit of a nostalgia trip.

Off to do food shopping - 3 hungry men to feed

Morning all, well I'm not early at all, but not because I overslept. The plumber man has been! Woohoo, result. He has sorted the problem and given me a really good lesson on how to deal with the problem myself, if I want to. As he said himself I can get them for free for another year anyway. Before you say anything he was lovely, but NOT young! Plus a new bird bath I ordered turned up so I am free!

Eva you have my sympathies. Snxw now is not good, but not unknown here. In fact they are forecasting snxw for the north over night. We are due to get another blast of cold winds tomorrow and Wednesday as well. Brrr!

Hope Twin's visit to Ann goes well with no drama this time.

Morning BHB, yes I am a bit late but for a very good reason this time, I have had a man in! Sadly no he was not an Adonis, not like you. (That's made hoim blush). He was a very nice man though and very helpful. So more Raspberry Bellini and we'll see if the CM is still around shall we?

I'm back. The roads aren't too bad, but Hazel did have a few complaints. She said her feet were cold, and she didn't appreciate all the mush sprayed on her from passing lorries, especially not as she had a good clean only 4 days ago.

Fi,- I thought I was the extreeme (sp?) forward planner, but I see I've been beaten by UB scollop!

I see Pauline has had male visitors too. He was nice which is good, but didn't you have any intellectual discussions? I mean to say,- remember the high standards of this blog, even from the hired help!

I just had some rather shocking news on the phone. A retired collegue, only a couple of years older than me, died 2 days ago. I didn't work a lot with him, but we more or less grew up together. He and my cousin (who lived just across the street from me) were very good friends, so we played together a lot.
I knew he'd had a stroke about 6 months ago, but he'd recovered very well. His wife found him dead in bed on Saturday morning.
As with Fi's collegue,- too close to home.

Hello all,

I've been trying to read the blog for ages but my lunch keeps getting interrupted - so quick post:

Eva - thank you for keeping the snow.

Maggie - hello! Hope dad Ok

Maeve - glad you had good lunch

Fi - glad you have a lovely meal

Diana - glad baboon has gone

Jo - hope oidie is OK. (Shame no sexy vet)

Jan - brilliant news re stepson.

Pauline - flirting with plumbers AGAIN!

Carol - I'm confused? D*wnton Abb*y has passengers? Hope Ann is in good spirits.

TTFN

Oh Eva - what a shock. I'm so sorry to hear about your colleague. Fi's too.

Quick catch up as I'm off out in a minute. Ev a I'm sorry about your colleague. It is too young these days.

Glad you had a good weekend Fi. It sounds lovely.

How dare work interrupt blogging time Jane!

Weather much better than forecast yesterday, it was supposed to be cloudy with glimpses of the sun but in fact was a cloudless blue sky all day. We didn't actually have lunch outside but drank our pre luch champers in the garden and sat outside for tea and until we left at 6 ish, it was really hot.
Of course lots of jokes about taking our snow boots to Ed*nbrgh on Friday but I'm hoping any snow will have been and gone by the weekend.

Jan congratulations to your stepson on his appointment at Sh*ffie*d, all being well my granddollop might be starting there this year, I think that's her first choice at the moment, must decide by May (and do some work!)

Sorry to hear about your ex-colleague, Eva, it's always shock, makes one think about one's own mortality.

Evening.

Another lovely day here but no sign of the loungers.

Have a great time in Edinburgh, Maeve. And hope you’re enjoying (or enjoyed) the Brownie trip, Ali.

Karen, I hope the docs can sort you out pronto. Not right that you should be in so much pain.
Hope your hip sorts itself out, Jo, and take care with the meds.

I hate the baboons. They live in the forest on the far side of the estate. You often see them on the golf course but thankfully don’t come over here very often. They used to be frightened of people and run off when anyone got close but they’ve got used to people now, they don’t even move for the golfers sometimes. The estate has a couple of men to move them away when they wander too far –DK where they were on Saturday.

Snow ugh.

That’s brilliant news about your stepson, Jan. My brother’s a uni lecturer and I know how hard it is landing a position.

Early this morning I was sitting on the veranda and noticed a heron on the far side of the road which runs behind the house. We see herons fairly often and I’m fascinated by them, they’re so elegant. I don’t know how long it had been there before I saw it but it was standing motionless. After about 5 mins it slowly moved a few steps and then bent it’s head and picked something up. It kept putting the thing down and picking it up again and I realised it was a snake. I watched it for several more minutes.

Maeve,- I posted your birthday card today and hope it reaches you before your birthday.

I've been indulging in my favourite past-time: i****g! Watching the news at the same time, is the only way I can get through it.

Diana,- it's an interesting fauna around where you live. Some nice and some not so nice.

We have a bonanza of crime coming on the telly for the Easter holiday. It's a tradition in Norway,- noone quite knows why. On the menu this year is W*itechapel (3 episodes), C*se Sensitive, The Negotiator (?) with T*evor Eve, and 3 episodes of L*wis. My mouth is watering just at the thought! On the radio there will be some crime stories too, and the book publishers always release new crime titles in time for the Easter holiday. Of course I've bought some of those too!

Evening all. Had a successful afternoon as well so am feeling pleased with today. Won't get above myself though as tomorrow could be a different story!

First baboons now a snake eating heron. Exciting where you are then Diana! Glad the baboon hasn't reappeared anyway. Not such good news about the loungers. Hope they turn up soon.

Maeve I hope the snxw has gone by the time you get to E'burgh, the forecast is a bit better for the weekend I think.

Evening. My hasn't the blog been busy over the weekend! I've done a skim but I won't try and comment on everything. We were very lucky over the weekend with the weather, a little drizzle on Saturday for a few minutes then bright sunshine for the rest of the time. The girls had a fantastic time abseiling, orienteering, zip wire and low ropes course. Us leaders also had a go at the rope course which was rather funny! The instructors were a hit with the girls but all were young enough to be my sons which made me feel a bit old, although they didn't seem to believe me which made me feel a bit better! We have laughed and cried (one 9 year old overcame a fear of heights to go down the zip wire and made us so proud) and another Br*wnie has moved up to Guides which made us a bit tearful too as she was so lovely and has been with us 3 years. Mind you we've already booked again for next year so we must be slightly mad!!!
Ploppy and I have just watched SW from last night so we can see part 2 tonight, I'm now watching T*tanic while he has a shower. I was tired when I got home but a nice bath and cuddle from youngest has woken me up.
I'll bid you all good night and try to keep up with the blog now.

Eva, not good news for you. Such a shock.
It has been a nice day weather wise. Not so good w*rk wise, so no change there then. Except my old boss is over from the far east, so it was good seeing him. He asked me how it was over here. Saw my face and asked no more. He is the one who told us managers to wear casual clothes for a training day we were going on. Then looked straight at me and said 'except you, I know what your casual dress looks like.' Of course he was right, he'd seen me enough at the weekends to know I don't do smart casual. I miss him and his wife. I've known them for almost 30 years.
Ali rather you than me on the ropes. Nothing except a life threatening emergency would make me do it.
Diana, very exotic heron, the ones I see stick to fish.
Far too much kissing at the beginning of S&B for my liking.
Meds round.....

PS hip is feeling much better, one more night for me.

http://www.whatsonstage.com/news/theatre/london/E8831333361656/Vote+in+WOS+Poll%3A+Were+The+Voice+judges+right+or+wrong+about+Kerry+Ellis%3F.html

Gefn has just seen BB for the first time. He was interested, she hissed. Actually BB should now be named BBw1WW. Big Black with one white whisker. He's getting old.

Just watched second part of SW I guessed right who was the guilty party. Good .

Jo thanks for the link. Must say I have no idea why she did it. Very odd. Glad the hip us getting better.

Ali nice to have you back. Your weekend sounds fun, but only if you like that sort of thing, so that's me out!

http://www.olivierawards.com/vote/

I'm shattered
Nightlee night

forgot to post this link
EU (ish) VAT rates, interesting
http://www.vistaprint.co.uk/customer-care/vat-policy.aspx?GP=4%2f2%2f2012+3%3a03%3a28+PM&GPS=2402864927&GNF=1&GPLSID=

Jo,-Thanks for the links. I've voted and no, I didn't vote for W*cked!
I'm not surprised Norway has the highest VAT rate, 25 %. I can feel it bite every time I go shopping. I don't know why it says 0% for postage. I have to pay £1.30 for a card to England!

I had to give up on S&B tonight, because as so often before, the I*V connection was rubbish. I caught up with SW on iplayer, but have to save the second round until tomorrow. Please don't tell me whodidit!

It's bedtime in Vikingland, so I'll see you tomorrow.

Eva, glad you had a good time at Iselin’s birthday bash, and that she had a lovely birthday. Love the throw. (yes please for the photos)
What sad news about your ex-colleague, how awful for his wife to find him like that. A similar thing happened to the old lady I stay with, and she’s never got over it.

Oh was that Maggie whizzing by?

Jan, well done your stepson, no wonder you’re both proud of him.
I read all the HP books at the same time as the godchildren, who grew up with them. I loved ‘em all.

Fi, your weekend sounds delightful.

Diana, the heron obviously wasn’t keen on eating the snake then!

Ali, your weekend is my idea of hard work, but it sounds like the youngsters had a great time.

Thanks for the link Jo, don’t know what to think of the judges, but then again could it have been set up to make interesting TV?
Oh what do I know!! Nite nite Loppies x

Whoo hoo, I have a pencil!!!

Morning. Eva to sorry to hear about your colleague. As Sue says must have been traumatic for his wife. Fi so glad you all had a wonderful family weekend together. As you know we saw NO before it moved, and it was brilliant. Diana we used to do a NY Day walk along the GU Canal and one year it had been really icy and we passed a Heron standing, still as anything on a piece of ice. When we walked back it was still there, and I thought it must have been (literally) frozen to the spot, then it took off and flew further downstream. On the subject of water, Lady J it is Drxwnton Abbxy commonly known as Txtanxc - as in DA with drowing! Maeve I am sure the sun will shine especially for you. I really love Ed'gh - although I had one of my worst pub meals ever in a pub on the Rxyal Mile - almost opposite St Gxles. I once had the most fantastic mxshroom stroganxff as a meal in an hotel in Sxlisbury, and whenever I saw that dish on the menu I always made the mistake of trying it. I never found one that lived up to the original but the one in Ed'gh looked and tasted like (pardon Jo!) cxt sixk! Never ate it again! How nice to see past boss Jo; although possibly a reminder of how grrrrr current one is. Ali, having a fear of heights myself I take my hat off to your Brxwnie. Sounds loke you all had great fun. Had a busy day yesterday with the food shopping with Sloppy taking slightly longer than usual, although I did pick up some jxckets from the Sainsbug clothing sale, which will be ideal for the May show. See we haven't heard from Jill since just before the funeral so hope the clearing out has not been too traumatic. Ann was in good spirits, although she had had a fall earlier - when the carer and Rxger were both there, so they managed to get her up. I was a very good nxrse yesterday so hope I have redeemed myself. I also did some admin for her - she has been the village Chrxstian Axd secretary for the last twelve years, but has just resigned as it is now too much for her as she can't sit at the pooter anymore. I did some updating of her files and transferred them all to memory stick so she can pass to her successor. She has her case all ready for the SR home on Wed. Think my niece did it for her on Sunday. I thought all the family were going but my eldest niece was in Icxland with her class (she teaches geography), so it was only Ann, Roger and Sarah at Sxlverstone. They had a video made of his driving, but we didn't have time to see it. Did see a photograph and saw his initial training score sheet which was all B or B+. The builders have now cut the hole from the ex-garage into the house, so are moving on. We had a chat with them (they know us now and always say "See you next week" when we leave), and reminded them we wouldn't see them for a couple of weeks as we would be going to SR and they said they should be almost finished by the time Ann is back home. This should make such as difference to her, so fingers crossed. Had a nice evening - there were 17 of us in the end as one of my friends was unwell and had to cry off. We always have little table quizes to complete as we know from experience serving a large table takes a while. This morning I have a church meeting then meeting up with MM in Uxbrxdge for lunch and some shopping. Rehearsal of course tonight! Hello BHB, agree the weather last week was much nicer. I think we will stay nicely tucked up indoors under the pink blanket. You fetch the Itxlian Jxb, and I'll get the toasted teacakes and we can have a lovely snuffle until the DCM arrives.

Morning all. It's a beautiful, sunny day here, but it's still very cold and the snow stays on the ground.

Hello sweetheart. Not sitting on the veranda today, then? OK, I'll be quite happy inside if I can have a snuggle at the same time.

Carol,- thank you so much for the update on Ann and her family. It sounds good that the extension will be almost finished when she return home in 2 weeks time. I'm sure not having to struggle upstairs will make a huge difference both for Ann and for Roger.

I'm off to visit my old aunt (father's sister) this morning. She is in a care home now and is very well looked after. She is OK, but not in very good health. She had a stroke about 6 years ago, which resulted in her loosing her speach, but she trained herself up to speak again, although very slowly. Now the talking problem is back with a vengeance, and she can only manage "yes", "no" and "thank you". Her mind is still clear, so it's very frustrating for her. It's impossible to have a conversation with her over the phone, so I'll go and visit instead. I'm having a bad concience here, because I haven't been to see her as often as I should. It drains me, because I have to do all the talking( Whaddayahmen that's what I always do?), but I love her very much and she has always been my favourite aunt.

Morning all, quite a nice morning here, not liking the look of the forecast and Eva's snxw has arrived in Scxtland! Fingers crossed it doesn't get this far.

A day of bits and pieces to do, nothing exciting but time consuming. Thankfully not too much in the way of hxxsxwxrk!

Eva I hope your visit to your Aunt goes well. It is tiring but very rewarding. Btw forgot to say would love to see the pictures please.

Morning BHB, I know I'm a bit late, again! I have been messing about, not oversleeping today. I'm here now so let's get more Itxlixn Jxb and we'll find the CM.

Hello! Another rushed entry from me!

Carol - thanks for DA explaination & update on your lovely sister.

Maeve - enjoy Ed/burgh. Hope you don't need snow shoes.

Diana - Heron sounds nicer than baboon

Pauline - sounds like a lovely lunch.

Ali - sounds like you had good time with Brownies.

Jo - doesn't casual = purple? Thanks for the links

Well, as it's still morning on the blog,- good morning again!

It was good to see aunt again, and she seemed to be very pleased to see me. She said (indicated) she wanted to go outside in the sun, so with the help of a nurse, we got her warmly dressed, and with a thick blanket on top, I wheeled her outside to the garden. We sat there for about 20 minutes, talking. I told her all the family news, and had the photos from Mikkel's naming day on my mobile, so I could show them to her. Her eyesight is very bad, so I don't know how much she could actually see, but she was pleased anyway.
I had bought her one of the newest crime novels as an audio book, as I know she loves them. When I left her, she was sitting in her chair with her earphones on, a blissful expression on her face,- I don't think she even noticed that I was going!

I have sent the photos to Martin and will let you know whenthey are in the album.

Afternoon I had an uninterrupted night's sleep (bliss) and this morning I took sloppy food shopping. She wanted to try a different store further afield for a change so we took longer than usual. Eldest scollop has been revising and has now gone out for a break. Middle scollop is weeding my friend's garden and youngest is watching a dvd in his room so I'm having some 'me' time. There was no chance of that over the weekend.
Eva, sounds like a lovely visit to your aunt.
Carol, I do enjoy hearing how Ann is getting on. Hope the new room is finished for her return.
Maeve, have a lovely time in Edinburgh.
Think my cuppa is going cold so I'm off for now.

Hi again.
Martin has put the photos of The Pirate Hunter (as was) in the Miscellanious album. I have also sent him a photo of Iselin and youngest sister in their costumes. The ones Iselin and The Pirate Hunter are wearing, are from the area their father comes from, and youngest sister's costume is the one from Bergen,- the same as I have.

Time for another crime filled evening. Lovely!

Woohoo sloppy has treated my sister and I to tickets to an AB concert in a nearby forest this summer. Now if only a certain curly haired one would do something similar I'd be even happier!
Ploppy is happy, steady rainfall here. As long as it doesn't turn to sleet or snow!

Evening all, we have had rain, well more like drizzle here to. I had forgotten what wet looked like! It will help a little in the garden, but not enough to really count. Had a busy day and got all my bits and bobs done. I have some very important visitors tomorrow, so wanted to be ship shape for them. I have also had a call from the hospital and I have an appointment to see the insultant on the 18th, I may even get all done before my holiday, nah probably not!

Love the pictures Eva. It is exactly the costume that I had on a national dress doll. I had an aunt that always bought them back from their travels. I had the male doll and I know nit was the same.

Ali what a lovely Ploppy. Mind the image of a concert in a forest is amusing me! I have a vision of you all dodging round trees. If a certain curly haired man does a concert there we'll all dodge trees for him I'm sure.

Thanks to Ro for this.

http://www.whatsonstage.com/interviews/theatre/london/E8831333467263/Keith+Jack+on+making+the+transition+from+screen+to+stage.html

I know I know, but do read as it has an interesting titbit in it. Now I wonder....

and Craig
http://jersey.isle-news.com/archives/guilty-pleasures/10766/
got to read the other one now

I didn't get as far as the snippet when I read before. Not sure I'm looking forward to it, but for GO I'll put up with it.

Look at photos......

Evening :)

I'm wondering (in the interests of expectation management) if the summer thing may simply be something to do with K's theatre school rather than anything we'll enjoy the fruits of ... still intriguing though :D

Pirate Hunter (that was) very smart!!
I am shattered, 3 legged cat came a day early for her Easter hols. Mr T was 30 mins early. Too much rushing about, esp as I had to do some cl**ning when I came home from w*rk. Not mxshroom stroganxff from Edingh, but something easier to clear up but very smelly.
Ali I'm glad you can snatch some Me time, you need it.
Eva, glad you got to see your aunt. One side conversation is very tiring, even for you.
Carol, glad the garage changes are nearly ready. It will make so much difference I'm sure.
Concert with GO in a wood sounds like heaven. Shame it's the street sweeper!! Talking of the street sweeper one of the days I've taken off for TK taxi service to street sweeper concert is the same as w*rks outing to Chelsea Flower show. One of my team hasn't had her day's holiday approved. Hope it isn't because I've already booked the day off.

Any particular wood in mind Jo? Had the K*lw*orth brochure through yesterday - no summer treat from his nibs on the bill this year :(

Ro, any wood would be fine. I know some lovely places near here!!!

I have a meeting with boss tomorrow. After the last time and the implication that to get on I'd have to w*rk lots of extra hours I'm charging my battery for the meeting and wearing a jacket with a big pocket!

I had the brochure through as well Ro and looked just in case even though he did tell us he hadn't been asked this year:(

Funny thing Jo I don't feel the urge to travel to Jxrsey for that. Agree any wood would do, though preferably easy to get to.

Ah Ro,- K*lworth again, eh? That would be the answer to our dreams.
Something with McTeeth? Good Heavens, could we go through with it?

I'm ready for my bed. Have an early start tomorrow as I have the weekly shop to do with mother. From midday tomorrow Norway closes down for Easter. No newspapers, no shops, no flipping nothing until next Tuesday!

Must have been raining, TK dashed in about 30 mins ago and dried herself by walking around my lap rubbing her fur on my top. So I now have a teal top with white hairs all up the front. (Not all my clothes are purple.)
No good, got to go to bed.
Nightlee night

No Eva - not K*lworth again, not this year anyway.

I'm sticking with the theatre summer school theory - and if it does turn out to be something WE can enjoy, 'twill be a nice surprise!

Any crumb of info will do. Agree Ro it is best not to hope too much then it will be a lovely surprise if anything happens.

My bed time too so night night and sleep tight all.

Carol, thanks for news of Ann, hope she enjoys her stay at the SR, and Roger benefits from the break. No matter how loving a couple are, caring for someone (and being cared for) is such a strain.

Eva, how frustrating for your aunt, does the Home use any communication aids with her, alphabet boards or sign/picture boards? We found they helped some people, having said that the downside is that it can be a slow, frustrating way of talking.
Handsome lad, your Pirate Hunter (as was)!

Oh Ali, how lovely of your sloppy, I’m going to the one in Cl*mber Park, fingers crossed for the weather. You’ll enjoy the concert whatever the weather!

Jo, ooops hope your holiday dates don’t clash. Good luck for your meeting tomorrow

Hi Ro, good to see you here.

Eva, I can just imagine if we had a total shutdown for Easter, there would be panic buying for a month before. Supermarkets are heaving for a week before any holiday, and for pete’s sake there is only total shutdown Christmas day and Easter Sunday, and even then you’d be bound to find a corner shop open!

Had a fair amount of rain here today, and according to the forecast snow is possible yeeuk.
Nite nite Loppies x

Morning. We’ve had three glorious days and although it was sunny when I got up, there’s now a lot of grey cloud so looks like it won’t be as nice today. The forecast for the weekend is rain.

We went to out favourite restaurant last night, Sand in Plettenberg Bay, the next town along the coast, and had a wonderful meal. To start I had cheese soufflé, Ploppy seafood ceviche; then we both had seafood on the beach which comes in a bowl with some seafood and then they pour like a seafood bisque round the seafood – absolutely divine; for desert I had white chocolate parfait and Ploppy dark chocolate tart. Washed down with a nice bottle of white. Better than some meals we’ve had in good London restaurants and much cheaper.

I had more trouble with a baboon yesterday. Of course it happened when Ploppy had gone to play a few holes. I was sitting reading on the veranda, looked up and saw a largish baboon in the garden next door, I must have started because it came running straight at me. You’re supposed to move towards the baboons, wave your arms and made a noise to scare them away but the way this thing was coming at me – it was like it was coming for me – I bolted for the back door which was open and only a few feet away. I’d just closed the door when it reached the top of the steps to the veranda where it stopped and looked at me – ugh! I waved my arms at it and after a moment it moved off but it was looking around as though looking for a way of getting in so rushed upstairs to close the skylights and bedroom windows. Ploppy wasn’t very sympathetic when I told him. He said I should have kicked it if it had come close – oh yeah, I only had flip flops on, I would probably have slipped and fallen over. We bought some plastic snakes last visit to keep the pigeons away but the baboons don’t like snakes either so I’ve put one of the big ones on the top step in the hope it’ll discourage them. It kind of worked yesterday - one of the gardeners came down the side of the house, saw the snake and backed off. That was rather amusing.

Eva, sorry to learn about your colleague. It always brings it home when it’s someone around your own age.

Fi, I also saw Nois*s Off when it was first staged and again a few weeks ago with Ploppy. I laughed so much I was crying. I’d thoroughly recommend both NO and One Man, Two Guvnors; the former is more visually funny but both are vg.

Morning all and after the quite heavy rain yesterday (because of course our hxsepipe ban starts today) it is now quite bright - no sign of the white stuff Eva keeps trying to send us! I appreciate how frustrating it must be for your aunt Eva, as of course Ann can only communicate via her lightwriter and she was always such a chatterer. She is off to the SR today, so hopefully it will do her good. We are going over on Easter Sunday to visit (probably told you that) so hoping for fine weather so we can wheelchair her out into the grounds. Diana, run towards it!!!! I'd be like you and go for safety as fast as possible! Thanks for the links - very enigmatic! We wait with baited breath. Also had the K programme yesterday but as Twin said I asked him at one of the concerts and he said he hadn't been invited, perhaps next year...... Putting ooohhhmmmmmmmsss into the bank for all the poorlies and needies and the MiAs. Haven't had a chance to look at the photos yet Eva, but will do later. Quite a busy day yesterday but had a really nice lunch with MM, did some shopping, enjoyed the morning meeting and had quite a good rehearsal. Today we are off to visit Twin, to see her progress on the garden and to stay over, so bistro opening may be a little irregular tomorrow morning. Before I go need to go and retune Sloppy's tv for her! Hello BHB, you will be ready whenever I get there - how lovely! Let's get the Blushing Bubbles and the waffles and have a lovely long snuffle.

Morning all

W*rking from home today and it's a good job, as we're snowed in!!! Well, not quite but there is a lot of the white stuff out there and it's still snowing a blizzard! Glad I'm tucked up indoors, it looks very pretty out of the conservatory window!! Hope you're all warm and safe, where you are.

It was my parents wedding anniversary yesterday and it snowed on their wedding day, so it was quite appropriate that it started snowing yesterday!! The snow stayed with them the next day when they went on honeymoon (to Bl*ckpool - very exotic - no offence Jane) so they went to the cinema and fell asleep watching B*n H*r!!!! Happy days, they tell me!! They came to see us yesterday for a small celebration and, as we were talking about their wedding and anniversaries in general, we got to talking about our silver wedding, which is still two years away, but Mum asked if I know what I want to do - I told her I've already got it sorted, we're going to win the lottery, renew our wedding vows at Wh*tby Abb*ey, the GO is going to sing for us and all the Loppies will be there!! Okay, okay, so I live in cloud cuckoo land but, hey, a girl can dream can't she!! Mum, of course, just nodded and shook her head (bit difficult to do at the same time!!!).

Diana - it's great to see you but EEK, 90 hours of w*rk!!! I thought I was bad at this time of year! Even more EEK, the baboons (and snakes and herons, oh my)!!!!! Oh my word, scary. You take care out there. Hope you have a lovely relaxing time, you definitely need it!

Jan - huge congratulations on your stepsons news. No wonder you are both so proud, rightly so.

Eva - so sorry to hear about your former colleague. Such a shock. One of my colleagues (used to be one of my staff but moved to another team - no, not because of me!) has just gone in hospital for a triple heart bypass, he's only a couple of years older than me. It's not the same, I know, but it still does bring it home to you, I still think of us both as being twenty one, as we were when we w*rked together!!

Jo - hope the meeting goes well today.

Carol - hope Ann enjoys her stay at SR and that Roger gets to recharge his batteries.

W*rk is calling so better go. Have a good day all.

Sorry, don't know why that post is so spaced out - bit like me, I suppose!!

Morning all, and we have a sunny one here as well. It has obviously rained quite heavily in the night which to my mind is the way it should be! The garden is very grateful. I think we may get more later, as long as it is only rain! I have my VIP guests arriving later, so we may be MIA for a bit. Things to do, wine to drink.

Diana I have always thought how lovely your holidays sound I may be changing my mind! I'm with Twin, I would have run as well. Your meal sounds wonderful. I remember some glorious meals in SA, so not surprised.

Morning BHB, oooh I like the hug, you just felt like it? Well any time you do I am willing to be hugged. Now more Blushiong Bubbles and we'll find the CM I think.

Morning. First, apologies if anyone has received a dodgy email from me today. It looks as if my email address has been hacked somehow, despite my antivirus. I had an inbox full of failure notices this morning. Anyone have any tips on what I could/should do?
Well, it threw it down here overnight and all morning. I got soaked getting Daisy into the car for her trip to the vets. She was supposed to be having her vaccinations but she is still a bit wheezy and has conjunctivitis so the vet didn't want to introduce the live vaccine into her until she is fully better. I now have to administer eye ointment 3 times a day, fortunately she lets me do it ok. If she's ok next week she'll have her vaccinations then, more money sigh!
Interesting link about KJ and LM, guess we'll have to wait and see.
Diana, your holiday is certainly not dull, please take care.
KK, happy anniversary to your parents. I'd happily celebrate your silver with you, fingers crossed on the lottery win eh! Talking of which, is anyone watching the prog about the syndicate? I quite like it.
I really should go and do my ironing but I can't quite summon up any enthusiasm!

Morning all. It's beauty of a day here, and I've spent most of the morning indoors in a supermarket! Talk about madness! You'd think they were threatened with a year long siege, the way some people were buying food. Mother was one of them. I said to her that it will only be a week until we're going back to the shop next week, but got the mystifying answer: Best to be prepeared! For what? I know she was a Girl Guide back in the dimness of time, but really. No, I didn't go overboard. I actually had a much emptier trolley today than usual.
I was so glad when I got out of that shopping centre and loaded mother and her stuff into the car!
As I said, it's a beautiful day, and when we got back to the parents' flat, I persuaded them to sit outside in the sun. I brought out their garden furniture, cleaned it and when I left they were both sitting in the sun reading the paper.
Me? I'm exhausted and the sun hasn't quite reaced my terrace yet, so I'll sit down with my paper and my herbal tea in my easy chair indoors.

Diana,- I bet Ploppy wouldn't laugh if the baboon came for him!
That meal sounds mouth watering,- I'm only having fish cakes today.

KK,- when did you say your silver wedding was? I'll make a note. I've never been in W*itby Cathedral, and with the GO singing, I'm sure none of us will want to miss it.
Well, a girl can share KK's dream, can't she?

Pauline,- oh, you are having VIPs coming. Is the red carpet rolled out? Have fun.

Martin has put in the photo of Iselin and her Mum in the album too. Thanks, Martin.

Oh, the newspaper is calling my name.

No sun here - bucketing rain - since 3pm yesterday! Hosepipe ban in force tho. We have only got this week to get summer house foundations dug and summer house put up. ground is cleared but still lots to do - and def not weather for it. Cold too - and currently packing all my winter clothes to loft. Hmm think I might have got a tad carried away by last weeks sun.

Agree with Eva Kk . what is date - cant miss a loppy celebration - at least you can be sure the Abbey will be full:)

Yes Ali - had a couple of "dodgy" emails from you which I didn't open.meant to email you! but forgot. we are going to other forest AB concert - what a shame as passed the one near you on Sun and had forgotten how close it is to us. But def cant do 2 (or even more - Sue!)

F- i- l pulling another fast one. he has booked m-i-l in a home. He left messages on our phones - we dared to be out so he has just gone ahead and done it - without a by your leave. None of us went over last weekend - so think this is just another attention seeking device. I am really really fed up of this now. He just phoned and i told him he couldn't do this and we would book carers. he said had to speak to other d-i-l. she just agrees with everything he says - you may be surprised to know I don't! Tho I am very fast losing will to live on this one.

Went to G.lbert O'S concert here last night. jules has followed him since she was17 and knows him and his family and crew. she went backstage after concert to meet them . i could have gone but more in need of an early night. Ok concert but not as brill as another curly haired one i know:)

Ro -your theory sounds right as seems to be a period of time in summer and bit late to be announcing concerts, theatre etc.

Off to finish packing winter woolies way - tho may leave one out - to wear!

Fi,- it sounds as if you'd better wait to put away your winter wollies yet!
Oh, I know I moan about my parents now and again, but your f-i-l sounds like a nightmare.
Gilbert O'S eh? That was a long time ago. I'm not sure I would go to a concert of his nowadays.

There are a lot of famous artists coming to Bergen in the summer. Just off the top of my head:
L*onard C*hen, P*aul S*mon, S*ing, L*nny K*awitz. Not the youngest stars, but I'm sure the concerts will be sold out.

I may be some time. I turned on TV last night when I woke up about 12.30....nothing. I'd forgotten the switch was today. I got BBC 1, but nothing else was running. I have set some stations up in front room, but nothing is where it should be AND I still don't seem to have channel 5, perhaps that will come later. There is no analogue signal at all, which was expected. Kitchen TV needs to have box fitted so I'm going to (try) do it in a minute.
I'll just catch up and calm down

btw my meeting was cancelled as one of my colleagues burst into tears with the stress of too much w*rk. She was getting fraught last week, I gave her my philosophy for survival (not the GO bit), but obviously she didn't get it. So I spent 3hrs doing some of her stuff and leaving mine. I did have my thingy in my pocket, so I was ready if boss decided to have meeting anyway. Remind me not to throw a wobbler at w*rk, the thought of that @@@ putting his arm around me is more than I can stand.
Freeview box is calling :(

Oh Jo,- you have enough to put up with. First the prat who's your boss, then a colleague breaking down and now trying to connect to the wonder that is digital telly!

I changed to digital telly very early, I seem to remember. Had Freeview before starting with SK*. After that no problem. Here I'm connected to cable through the co-op, so it's not a problem here either.

I'm watching old episodes of C*iminal M*nd and recording all the crime goodies on telly. Then I can watch them when I want.

We couldn't get Freeview, until very recently. That is why most around me have satellite. I now have the box working in the kitchen, a variety of BBC only. The box is very cat unfriendly. It has vent holes all along the top. Luckily it's bound for felf. I'm just not sure if it is the right type for her, so I thought if I got it recording from my TV and it didn't work for her, I'd know it was the wrong one. It was bro's suggestion, I was going to buy the other type.

I'm an idiot. Before I started playing with my TV I went to see felf to check her TV didn't need retuning. A couple of minutes after I asked her I remembered she had satellite. Pl*nk*r!!!

Jo,- you can't remember everything!

I have made a recording and found out how to play it back. Success.
Nightlee night

yes, I have covered it over with a large plastic bag

Jo, I managed to re-tune my Freeview telly this morning, I couldn't get any BBC programmes until I'd done it, it has to be done again in a couple of weeks, which is when the analogue will be switched off I think.

Diana, what a fright again from those pesky baboons, hope the snake will put them off!

Carol, thanks for the advice, I'll give mushroom stroganov a very wide berth when in Edinbrgh!

KK, I do hope the painkillers are working and that you're more comfortable now.

Carol, hope Ann enjoys her stay at SR and the family have a chance to recharge their batteries.

Morning from not so sunny at the moment Whxxtxxxxd! It has obviously poured with rain overnight, which is ironic as the HP ban came into force T midnight. Twin's garden is coming along very nicely and will be lovely when it has all bedded in. We went to a garden centre yesterday and she bought a nice obelisk for one of the raised beds. We bought some little alpine plants for our rockery so MM will be out planting at some point over the weekend. Oh Ali, same as Fi we went to email you about odd things coming through from yu but forgot. In fact Twin and I were talking about it before we came to bed last night. We saw all the snow news on the tv last night and thought some of you might be affected. The working from home was well timed KK! Hard to imagine a week ago we were sitting and eating outside in the sunshine. I imagine Sue may also have a White blanket, as well as Lady J. Fi, your FiL continues to sound like an absolute nightmare, and incredibly selfish to boot! I used to quite like G O'S years ago! So Eva having sent all your bad weather over here you now have sunshine! Perhaps you could send that too! Jo we called round and did the retune on my Mother's tv before we came over yesterday. I successfully did the one in the room Twin uses, but messed up the one in our room...same as you only had four BBC1 and ITV, so will need to sort that and the downstairs ones when we get home. We went out to a lovely restaurant last night, very yummy food, mix of Grxxk, Txrkish, Itxlian. Wine? Well we may have had a wee drop? Actually we had just got into the restaurant and the heavens opened and there was a very sharp and heavy shower. Diana, hope you have managed to avoid any more Bxboons! Maeve is it tomorrow you are off? Hello BHB, definitely not a day for out on the verandah! Oooh you have made champagne cocktails? Lovely. I'll get the paninis and we can have a lovely snuffles

...that posted before I finished! Should have read "lovely snuffle under the pink blanket". Also meant to deposit oooohhhhhmmmmsssss for all the poorlies and needies.

Morning.

Still no sign of the loungers & table. Getting frustrated and a tad concerned. They had better turn up today, preferably this morning so I can go to the gym this pm while Ploppy’s golfing.

Thankfully no sign yesterday of the baboons either. I’ve decided that when Ploppy’s out, I’ll try sitting on the balcony rather than the veranda. It doesn’t get the sun so much but I’ll feel more comfortable. Yesterday every time I heard something, I was looking round.

I’m reading the first of the Millennium series by St*eg L*rsson, Girl with Dr*gon Tatto*. Brilliant – I couldn’t put it down last night and was reading till 1.00 am; I cheated and skimmed to the end, knew I’d have difficulty sleeping not knowing the outcome. I read the second book at Xmas and think that’s probably even better. Yes, it was a bit silly to read in the wrong order but Ploppy only had the last two books at the house, he’d already read the first and left it at home. Will be reading the third as soon as I’ve finished Dr*gon Tatto*.

I watched the snow reports on Sky News yesterday – horrible. Hope none of you have been without electricity. At least at this time of year, you know it’s very unlikely to stay long.

Turned out a sunnier day yesterday than I thought it would be, it clouded over several times but the clouds then went inland and the sun came out again until late afternoon. Top of my chest and my arms got slightly burnt as I stupidly didn’t put on any sun tan lotion as I thought the sun wouldn’t last. It’s sunny today but again some clouds around – I’ll have to wrap something round my neck so it doesn’t get any sun as it’s still a bit hot and red.

I watched a flying insect building a nest in a hole in one of the metal chairs yesterday. It was fascinating.

Have a good Easter whatever you’re doing and hope it warms up a bit for you all.

Morning - no rain tho ground still very wet. But too late to do jet wash the other half of the patio (as hosepipe ban now in force) so have a multi coloured patio!

Yes Eva and Carol your summing up of f-i-l spot on. tho I do think he is also scared about future - but then so are ploppy and I! Ploppy has dashed across to try and sort things out as care home manager coming this am to do assessment of m-i-l . BUT ploppy cant keep on doing this. Had email from his new boss - lots of eve meets (about 2 a week) involved in his new job and as still a 30/40 min commute he wont be back until after 10 those nights and then often meetings the next am. SO he will have to conserve his energy. F-i-l refuses to move nearer one of us.

Hoping ex-neighbour can come today to help dig out foundations for summer house. So better crack on as I am in charge of the digging now ploppy not here - best wake scollops up!

Enjoy Ed.n Maeve - my fave city ever.

Morning all. Yes, I thought you could all do with a bit of snow! I did keep some for myself though, and as it's a grey day here, we might get more. OK, OK, I'll keep it.

Hello sweetheart. You don't want any snow? Pity, as I was feeling generous!

I think I'll have a lazy day today. As there is no newspaper, maybe I'll settle down with a book,- after I've done some baking. I found a recipe in a magazine about bacon and cheese muffins. I'll let you know how they turn out. I'll be using a cheese I've never tried before,- gryuiere. It's a hard and mature cheese. Could be interesting.

Fi,- I didn't realize Ploppy had got the job he was interviewed for. I'm delighted he did. Half an hour commute is so much better that the nightmare he had.
Stay firm re f-i-l. Maybe he'll get the message sooner rather than later.
Happy digging!

Carol,- I know I don't have tp ask if your're royally treated, as I know you are.

Diana,- sunburnt, eh? I'm sure you're the only one! I sound envious? No, no,- the green colour in my face is only a new face powder I'm trying out.

Morning. I had another batch of mail failure notices in my inbox this morning so more apologies. Please just keep spamming anything that looks wrong.
Eldest is trying to revise but younger two are being too noisy and he's getting cross. I'm trying to think of something to occupy them for a while, youngest has suggested we do some cooking.
Fi, hope ploppy has some luck talking to FinL, although I don't hold out much hope! Better luck with the summer house.
Maeve, have a lovely time in Edin*urgh, hope the weather is kind to you.
The rain has stopped here and the sun is out, I remember having a bbq on Easter Sunday last year.
Uh oh scollop has started making pancakes, I'd better go and keep an eye on him.

The muffins were a complete fiasco! I followed the recipe faithfully, but they didn't rise while baking, so they ended up like rock hard bullets in the bottom of the muffins cups. BAAAAAAAAAAAH !
Ali,- I'm sure your scollop has more luck with his pancakes.

Hello!

Jo - I hope your TV is sorted. Ploppy bought us a new TV and yesterday spent the whole evening trying to get it all set up. Hmmm - I'm not sure I can even turn it on!

Fi - Your F-i-l really does seem very demanding. Your Ploppy is quite right to stop running around after him. Ploppy needs to look after himself.

Diana - I'm glad you haven't had more baboons hovering about. Could they have run off with your patio furniture? :-)

Carol - I am pleased to report my 'white blanket' has gone.

Ali - please don't worry about the e-mails. They are a minor annoyance, but easy to identify and delete. They're not your fault.

Maeve - have a lovely time in Edinburgh.

KK - Bl*ckpool is the centre of the universe! (Especially that little coffee shop!)

TTFN

What a shame Eva, they sounded delicious, wonder what went wrong.

My postman has been busy the last day or two and I've got quite a pile of post to open, decided to be good and not open them early, it'll be nice to have them when all the excitement of the wekend is over.
I'll be catching train up to scollop's this afternoon and staying there tonight ready for an early start in the morning.

I hope everyone has a good Easter weekend and all our hard workers,( you know who you are! ) manage to have a relaxing time.

Hi all, I'm here again. My visitors left around midday. It was so lovely having them here. Spent another small fortune at the garden centre, but all on things that will last a long time, I hope!! Still lots to be done though. We had a short walk round this morning, I wanted to show them the lovely countryside on my doorstep. However we didn't linger, it was a bit chilly to say the least.

Fi agree F-i-L sounds nightmarish. Your Ploppy has to be firm with him, after all if he is ill then he can't help F-i-L at all. So difficult I know.

Ali, as Jane says don't worry about the emails, it isn't your fault. I wish I could help you, but beyond me I'm afraid. I suppose you could run a scan and see if it picks up anything?

Now that sounds like my sort of baking Eva, not yours!

Maeve if I haven't missed you, have a lovely weekend.

Diana, Jane has now put a picture in my head of baboons sunning themselves on you sun loungers! Drinking cocktails too no doubt. Seriously, hope it turns up soon. So frustrating waiting in.

Hi all

Just about to finish w*rk for the long weekend. I'm really looking forward to the break. Actually, I'm off w*rk all next week, although some of it will be spent w*rking at home, but that's okay, I can cope with that and do the hours to suit me. I have a very important lunch date on Friday and nothing will interfere with that!! (Lady J has been very brave and agreed to meet me for lunch on FRIDAY 13TH!!!!!!!!!!! She may need some ohms to protect her!).

Jo - your comment about not wanting that @@@ to put his arm around you reminded me of someone who used to w*rk in the same dept as me. He was the most obnoxious, repulsive, creep (physically and personality) I have ever had the misfortune to meet (and I'm not exaggerating!). I detested him (as did many people) and he knew it. We had many an argument. The boss (at the time) decided, in his infinite wisdom, when we were having a restructure to put the obnoxious creep and me in an office together, just the two of us!! On the day of the move the boss called us both in to his office and asked us if we'd be okay w*rking in the same office (knowing full well that we wouldn't! In fact, a colleague said that putting us in there together was like the movie Th*nderdome - two go in but only one comes out!!)). The obnoxious creep put his arm around me (he was always invading people's personal space in the most unwelcome manner) and pulled me right up to his side and said "We'll get on well won't we, Karen". I turned to him, almost nose to nose (had to stop myself throwing up) and said very calmly but very precisely "As long as you never, ever, touch me again, we'll be just fine. And you won't have to start singing soprano" (he was a member of a male voice choir). He stayed well out of my way after that!! It's different when it's the boss though, so you have my sympathies.

Fi - lots of ohmmmmms for your Ploppy dealing with FiL. Your Ploppy needs to look after himself.

Jane/Pauline - I'm loving the image of the baboons running off with Diana's patio furniture and sunning themselves drinking cocktails.

(Ah yes, the coffee shop in B'Pool, Jane!! Just don't mention the teapot! Happy memories).

Maeve - have a lovely time in E'Burgh. Hope the weather is kind to you.

hmm ongoing saga of f-i-l still going on! Yes demanding and getting increasingly nightmarish . Said he needed ploppy and his brother there alternate weekends to help him! Ploppy gave him short shrift. he has loads of money so can buy in help- and we have offered to set some of this up but he keeps refusing - . Just as well years of living with me has taught ploppy to be a VERY patient man:) .

Yes Eva ploppy has his job - it was confirmed earlier this week. sorry with all that happening it has sort of passed us by. It will be good to have him working nearer. however he has had 2 years of working 1 or 2 days at home (his old work let him do that after his illness) so think he is worried about working 5 days a week (esp long hrs in eve) and how he will cope - as still gets very tired. That is why I am being very precious with his time and energy.

Oh dear Eva - not like your baking not to work. I made some more of N.gella's iced gingerbread - it is fab:)

summer appears to be back so off to iron some summer clothes. Enjoy summer:0

Fi,- I sincerely hope both your Ploppy and his brother are adamant in refusing to dance to f-i-l's tune. I remember Shirley's sister and br.-i-l were just as stubborn, refusing to have help in. They expected their d-i-l and Shirley to come in every day and help. Her sister was a 100% invalid in a wheel chair and the br.-i-l very poorly as well. They were both into their 80-ties. In the end Shirley put her foot down and said she couldn't cope. (This was about 1 year before her cancer returned for the last time.) She and her nephew sorted out home help and community nurses to come in every day, and of course when it was done, they both loved the help! He kept saying:" Why didn't you do this years ago?" to Shirley and his son!
I agree with you. I don't usually fail with my baking, but I think this one I'll leave to Pauline to surprise me with when I come visiting in June!
What summer? ? ? ? ?

KK,- have proper holiday for once. No mishaps, no accidents, just a peaceful looooong weekend with music, blogging, a glass (or 14 of red), a V&T if you want and let Ploppy spoil you. Tell him I said so!

Fi F-i-L sounds a nightmare. There are some benefits from no parents at my age. (I still miss my mum though. We do chat from time to time. Usually when I need help with a animal medical problem.) No wonder you are trying to conserve Ploppy's energy. 5 days out to work will be a change. I heard the other day of an ex-collegue who now works Tues, Weds and Thurs and is loving it. He isn't working Mon or Fri at home.
Eva, you have to fail sometimes. To me the recipe sounded yuk, but then I am odd.
Twins out and about shopping etc, no change there.
Jane I'd love to see you doing your thing, just a bit busy this weekend. Got to catch up on things for w*rk.
KK @@@ is apparently rather good looking. But somehow that passes me by, maybe something to do with things he's done (I've just deleted the details). (and deleted the next sentence). Anyway, hope you have a good weeks hols and superstition is not always a good thing to dwell on, I'm sure your meet with Lady J will be fine.
I thought I watched BBC most of the time, until I now when I just have BBC. I can get ITV1 in the front room as I can switch to analogue easily on that set up, just not much good if I'm in the middle room watching the TV in the kitchen.

Jo,- I hope you get your telly sorted soon. I can see you running from room to room trying to catch up with the different channels!
Oh really! I think I can read what you deleted. Mind your language!

I've just watched an episode of W*itechapel. Very creepy, very good.

KK I do hope you have a lovely rest and I second everything Eva said.

Hummm, not too sure about my baking skills Eva, never had much practice, perhaps I'd better start trying!

Fi what can I say that hasn't been said. Just hope Ploppy stands up for himself and doesn't overdo it.

No rushing around, just got TV on my laptop!
Nightlee night
oh and cu 2morrow as I'm w*rking at home

Just a quick pop in to say hello, hope everyone's okay. I went to bed at half eight last night and slept the clock round!!

Had a bit of a shock today, our neighbour called round to tell us her husband had died suddenly. She found him dead in bed yesterday morning, he was only sixty one! Knocked us for six really.

I'll play catch up tomorrow, I'm at the old lady's all day so should have time on my hands.

Nite nite Loppies x

Oh dear Sue that is sad. His poor wife must be devastated. Ohhhhmmmms for her.

I heard today that one of my friends was rushed to hospital with a burst appendix yesterday so will be hospital visiting tomorrow. Poor thing was due to go on holiday to Barbados next week and so that is off. I feel she won't be happy.

Bed time so night night and sleep tight

Morning and it is a lovely bright one here. Sue that is so sad. Heard last night that one of the ladies from church had died at home on Wednesday. She was 91 so had had a good innings. She was a lovely lady and used to sit next to Sloppy most Sundays. Also heard last night that the friend of a couple we know at church had died. He had MND like Ann but his had affected his legs and hands, and he could still speak. He was diagnosed not long after Ann. Now KK are you SURE you want to go out and about on Friday 13th? Lady J I think you are very brave to participate. Off to church in a moment and need to collect Sloppy first. Eva I had a similar muffin experience a couple of months ago and had to start again. That's when I decided I needed new kitchen scales and bought electronic ones! Today being G Frxday it is a fish day so doing cod and prawns in a celery, carrot and pea sauce....will report back later as a new recipe. Hello BHB yes it is looking much more like Spring today, but I think it will be an indoor day with. A nice snuffle under the pink blanket will be just the thing. You bring the Vxnillita and I'll get the hxt crxss buns!

Morning all

Oh dear Sue and Carol - what sad news for you both. Lots of ohmmmmms coming your way. And Pauline, hope your friend is soon on the road to recovery.

Very chilly here at the moment but at least the white stuff has more or less gone.

Must go - a day of retail therapy awaits me, what better way to start the E*ster break!!

Have a good day all.

Morning all. It's a bright and sunny day here, but still cold, only + 2.1 degrees. That's nothing compared to further north in this fair country,- there was - 22 degrees tonight on the Finnmark Plateau!

Hello sweetheart. Yes, it's nice and sunny here, but so is Bergen at the moment. All the snow rained away yesterday! Do you want to come and visit? (He ran away and locked himself in the kitchen! I never meant to take him to the Finnmark Plateau!):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnmarksvidda
On the other hand, if Ann and her family could go there in February, BHB should be able to go now!

Sue and Carol,- sorry to hear about your friends.

I'm off to youngest sister in about half an hour. We're going to do our tax returns together + the same for the parents. The IR has managed to make a mess of things, not noticing that our summerhouse was sold a year and a half ago, and still wanting us to pay the taxes! Not on your Nelly, nasty IR!

Hello girls ,I know it has been a long time since I was here,had a lot of problems here one way or other.
Heard from SueX who was really on cloud 9 re a certain curly one. I am glad he replied to the tweet I sent him.
She says she is well on the road to recovery and will be on here soon.
I am sorry to see all the sad news we had one as well as one of Nicholas's model and mother of friends of the boys died from cancer last week at the age of 62,she kept her illness to herself.
Granddaughter is still with child I think they have messed up her dates.
Ooppss it is almost time for church twice today! Stations of the X this morning with witness walk after and then mass this afternoon.
In case I cannot get in please have all a wonderful and peaceful Easter with love from Nicholas mother and I.XXX http://mcaf.ee/emogl

Morning all and lovely and sunny here to start Easter, but ccccold. The car has frost on her so I know it is. Typical Easter really. I get a bit nostalgic at this time of year as we used to go to relatives in Lancashire every year. We had hot cross buns on Good Friday that were still warm. My Great Uncle used to be ordered off to get them first thing (he was ruled with a rod of iron!). We had them with black cherry jam, they were delicious. Saturday we always went to the fair, Sunday after church we went out for a lovely lunch to a restaurant by the Ribble river. Happy days. Sorry, I told you I got nostalgic.

Eva if I said it was cold here I take it back, that Plateau is a deep freeze!

Enjoy the retail therapy KK. You deserve it.

Chantale we don't see you for ages and then there you are...three times! Sorry about your friend as well. So much sad news. Lots of ohhhhmmmms for all the friends and relatives affected. Ohhhmmmmms for all our sick list as well.

Morning BHB, oohhh nice hug, thankyou. It was for Easter? Well I better give you a nice big hug as well then, lovely. Oo I feel better for that, so I'll get some more Vanillita and we'll find the CM.

Hello all - I hope everyone is having a peaceful and restful Good Friday - or start of Passover in Geri's case.

Oh dear - I can see there's been a lot of sad news for Loppies on the blog. My thoughts are with you Sue, Carol and Chantale.

Karen - I'm really looking forward to our luch date on Friday 13th. (Of couse I shall be borrowing Ploppy's armour just in case). Have a lovely week off and whatever you do - don't mention the teapot!

Jo - oh bum - I thought you had your TV sorted. I assumed you had ITV already. Your boss sounds like a real charmer. NOT!

Fi - I can only repeat what the others are saying. Your Ploppy must stand up to FiL. He mustn't get extra stress from family. My mum, though in her eighties, tries not to ask my bro or me for help too much. I really ought to see her more often.

Pauline - I hope your friend is OK. Very scarey. I like the sound of your Easters in Lancashire

Chantale - you did so well getting Lee to tweet Suex. Suex was thrilled! Well done.

Eva - err have fun with the tax returns.

Diana - I hope those baboons bring the patio furniture back. Cheeky monkeys - well apes.

Well I need to get ready for my weekend Tournement at Tutbury Castle. Jo and Sue Lovely of you to think of coming - I realise I should have given more notice.

Beautiful sunny day here but rather chilly, nevertheless we have just planted 2 varieties of potatoes and prepared the earth for the carrot seeds when the weather is a couple of degrees higher.

Such a lot of sad news from my Loppy friends, sympathy to all concerned.

Your prawn and cod sounds lovely Carol, we are having fish as well but nothing so posh as yours, (salmon quiche). Actually we do try to have fish on all Fridays, a hang over from our church upbringing I suppose. Ploppy went on his usual walk today and reported all shops open, such a difference from years ago when the only doors open were at the church around the corner. I can remember even in my teens going to the 3 hour service and even when adult not letting my boys play in the garden on Good Friday. How times have changed.

Talking about digital TV etc., we still have our old analogue one (hence only getting 4 channels) and I am currently trying to work out the least expensive way to change over when the time comes in June. I'm consulting a mate who knows about these things tomorrow and I a suspicion I will have to bring the distressed credit card out of hiding.

Jane and Karen, sorry to ask but what is all this about a teapot? Something I missed ages ago I presume. Enjoy your Tournament, Jane. How lovely that Jo and Sue will be there too. They will join in, of course!!!

Had a bit of a nightmare this week trying to book train tickets on line. Going up to Cambridge the week after next to stay with No.1 son for a few days. In the end it seems this time the cheapest way is to go to our local train station and buy them in advance. Shall be doing that on Tuesday when we do our weekly shop in town.

Time for a full leaded before preparing the salmon quiche for dinner.

Not caught up, been trying to w*rk, but Dog has had me up and down all day. Better get back to it, or it'll be tea time

Well, the tax returns all done. Not too complicated, and I hope the IR has learned something this time round; namely that I don't have a summerhouse any more. Of course we still own the main estate ( sounds very posh,- it isn't!), but as long as there aren't any houses on the land we own, we're not liable for any taxes.
I had lunch with youngest sister and my lovely br.-in-law. She had made a game casserole. Yummy.

Carol,- your fish dinner sounds absolutely lovely. If it's a success, please let us have the recipe.
We never had Friday as a fish day. I know that it is normal, but I thought only in Catholic countries. Tells you how much I know. We have Monday as a fish day, usually to let the stomach recover from all the meat eaten during the weekend.

Jan,- I hope you can do the swith-over without hurting your credit card too much.
Good luck with the train ticket buying. Hope you don't have to pay too much. Do you have to change your train station in London?

Diana, your meal sounds wonderful. Scary things baboons unless they’re behind bars.
I’m liking you being on holiday, we get to ‘see’ more of you.

KK, I like your ideas for a silver anniversary, ours (and Carol’s n MM’s I believe) is this year, so not much time to win the lottery.

Ali, I’d emailed you about the emails before I came on here, no worries, I just delete them.
Talking of animals and vets, it may be worth you pricing up meds vacs etc on the net. I just paid £28 for 16 tablets and they are £7.68 for 16 on the net, even adding the price of a vet’s script at £10.28, makes ‘em over £10 cheaper.
My vet will try to match a ‘net price, they go online to check your supplier and add the cost of the script and see how close they can come. All of which tells me vet’s costs are pretty much exploitation!

Fi, I just started to read your post, did a double take...........and realised you said bucketing!!
Your f in l sounds a bit of a challenge. (I nearly said another word)
Good news about Ploppy’s job though.

Jo, hope you sort your telly out, and your job, although I think the latter will take more doing.

Eva, I was looking forward to a muffin.

Ohhhhhmmms by the bucketful for Jane next Friday, Fri 13th with KK, oh my dear!!!!
Seriously, enjoy your lunch date.
Love your put down to the office creep KK!

I’m well put out that I can’t get to T*tbury C*stle this weekend, it’s just up the road from us!!

Pauline, ohhhmmsss for the friend having to give up B*rbados, couldn’t have happened at a worse time.

Carol, sorry to hear about the man with MND, it’s very close to home for you.

Eva minus 22!! Brrrrrrrr. IR make a mess of things....... nooooooo!

Chantale good to see you, even with sad news. Do let us know when you become great-grand parents.

Ah Pauline, that sounds like a lovely way to spend Easter, no wonder you get nostalgic.

Jane, you HAVE to tell us about the teapot!!

Thanks for the ohhhmmmssss everyone, it is a bit of a shock when they are younger than you! His wife has some dark days ahead of her.

Well that was a very successful shopping day. Two pairs of shoes, three books, four t-shirts (M&S, 2 for £10, bargain!), a haircut, a pillowcase for the cat's bed and an Easter egg for Ploppy!! When I came home, I cleaned out the bathroom cupboards, then cleaned the cooker, inside and out!! Then I poured a large V&T and had a pleasant hour reading a book that was a Ch*stmas gift, The Short Stories of Ch*rles D*ckens, it's very good and very amusing in parts! So, all in all it's been a good day!

Re the Teapot - you may recall that teapot was the name the GO and DVO gave to B*tsy before she was born. When Jane, Geri and I were in B'Pool for the weekend to see the GO in L*rd Arth*r we bumped into him everywhere we went. On one occasion we were in a coffee shop and Himself came in and sat at the table next to us. We had, before he came in, been talking about him (now there's a surprise) so, as he was sat so close we had to change the topic of conversation but everything we came up with could, in some way be related back to him. One of us, think it might have been Geri, asked Jane to "Pass the teapot" and Jane and I both said "Ssh, don't mention teapot"!!!! It probably doesn't sound funny, one of those you had to be there situations, but to us, at the time, it was hilarious!

KK,- weren't you supposed to take it easy?
Sounds like a good shopping trip. 2 pairs of shoes, eh? Are you like Carol with her handbags? Never get enough of them. Like the sound of 4 books.

Sue1,- you're right, of course. Who would ever think the IR could mess things up? I'm sure it's never happened before. HA !

Evening all. Been to see my friend in hospital and in fact she had peritonitus and is not good at all. I am sure she will be fine, but is feeling pretty dire I think. We knew she was bad as she has lost interest in chocolate, gin and Arsxnxl football! With Linda that is desperate.

KK that sounds like my sort of day. I think it very restful.

Eva I feel you should talk to MM about the taxman. I think he would sympathsise!

Still not caught up, but lots of w*rk done and Dog has had 2 x 1hr walks.
Got to make the lunches for tomorrow

I'm off to Twin for the next few days, so you'll know I'm around but maybe unseen! Best way maybe. Have a lovely easter all. Night night and sleep tight.

KK, that's on par with don't mention the G*rmans, did he hear any of it??

Pauline, ohhhmmmsss for Linda, and for all Loppies and their loved ones who need them.

Jo, are you sure Dog isn't a labrador in disguise??

Nite nite Loppies x

Thanks Sue, poor love could do with a few I feel.

Just found this thanks to Angel Rose on Lovelees.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NKONRL7WJ4

Reallly going now! Night night.

Morning, and although she may be away from home:-

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Maeve
Happy Birthday to you!

Hope you are having a wonderful time in E'burgh.

The BHB has been in early and the Bistro is decorated in shades of gold - it looks stunning. We have balloons and banners, all stating "Happy Birthday Maeve", and there are posies of primroses on all the tables. I can see the champers on ice, and yes - bless him he must have been up really early as the birthday cakes are made and looking lovely.

As Twin said she is over to us today. We are off to do some food shopping shortly then when Twin gets here we will be off to our wine bar for lunch. I am afraid it will be self service in the Bxstro tomorrow as MM and I are off to the bonfxre service at 6.15 am (strangely neither Sloppy nor Twin are anxious to join us), then we have Exster service and then we are off to see Ann, so don't think I'll have time to pop in beforehand. I will deposit some oooooohhhhmmmmmmmsssssssssssss for all the poorlies, needies and MiAs though. Like the sound of your shopping KK - what did Eva mean about handbags?? Don't understand it! The fish was lovely by the way and very simple - will email to you Eva. Hope you all have a wonderful Easter in case I don't make it back on here. Hello BHB, yes I think time for a nice long snuffle under the pink blanket. We will just get some champers and cake and settle ourselves down.

Happy Birthday Maeve

What's this a 6.30 am service? The church behind me has one at 6am tomorrow. I don't remember this type of early service is previous years, but then I didn't regularly take a short cut through the church yard until this year.

Still not caught up. As had to start washing at 3am and there is more to go in. Dog had a big 'accident' last night. All my fault as I didn't take her out late enough. She went in the garden, but obviously didn't complete the whole task. Nevermind, I was going to wash all her bedding and various mats soon anyway, just not early this morning and all at one time.

Off to horses, back later

Morning all. It's another beautiful day here, but still very cold. -1.2 when I got up this morning.

The most important thing first:
MAEVE,- HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
GRATULERER MED DAGEN

Hello sweetheart. Oh my, I'm almost blinded by all the gold! It's looking splendid and I'm sure Maeve will love it if she has ime to pop in. You have the sea blue blanket ready for me? Aren't you a treasure? (He's nodding, so I think he agrees!)

I'm off to see the parents in a little while. Nothing major, just a visit. At least father can't phone me when I'm back home and ask me to get something for them in the shops. They're all closed!

Morning all. Just a quick visit to wish you all Happy Easter before I go and most important to wish Maeve HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I yelled very loudly so hoping she might hear it in E'burgh!

Morning BHB, of course I have time for a snuffle, Easter wouldn't be complete without it. I'll get more champers and we'll join the CM.

Have a lovely weekend all even if the weather isn't so great. Byeee!

Happy Birthday Maeve, have a lovely time.
Bit chilly here and it rained overnight. Youngest has just played squash and middle scollop is playing now. I have to pick him up in 10mins and get some flowers for the 'blossoming of the cross' at church tomorrow. We used to do a sunrise service at the local fishing lakes followed by breakfast, however numbers dwindled and it stopped a couple of years ago.
I think we're going to have a quiet family day and play some games and watch dvd's, we don't often get the chance nowadays.

On my way back from the parents (they are fine btw.), I was listening to the radio where they played some of the entries to the E*rovision SC 2012, and my! there are a lot of different styles. Here is Norway's entry,- quite a catchy tune, I think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOdRFtwTzb8&feature=relmfu

Then we have the UK entry. A nice tune, but I don't think it's going to set the world on fire:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFNv9pjqZkk

Morning all.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Maeve. Have a lovely time in Ath.ns of the north:)

Our ex neighbour didn't turn up all week to build my summer house so ploppy send a nice but firm text saying where are you. Looks like he will be here later today. we wanted to use scollops as unpaid labour and eldest goes back Tues!

F-i-L and now s-i-l playing silly beggars and poor ploppy caught in middle. Everyone not being straight - and neither of us good at playing games. But think/hope we are getting there. Looks like f-i-l will have someone in to help - tho only someone he knows and s-i-l says no (it is their cleaner and yes she is hopeless cleaner but she is good with old folk (she cares for other old folk too) which in my mind is main criterion . Trying to leave them to sort - tho bit diff as they have fallen out and not speaking so poor ploppy the middle man!! I do love families!

Just sent off email to our Ic.land hol firm. had lovely hol but description of our second hotel said only construction for miles around - they missed the huge ge. th.rmal power station 20 yds from hotel! I pointed this out to them and they did apologise and say they will rectify that in their brochure (we will see) but that our travel docs did say this. Yes they did but we only got those 10 days before we set off and once we had paid up. Pointing out that makes it worse - not better!

Carol - can I have fish recipe too please as agree with Eva sounds fab and we are trying (and failing) to eat more fish.

So much upset and chaos here missed church service yesterday but hope to go to Easter service tomorrow. Then off to friends who have boy who is totally disabled (cannot move, speak etc) and with our friends with Daughter with learning diffs. Scollops are in charge of entertainment - doing Easter egg hunt etc. Have to say they are good with both yp and esp as the meal on offer is their least fave meal (fish pie - it is a long story but my mum once made it years ago and wouldn't let them get down from table until they finished it - eldest scollop still at table 4 hours later! Neither has touched fish pie since! )they will just have to find lots of Easter eggs! And I have promised them their roast lamb on Mon.

KK and hot tea tog on Fri 13th - you are a brave lady Jane:). Have a fab time both of you.

Yes Sue - horrible hearing about people younger than us dying - tho nowadays I find most people younger than me! Shock as know the person and family and feel for them - but also can hear t.me's winged chariot just slightly nearer!

On that cheery note - off to hang out washing - and continue digging out foundation for summer house - yes I know it is going to rain!

HAPPY EASTER ALL!

And HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAEVE!! I hope you are having fun in Edinburgh,

I see Karen has explained the 'teapot' faux pas to Sue and Jan. Sue I seriously believe the GO was listening in to our conversation. He' already met us at the SD the night before and we could tell he recognised us when he walked into the cafe. The cafe was empty other than us, but he sat on the next table. I'm SURE he was listening in!

See you on Friday KK! (I'm not scared!)

Pauline - thanks for the link. Ah, doesn't the GO look yummy? you're friend must be poorly to have gone of chocolate. Many OOHMS. I hope you an Carol have a lovely few days together.

Oh dear Jo - pity about dog's accident.

Glad you got the tax sorted Eva.

Sue - such a shame you can't come to Tutbury. But my fault for not giving better notice.

Fi I do hop FinL is coming around. Gosh families are so complicated.

Well, I must go - it's nearly time to set of for our tournement.

TTFN all!

Hi all

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAEVE. Hope you're having a lovely day.

Today has been a mega spring cleaning day for me. As well as all the usual cl*aning, I have scrubbed all the tiled floors (and re-discovered that my knees and back are not as young as they used to be), scrubbed all the tiled walls, polished the lami floors, swept the carpets (yes, you did read that right, the h**vers packed up so I used one of Ploppy's stiff bristled sweeping brushes! Actually, it did a better job than the h*over does when it's working!! It's much harder than pushing a h*over round though!) cleaned the windows (I even attempted the outside of the one window that the window cleaner can't reach because it's above the conservatory but, as it involves sitting on the window ledge and leaning out of the window, it was a bit too scary so I gave up), changed the bedding and flipped the mattress! Phew!! I'm crackered! Where was Ploppy whilst all this was going on? No prizes for guessing!! To be fair he did tell me to wait until he got back so that he could help!! That said, he knows me well enough to know that I wouldn't wait for him!! When he did come home, he made the foolish mistake of thinking that I was going to let him in the house with his dirty golf gear!! Not on your nelly! Silly Ploppy|!

So, there is not an inch of house that has not been blitzed. And there is not an inch of my body (and that's a lot of inches!) that doesn't ache!!

At least it's takeaway tonight so I can spend the evening relaxing.

I have just poured the world's largest V&T and I'm going to have a very long soak in a hot bubble bath. That's if I can get out of this chair, now I've sat down I think I've seized up!! Here goes.......oo, ow, oo, ow.........

KK you put my efforts to shame, I only manged to clean the oven. Mind you I can't remember when I last did it and it took a fair time and a lot of elbow grease! Unfortunately I can't relax as I'm working tonight.
Oh dear the weather forecast is on, not looking good (although Ploppy is looking rather smug!)

Good evening. Hope everyone’s having a lovely Easter weekend.

No loungers grrrrrrr. Maybe the baboons have run off with them! Think I’d put up with the baboons (within reason) to get the loungers. I sent the company an email late afternoon Thursday but with it being the Easter weekend, I doubt if they’ll pick it up till Tuesday.

Lots of sad news.

Fi, your FiL sounds a nightmare. Good luck dealing with him. As others have said, he has to be stood up to. And good luck to your Ploppy in the new job.

Hope the TV’s been sorted, Jo. We’re away for both dates when the TVs have to be reset so hope we don’t have any probs when we get back.

Ploppy’s came in from golf a few mins ago shivering so sent him to have a hot shower. It was warm and sunny when he went out about midday but it clouded over around 2.00 pm and then rained hard. I just avoided the rain – it started just after I got to the gym and had stopped when I left.

Happy birthday, Maeve. Hope you’re having a great time in Edinb.

KK,- I repeat: I thought you were having a relaxing weekend! That h****r replacement doesn't sound like something I will want.
Now, have another V&T ( a large one ) just to be on the safe side.

Diana,- so the baboons have taken their revenge! I can just see them, laying back in their new chairs and laughing their heads off!

All this talk of hswork is making me feel quite ill. I have done nothing today except a small white wash and have my boat race watching ruined by some idiot demonstrating against elitism (sp?). What a horrible man, spoiling something that thousands of people enjoy no matter what their income or status. I hope he gets the appropriate sentence. Rant over.

I haven't heard our song for Europe yet but according to our local paper it was co-written by a local lad who also had a hand in James Blunt's "You're Beautiful" and other successful music.

By the way KK, your description of that man who couldn't keep his hands to himself reminded me of several slimeballs I have met over the years. Why on earth do they think that women like that sort of thing? Your put-down of him was brilliant.

Before I go, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAEVE, hope my card managed to arrive despite royal mail.

Dinner time.

Oh Jan,- I remember the boat race. Why didn't they drown him?
I left the link for the UK Eurovision entry up at 11.27 am today.

I'm playing along with the red button!!! And it isn't just to turn the TV off. 1st time!
Right I will catch up on the last 2 dys now.

Eva, thanks for the EuroV links. Norway has my vote for the trousers!! It's a song contest? Oh I forgot. I did prefer the song to the UK one, as I'm not a great fan of ballads (except if they're sung by a certain person).
I'm hanging my head in shame. All the cl**ning I've done in the last couple of days has been Dog (not finished it yet) or horse (took priority over the Dog related stuff) related.
I appear to be watching an Italian detective prog with subtitles which I can't read as I'm typing. Not a good idea as I only know a few words of Italian and they are mostly food related.
Such a lot of sad news on the blog in the last 2 days. Lots of ooohhhmmms for all concerned.
I made lots of people laugh today. Remember last week when my right hip went? Well it went again today, in a different way. It locked up, so I got stuck getting off the horse. A customer had to push me off. I had asked him to do it. I landed on my b*m. Must have witnessed by most of the stables staff and more than 10 customers. No damage to me as nicely padded area and the horse is very small. Hip doesn't hurt at all. I must continue with the exercises. I came home and walked Dog, then had an hour's Eva. Woke up and walked Dog, trying to prevent accidents!!

I think I'll Channel 5 on the laptop while I make the lunches

Morning all. Another beautiful and cold day here. At the moment -2.0 degrees.
I see the Bistro is closed, so I won't try to tempt BHB to join me for an early morning walk. I don't think I'll do one myself either!

I have a feeling it's going to be a silent day on the blog, with most busy with family and church. Was it today Carol and MM was going to that crack-of-dawn service?

I will go for a walk later when it's warmed up a bit. Until then I'll stay indoors and catch up on some reading.

Good morning all. Just a quick pop in to say I hope all have a good day.
I had a lie in, naughty. Back door is open now, just incase Dog feels the need to dash out, though at the moment she is vigorously rearranging her bedding.

HappY Easter :)

Jo we watch the Italian detective show -and Yes i too find it hard to follow when I try to read paper or book at seem time!

in laws so complicated now I give up. fi-l neighbours being horrible to f-i-l, us etc over decisions taken - but no-one actually gets off their bums to help! Everyone always very willing to give their opinion just not their time and effort.

Kk - that is a lot of h.usework!

My summer house is up - just need summer! Oh and the roof to be put on and it to be varnished. Then to move in a whole bottle of G and T - and my ip.d and No telephone. Think I may live there.

off out for lunch. Fish pie - hmmm. roast lamb in oven for when we come home -

Happy Easter to you all.
I’m still trying to be on here more often, but just of late it’s not happening!
I’m now having problems with Dads care. He has a flat in very sheltered accommodation called Ox*ip House
They have lost a lot of their own carers (I think due to working condition)
So now, there are quite a lot of agency carers working there.
I lived at dads for three days last week as he had a lump removed from the back of his ear (he had a local anaesthetic)
Good job I was there the day after his minor op, as he should have had a carer at 7.15 till 8am ….well no one came!!
I got him washed, dressed and gave him his medication. Later I got told the agency worker was doubled booked. Then on Wednesday and Thursday morning I find that the carer has left his alarm pendant under his vest, shirt and jumper making it impossible for him to find it. There is a note on the wall behind where Dad sits asking the carers to make sure his pendant is left out side his clothes as this has happen lots of times. I have complained to management about this and other things but its still happening. I’m now going to the Care Quality Commission

Have only read a few posts (stopping on some and then moving on).Fi I understand how much strain you and Ploppy are under (wine helps) Good news that ploppy has another job.
Jo, take care of yourself
Diana I’ll have to go back and read about the Baboons
Sue, what a shock for you and your neighbour
Well better go - hope to be back soon!!

Hello all
Happy Easter hope you are all having a great time.
Maeve I hope you had a great birthday yesterday.
I was watching the recording of BGT I fll in love with that doggy, never ever saw a dog really dancing he was brill I jolly hope he will win! it would be nice to have such an act winning for a change.
Here we are still swimming with problems! but one very good news Nicholas has been asked by Roy Petley of the Ropy etley Gallery in Cork Street to show his work at his gallery and that is bl.....y brilliant even if no sales come of it the prestige of a West End gallery in cork street is priceless, so lets keep fingers crossed.
Oh how I wished the curly one would appear somewhere! I need cheering.
ok better go and see to food friends are coming around this evening.
Lots ad lots of lovely love from us in Cornwall XXXXX

Had our fish pie, summer pud then home for roast lamb and sticky toffee pud. cant move now.

Maggie - that is what worries me about carers - I know often not their fault as they are given so little time to do their work. but as we ,and Ploppy bro , live so far away no way we can check the care on any regular basis. Once the package is set up I am going to ask the same neighbours who were so anxious to interfere to call in and check on carers etc - I bet we wont see them for dust then!Yes I find that wine , lots of it, does help. tho will need to regulate the amount - now I understand the headlines re amount of incohol middle aged middle class people drink!

Jo - glad you were not hurt - and can see the funny side of your hip locking. hope you are better now.

Chantale - well done to Nicholas.

Evening and a very late Happy Easter. I overslept this morning and subsequently had to rush to get to church. Needn't have bothered as the Minister was late arriving as well *she had a previous service in neighbouring village) I was clock watching towards the end as I was due at work. Work was non-stop and I had a headache but my lovely ploppy had cooked dinner for 12 of us. The rest of the family have now gone home and much as I love them all it is lovely to have a bit of peace and quiet.
Fi and Maggie, good luck with the carers. My sis and I were just discussing the future care of sloppy. She is fit and well at the moment but we know there will come a point when we will have to tell her to slow down and take it easy as she is doing too much and looking rather tired.
Chantale, excellent news for Nicholas. Sending lots of love back to Cornwall.
I was going to have a bath before SW starts but middle scollop beat me to it!

Well done to Nicholas, good luck for some sales too.
Fi and Maggie, such worries about care. I hope things can be sorted for both of you.
Ali, love the idea of you and vicar rushing to church.
I have the last Dog related washing load in at the moment.
I have failed in the 'set up felf's TV recorder' mission. I'm certain bro recommended the wrong one. Never mind it works for me. I'll talk to bro and double check it's not my understanding of it before I buy the other type.

Well true to form this year I'm far too late to say Happy Birthday to Maeve, I did manage to send a card on time though, so maybe I'll be forgiven, poor Jan didn't even get a card!!

Oh dear Jo, washing at 3am, not good. Reading your later post, I’m convinced you’re a walking disaster.

Ali, a quiet family day sounds an ideal way to spend Easter.

Fi, you have your work cut out to extricate Ploppy from all that trauma!

Carol, yes please for the fish recipe, like Fi we are trying and failing to eat more fish.

KK, PLEASE come to my house and spring clean, you’re just what it needs!

Maggie, what an appalling situation, you do right to report it, maybe if more people kicked against poor standards of care, something would get done. Having said that if the CQC are anything like our CSCI (as they were called then) I wouldn’t hold your breath. As Fi says though it’s often not the carers at fault but the agency employing them.

Chantale, I thought the dog was brilliant too. Lots of luck to Ploppy!!

Jo, here’s hoping you get those tellys sorted!

Oh my goodness it’s twenty past pumpkin time, I’m off, nite nite Loppies x

Morning all, another damp one! Yes Eva it was yesterday morning we had the early rise – 5.15am (wisely Twin and Sloppy stayed put!) as it rained on us! Came back, washed the smoke out of my hair, and then back for the service (which happened to be MM and me leading yesterday). Then home for a quick snack and off for the important event of the day – visiting Ann at the SR. It is a beautiful place – the house belonged to the Flxming family (Ian Flxming of Jxmes Bond fame) and they donated it to the SR foundation. It has the most fantastic wooden carvings, stained glass and marble everywhere – Ann’s room has a fabulous marble fireplace and even the windowcill was marble!! The grounds are fantastic (Ann’s window looks out over them) and as it had stopped raining we were able to go for a walk round the small lake with Ann – she was whizzing along in her electric wheelchair. The lake has huge cxy cxrp in it, and Ann says when she goes for her days there, if it is fine they take them down to sit and watch. She also said they saw hares yesterday and we saw a pheasant when we were leaving. Roger and Sarah were there when we arrived so we spent a little time with them. Thanks to Twinwork we were also able t retune her tv – she wanted to watch the gxlf later and had no BBX2. She said Roger had tried and the nurse tried and then the combined brains of Twins sorted it – much Twin satisfaction. As usual we had a giggle or two. I am just so proud of how Ann copes with everything, she is amazing. Home and like Fi I had left lxmb roasting so we had late dinner and then of course watched Txtanic. Would you believe it sank again! I was so sure it would be safe this week!! Fi you need to talk to Twin about carers as she had them for her mother and had a couple of teething problems, but the ones she ended up with were fantastic. Forgot to say congrats to Ian on the job! Also congrats to Nicholas, Chantale. You must be so proud and fingers crossed commissions come following.
Well girls, do you think we should all get KK to come and do our spxing cleaning?? Think Jo might appreciate it – hope the bxm isn’t too sore! I banged my head on one of the kitchen cupboard doors yesterday (forgot it was open, went to get a stool to get something from the top shelf and hit head) and have a nice bruise or bump forming! Diana, do hope your loungers are rescued from the Babxxns in time for you to get some enjoyment from them .....I bet they used them over Exster! Ali I had a wonderful vision of you racing up the aisle with your lady vxcar.................Jan, I agree about the idiot on the B Rxce – you can see why the pwers that be are a little concerned about the Olxmpics. He was from Oz it transpired but came over here to go to the LSE, and doesn’t appear to have gone back! Maggie lovely to see you, but sorry you are having problems. Stick in there and let off steam here if you need to! Just as well the sign over your Dad’s bed wasn’t anything important like “nil by mouth”! Do hope Maxve is having a wonderful time (I am sure she is as it is such a fantastic city). Also hope Lady J isn’t too drenched after her weekend....don’t think they had umbrellas in her day!! Sue I will email you the fxsh recipe as requested! Soon everyone on the blog will be growing gills with all this fish eating..... Twin going down that route too! As you will see have slept in this morning.....trying to recapture the lost hours from yesterday morning I think! Believe the plan today is for a little light shxpping (new Dxnelm Mxll shop opened near us so we are going for a look round) and probably feet up later. Oh forgot to say I won a bottle of PGB at our looking wine bar on Saturday (they were doing a hunt the chxck) so Twin and I really enjoyed that!! Hope everyone is really enjoying the Easter break and having a rest from the stresses and strains. Hello BHB, yes I know I am late, but still time for some Blxshing Bubbles and paninis. Let’s go find that pink blanket!

I was up and out as usual today. Light rain, so got told off by Mw3Ds that I hadn't put Dog's coat on. She really doesn't like her coat, so didn't force her as it wasn't too cold out.
I have my old laptop on at the moment, next to the TV in the kitchen. As I said I hadn't updated it since 2009, so every time I've turned it on it has updates. I wonder how many I have left to get.
The SR home sounds very grand and a very relaxing place. Well done to Twins with the TV retuning.
They are doing a fashion bit about wearing shorts on TV, they said there were styles for all ages, but they did add age doesn't matter as it is leg shape (didn't mention v veins though). Phew, lets me out then.
Right w*rk to do.

Hello girls could not get in with my pencil so used the otherone.
Thank you for the good wishes. Hope you all had a good Sunday.
Maggie I am very sorry to hear your problems with the helpers it is not easy to find the perfect ones, we were lucky with Dad but then mother was always there. But according to Channy (Granddaughter) a carer herself a lot of them tend to do things quickly etc it is a shame as the poor patients often want their company and a bit of love even if they cannot always express it. The same when He goes eventually to a home if he ever does. The choice is very important but not always easy to see the quality of life as sometimes the apparance of the home is so lovely but it can be deceiving.
I still think that a receipe booklet from all of us would be great to raise money for our supporting charities, what do you think girls.
Morrocan dish was a success yesterday had to do it with pork as mother who loves lamb cannot eat it as it does not agree with her. Ok better go back to accounts. lots of love to you all . XXX

Morning all. It's raining outside, but as the temps have risen, it's not snowing!

Hello sweetheart. You had a good day off yesterday? Plenty of rest and roast lamb for your lunch? Sounds just right.

Sorry I'm late on today, but have had a busy baking morning. We're all going to the nerd's partner's 30th birthday party later today, and she rang me earlier this week to ask if I could make one of my carrot cakes. Of course I can! Then she said a bit tentatively that if I happened to bake some cinnamon buns, could she have some? I think she's had lessons from father: Eva, if you happen to pass.......(whatever), can you get me........ So that's one carrot cake in the oven and 24 cinnamon buns rising nicely.

Chantale,- how fantastic for Nicky to be asked to exhibit in a WE gallery. It doesn't get much better than that. Fingers crossed you land some serious money for tickets!

Jo,- a sore bum, eh? At least it wasn't the domestic animals' fault this time. They take it in turn, don't they?

Carol,- Twin is watching golf? ? ? ? ? ? What have you had in her wine?
Then you have to explain: What's a " looking " wine bar? Do the other wine bars have their shutters closed?
Oh,- it sank again? That's the reason I never went to see the film,- I knew the ending! I didn't watch it last night. Did the SW.

Fi,- congrats on your summer house. Did the friend finally turn up?

Morning all

I couldn't get here yesterday as pooter was playing silly b*ggers!! Still seems to be a bit temperamental today but at least I'm here, for now!

Hope you all had a good day yesterday. I did absolutely nothing!! Well. apart from make dinner. I just watched loads of things that I'd recorded and read a bit, it was lovely!

Today, Ploppy and I were supposed to be laying some blockwork outside but, as it's pibbing down we've had to cancel that. Bl*ody typical that I finally get Ploppy home for a day and can't put him to w*rk!! Oh well, I'll just have to have another lazy day!! Not sure I can cope with that!! And, no, I don't want to come and do your spring cl*aning, thank you very much for the offer!!

Jo - I'm sorry but I did laugh at the image of you getting stuck on the horse!! I hope you didn't hurt yourself too badly.

Fi - your plans for the summerhouse sound blissful, especially amidst all the stress you're going through. Hope you get to enjoy it!

Maggie - lovely to see you again but sorry to hear that your having problems with the carers. Hope you do get a result from the CQC.

Chantale - what brilliant news for Nicholas. Fingers crossed that he gets some sales, but, as you say, what a privilege anyway, well deserved. Many congratulations.

I thought the dog on BGT was brilliant too. Best dog act I've ever seen on there, I think!

Carol - the SR sounds a beautiful place. Hope Ann gets some pleasure from it. Well done on the Twinwork (love that word!).

I've just hung up the phone on a call we've been warned about. It's a hoax, telling you they are calling from M*crosoft. There is supposedly a fault on the line and asking you to go to a certain website where one of their tecnicians will help you. Of course, as soon as you log on to that specific website, they are in your pooter and can steal anything they want or install trojans for later use.
They haven't done a proper research though,- for one thing the one calling me, was speaking a very poor English (Hey! This is Norway! We speak Norwegian here.), and calling on a church holiday just isn't done in this country. These two things alone should make you sit up and wonder, but as I said, the warnings are out both on radio and television, so I just hung up.
I don't know if this scam has been tried in the UK, but I thought I'd tell you anyway.

KK,- another lazy day? Don't overdo it now,- it could become a habit. Sometimes rain can be a blessing.

Hi all. supposed to be a lazy day here BUT.. So far cleaned house (forgotten how MUCH dirt 2 lads make!) , baked with eldest scollop for him to take back with him tomorrow , written my work plan for tomorrow (very busy day at work). Now about to go in to town to buy eldest scollop bday pres (in all chaos here had forgotten his bday next Mon!) . Then due in friends hot tub at 4pm. Think I will just collapse in it - usually a G and T in there too:)

Eva - good for you - will tel all here re scam

Carol - SR home sounds good and I take my hat off to Ann and family. Hard to watch someone you love deteriorating - and her to know this is case. that is why in midst of all in law chaos I have to remember that f-i-l dealt t with all this once already when ploppy's mum also had degenerative illness and eventually died. does take it out of one - and i guess he knows more than most the long haul he could be in for again.

scolllops say lunch ready....

Having a lazy day.
Eva, I had a phone call like that a while back, they claimed to have got my number from microsoft!!
Fi, enjoy the hot tub it sounds lovely.
Ploppy has asked for chicken curry for tea so I think I'll make a start then it can sit and simmer for a while.

yes Eva there have been calls like that here for months. As if microsoft would call. They'd prefer you to buy a new pooter.
There was no after effects at all from my 'interesting' dismount. Landed on a very padded area and only from quite a low height.
I've taken Dog out for a walk, she is asleep now......
http://bit.ly/Izhpn8
rubbish photo, it's from my phone

It seems that Ploppy and I weren't the only ones to have roast lamb for dinner yesterday - I slow roasted it with garlic and rosemary and very nice it was too.

Ohms for all those having troubles with carers, parents and in-laws. What a worry for you. I expect you can see no light at the end of the tunnel at the moment. I do hope problems can be resolved.

That was a terrible early time to get up Carol, well done. When I first moved to this area I went to our lovely local church quite regularly but then our vicar left and I got the feeling that his replacement thought we were there to worship him as well as the Lord. He dressed very splendidly and after a few years in situ had an affair with a woman who lives around the corner from me. When he retired from "vicaring" his wife divorced him. The present minister is a lovely young man but the services are now too happy clappy for our tastes so our attendance limited to high days and holidays only plus the occasional wedding or funeral. Both my boys were christened there.

Chantelle, what brilliant news about Nicholas and the exhibition - it can only bring good things.

I'm so glad that Ann is enjoying her stay at SR, what wonderful work these people do.

Sorry about your bum Jo (mustn't laugh), thank goodness you said you were well padded in that department, I wouldn't have dared mention it.

Miserable grey and wet day here today and rather chilly. I feel so sorry for all those who have arranged Bank Holiday fetes etc.

Started to watch Titanic last evening but gave up, it gets rather boring when you keep seeing clips from previous weeks and it is not as if we don't know the ending. I went to bed and Ploppy watched the golf (yawn)which he enjoyed.

Ali, I watched a programme last week about food and they had an item on sugar beet, I would not have been very interested except for you and your Ploppy.

I've had a lovely day today, leisurely breakfast, long soak in soapy bath, pedicure, face pack (waste of time and money, the damage too far gone), various cups of full leaded, read the paper, did the crossword, had lunch and now it is time for a rest after all that!

Hope you all had a Good Easter.

So much for a lazy day!! The rain stopped so Ploppy decided to go out and make a start laying the blockwork but told me to relax as he'd manage without me (not sure whether he was being kind or thought I would be more of a hindrance than a help!!!). I didn't argue! I was happily watching Ph*ntom at the RAH when it started pibbing down again and the pile of soil that Ploppy had dug out was rapidly turning into a mud bath and needed to be moved to a drier part of the garden! Ploppy had just put down some sand to lay the blockwork and had to carry on with that, so I had to go help, so I've been shoveling soggy soil in the pibbing rain!! Lovely!

Fi - hope you're enjoying the hot tub. Sounds like fun.

Good for you Eva. Scary what these hackers can do these days.

Aw, love the photo of Dog, Jo. So cute!

Right, better go put our soaking wet clothes in the w*sher, cl*an the muddy boots and start preparing the lasagne for dinner......no rest for the wicked!!

W*rk finished. Chicken cooked for tea. Had to check on felf's TV as it wasn't working as expected, all OK now, I think I confused it last night. Better go for a walk.

Hi Ladies
Please be wary when opening your E-Mail, we have Ali’s that we know of but we received one today from” GERI “ if I get an E-Mail from Geri it usually says Geri’s surname also so looked a tad iffy, we have our system set up so it shows the first line of the mail, this also looked iffy No Loppy topics more like the normal rubbish you get from the spam mails.

So whoever hacked the addresses from whomever, is using them to try fooling us all and with the volume of traffic between us, it would be easy to slip up,
So be very diligent on checking your mail.

Love to all
Martin & Maggie

Evening all.
First of all. Thanks for the warning about the iffy e-mails. I haven't received any from Geri, but have deleted one from Ali ( a couple of days ago ) just to be on the safe side.
I came home a while ago, just in time to enjoy a concert on the telly. It was with Gitarkameratene, which I have mentioned to you before:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gitarkameratene

I thought I'd just have enough time to say Hello before SW starts.

We had a lovely coffee and cake party. 5 different cakes: Chocolate and banana cake, cheese cake, apple and almond cake, pear and vanilla cake and my carrot cake. With 15 of us there, not much cake was left when we finished. Yummy, yummy, yummy.
My two little men were on fine form, and I took a couple of photos. I'll have to transfer them from my mobile, then I'll send them on to Martin.

KK,- I see your last day off ended in typical KK fashion!

Carol the SR place sounds lovely.

Chantale, just picked up in your post about carers being quick, trouble is they have an allocated time to keep to and often the travel between jobs isn’t taken into account, so somewhere along the line people are short changed. It really is unbelievable how some agencies work!! That said there are excellent ones, and there are also not so good carers. The whole thing becomes a nightmare if you’re looking for care for a loved (or even not so loved) one.

Eva, you are very accommodating to your family, and obviously a good cook.
Useful to know about that scam, thanks. I’ve just forwarded a message from Maggie to everyone I have in my phone, it looks like it comes from me, I should’ve put it’s come from Maggie, but I thought when you forward something it shows the originator, silly me.

KK, I would think that after all that scrubbing you deserved a day of rest. It IS lovely to see you here so much lately.
I have now read further, not such a good day after all then!

Fi, a G & T in a hot tub sounds heavenly.

Jan, another one having a blissful day.

Jo, liking the look of a peaceful Dog. Just thought I’d ask, what’s she like with visitors, just to be prepared you know.

We didn’t get to see Lady Jane, too much rain! Better luck next time.

We‘re away next week, going down to K*nt, don’t ask me where, friends have organised. Going over to Fr*nce on Weds, so spaniels have had to go to holiday home, they’ve never been there before, so we can’t stop thinking about them. We found a person who holidays dogs in her own house, seems very nice, so fingers crossed they like it. One slight problem they have a collie called Jess, who they call Jessica from time to time, exactly how we speak to our Jess, should be fun.
The good thing is Fliss is totally back to normal. Very difficult to type with crossed fingers!

Nite nite Loppies x

I've sent some photos to Martin from this evening.
I'm now off to my bed and my book. See you tomorrow.

Eva, lots of cake. Just as well there were lots of you to eat it.
I've done nothing this evening apart from watch TV
Naughty me
Nightlee night

Morning all, and today of course is bright with sunshine. We had continual rain yesterday - thus putting an end to MM's ideas of planting. Still as Twin kept saying, the garden needs it! Maggie and Sue thanks for the heads up on the email - I had spotted it and was a little wary of opening as I normal get Lepry's full address too. I also did a clean up of my pooter as I thought I had a background programme running as it took ages to close down my lxptop - seems to have done the trick fortunately. Well our trip yesterday didn't turn out quite as expected - we couldn't get in the car park at D Mill - it was packed to overflowing, so abandoned that idea and went to look at mxcrowaves for Twin at Cxrrys near where young Auds lives. She saw a couple she quite liked, but actually bought a new wireless prxnter! Not sure how good it will be at cooking jxcket potatoes, but we shall see!! I also looked at new lxptops....can't afford one at the moment but had seen one in another branch which was a beauitful blxe.....MM was probably relieved they didn't have it! Stopped at local Wxitrose on the way home and got pate, cheese, ham etc for lunch and then, as it was still tipping down, we sat and watched an old MM! See Fi caught KK's clxaning bug! Liked the sound of the hot tub and Jan's pampering! KK not sure I quite liked your day of mud and wetness..........at least we stayed fairly dry! Had nice long chat on the phone with eldest niece yesterday and she is coming to see my aunt and Sloppy on Thxrsday. Unfortuntely we won't be able to see her as we are going to see MM's favourite - Spxmalot at Aylesbxry (you know that nice theatre were that young man nearly dropped his microphone stand on me, and then had his piccie taken with me and Twin) so we won't be around. Today my youngest sister, brother in law and Dylan's daddy are all off to see Ann, as is Victoria (eldest niece) - if it is like this they should be able to take her out into the grounds again (Ann has always liked being outside, she was a keen gardener) which will be lovely. Apparently Dylan and his Daddy had a lovely day out the other day - June packed them a picnic and they went off to the Wxtercress Line to see Thxmas the T Engine (one of Dylan's favourites). I've asked for piccies!! Must sort out clothes for next week when we are off to Kxnt with our ex-Lincxln now Chxlmsford friends for five day break. We are renting a house near Cxnterbury so if it's wet we do have a lovely lounge with dvd etc. However there are also nice tables and chairs for outside, so some warm summer sunshine would be good! Hope everyone else had a lovely break - and also that the baboxns return Diana's loungers now the hxliday is over! Eva will look for pictures of your little ones -t he cxkes sound lovely!! Hello BHB, yes it is much brighter. We can sit near the patio doors I think. You bring the Brxmble and I'll get the waffles and we can have a lovely snuffle under the pink blanket and you can tell me all about your weekend. Should be seeing the DCM fairly soon I think.

Morning all. It's pibbing down outside and I think I'm going senile! I know I had 2 phone calls I need to make this morning. Done one, and was going to do the other one............................completely forgotten where I was supposed to call! I've been thinking and thinking (which I usually only do on a Tuesday) but no luck. I can't remember!

Hello sweetheart. Do I look old and senile to you? Aaawwwwww,- he gave me a big hug and said I looked like I was 27 years old and fit for anything! (I don't think we pay him enough!)

Pauline,- when you figure out how to bake potatoes in your printer, please let us know. Could be interesting.

I have a very busy week ahead. Will be out and about every day on different errands, starting today with driving into the city to pick up tickets for a concert next Friday.
I'll let you know if/when I remeber where I was supposed to be calling.

Morning all, I'm back! What do you mean you hadn't noticed Got home last night in fact after a delightful journey (not)home along the M25 in pouring rain. However I got rather side tracked as I arrived home at the same time as a neighbour. I asked if she'd had a nice Easter and she burst into tears and told me her father had died on Friday. He had a heart attack was taken to hospital was recovering well, then had another massive one and died. Poor lady was distraught so I bought her in for a chat and to try and help a little by listening. Not a good end to the holiday. However I had a lovely time with Twin and MM. I must just say a word about Ann. As Twin says the home is absolutely stunning, and her roomis lovely, full of light, a lot of which comes from the lady herself. She is a joy to be with, she loves a good giggle and is still able to order everyone around! No wonder Twin is proud of her and I am just pleased that Twinwork managed to do something, adjusting tv, that gave her pleasure. A very brave lady.

Really haven't caught up or remembered properly what has been going on, but I hope everyone had a lovely weekend. I did see that KK counts hxxsxwxrk as a rest? Weird! Liking the large V&T though!

Eva if I manage to cook a baked potato in the printer you will next see me on BGT! I get those sort of moments as well, a worry!

Diana do hope the baboons get fed up with your loungers and give them back.

I hope Lady J didn't drown!

Morning BHB, oooh nice big hug, thankyou. You missed me? Awwww and I missed you too. Now how about more Bramble and we'll find the CM.

I'm home after a lovely long weekend in Edinbrgh! We all enjoyed ourselves, I'd not been up there for almost five years, some of the party had never been and others only knew the way to Murrayf*eld and various sports bars! It was good to be tourists and experience the joys of all the hills and steps that make Ed. so interesting, good for the leg muscles too. Did the Castle, Camera Obscura, Dynamic Earth and I managed a matinee at The Traverse with an old friend who lives locally, she joined us all at a wonderful Birthday dinner on Sat. evening.

Thankyou so much for all the birthday wishes, cards and e-cards, it was fantastic to come home to them all last night.

I hope everyone enjoyed their Easter breaks.
KK, I felt quite faint reading about your cleaning blitz!
Chantel, congratulations to Nicholas, an exhibition in Cork Street is really something.
Carol, glad to hear that the SR home is so fantastic and Ann happy there, must be reassuring to know it's there for her.
Pauline, sounds as though you were a very good neighbour yesterday, bit of a shock for you I expect.
Jane hope the Medieval day went well and you weren't rained off.
Actually I think the weather was slightly better up North, it was cloudy but pretty dry for us .

Hi all

Just sat down with a cuppa, after w*rking for a few hours this morning, I decided to tackle the household chore that I hate the most - ir*ning!! It is not a regular occurrence in this household so took hours to do! My usual "logic" for not ir*ning very often is that there is not enough wardrobe space and the clothes get squashed, so they go in ir*ned and come out creased and need to be ir*ned again before they can be worn, so, given that I hate doing it the first time round why would I want to do it again!! It seems far more logical to just ir*n things as we need them! Makes perfect sense to me!! Unfortunately, I can no longer use that excuse, er I mean logic, when the wardrobe is empty!!

Thank you for the warnings about the emails, I haven't received any but will be aware now.

Sue - hope the spaniels enjoy their holiday home.

Carol - I laughed out loud at your comment about Twin baking potatoes in her new printer! Perhaps best not to try it, Pauline!!

Pauline - shame about the end to your Easter break but how lovely of you to be there for your neighbour.

Eva - going senile?? I'm saying nowt!

Maeve - glad you had a good weekend. Sounds wonderful.

We seem to have a stray cat in the area, he doesn't have a collar and, from a distance, looks a bit ragged. Ploppy says he's a bit of a bully with the other cats in the area but maybe he's just testing the waters or maybe something has happened to him, so I'm trying to coax him to come and talk to me so that I can see if he really does look like a stray and make sure he's okay. I hope he's more friendly with humans than he is with cats or I could end up regretting this!

Hello all, I have sort off been following events on the blog, good to hear you had a good Birthday Maeve.
I haven't been on the blog because I have felt very down lately I suppose because it all seems so final, and because of the In Laws attitude, I still can't believe the state of the house when we arrived back after the Funeral, BUT today we have had good news we have accepted an offer on the house £13000 below the asking price though but at least we both can move forward it seems awful to say but I don't ever want to see Bi L ans SiL again.
Lots of things I want to say not least of all how well Ann seems to be cooping Carol one helluv a Lady.
Lots of ooohhhmmms to those in need hopefully when all is settled in Sussex I might get on here a bit more, but we still have the house to clear out.
Love to all

Evening all.
Martin has put the photos from yesterday into the miscellanious album. Thank you, Martin.

KK,- My Shirley aquired her cat, Babe, like that! She was a stray, and first started to eat from the food Shirley put out for the resident fox every day. Shirley's husband told her not to do it, but Shirley had the softest of hearts and continued to feed the cat. When Shirley died, it was the cat who had ruled the roost (sounds familiar, Jo?) for about 6 years. One of Shirley's step sons took the cat in, and she now lives in Kent.

Maeve,- welcome home. I'm not surprised you've had a wonderful time in E'burgh. It's the lovliest of cities.

And no, I still can't remember who I was supposed to phone today.

Oh Jill, you posted while I was typing. I can understand the trauma you and Ploppy have been going through with sorting out the estate after your m-i-l. At least now you can draw a line under it, even if you had to accept a low offer. Have a day or two with Toby and Maya, and I'm sure everything will look better.

Jill - it's lovely to see you but so sorry that you've been feeling down. I hope things settle down for you and that you start to feel better soon (I think Eva's idea is an excellent one and will help you a lot). Lots of love to you.

Eva - aw, that was lovely of Shirley. If it is a stray, I wouldn't mind if it adopted us! I know cats are quite self sufficient but they should have a good home to go to at the end of the day! I always wanted two cats, and after our first one died, we got two from the same litter but when one of them died, aged just seven months, I thought it wasn't to be. I keep telling Ploppy I'd like to get another but I'm not sure how our cat will take to another one, although she is very placid and friendly.

Ploppy called home earlier, before I'd put the ir*ning away, took one look at it and turned round, as if to go back out, and said "Oops, sorry, wrong house"!! Cheeky moo!

He's just come back from a funeral, one of his friends from the golf club who had a heart attack and died instantly, on the 17th hole. Apparently it happens a lot on golf courses! Not sure I like that thought, although, I suppose it means they go doing something they love!!

Oh KK,- your Ploppy does make me laugh! Did you hit him over the head with the i**n?

Naughty BBBT
I think, that going on the golf course, if you like the game of course, would be a good way to go.
Jill what a difficult time for you. I hope you can definitely put it behind you. You need a day like Jan had, see end of post 9th Apr 3.59pm.

KK love the 'wrong house' bit. Not unlike felf getting her camera out when I was cleaning windows.

I was really late home from w*rk. I opened the door very slowly checking out the carpet for foreign bodies, all clear!! I did ask the team who required my services from 6-7pm if they all had washing machines at home, but not needed.

@@@ is back from his hols tomorrow.

I've just realised I've had the radio on since I got home, I seem to be listening to football game!!

Jo,- did felf send the photo to the local paper? It must have been a sensation!
You listening to football? ? ? ? ? Are you feeling well?
So it'll be all fun and laughter at work tomorrow then? Poor you.

No Eva, at that time felf didn't know how to get the photos off the camera!! (not sure if she does now)
I've just spent 30mins catching a mouse in TK's coliseum (the bathroom). Safely delivered outside.
Nightlee night

Morning all - oh Jill sorry to hear you have been having such a tough time of it. Think Eva's suggestion should help put things back on an even keel. KK I am getting very worried about your leap into domxsticity! I quite agree about the ixxning I have to say. I have a similar problem (as MM will say) in too much crammed into the wardrobe so need to press things before I put them on. In fact yesterday I spent some time sorting through again to throw away more things to accommodate some of the new tops I had bought over the past few weeks........ MM has started instigating a policy of "one in, one out"....well bless him, he thinks he has! Eva the photos are lovely! Loved young IJ with his secret weapon! Maeve so glad you had a lovely time (knew you would) - you didn't do the Whxsky Musxum then? Funnily enough I was talking on the phone to an old friend (our best man) yesterday and he said they were off to Ed'burgh (he's never been) for four days. Today Twin is coming over and we are trying D Mxlls again with another of my friends and then we (my Cxpcakers and MM) are off to C Crxss this evening to see A Txle of Txo Cxties.....which will have Anthony from ADWD as Chxrles D. I am taking lots of tissues!! Just depositing ooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmsss for all those that need them, and including Jo who has @@@ back - hopefully the break might have mellowed him? No I guess not. Bright and dry at the moment but we had a couple of very heavy showers yesterday....including one when we were at rehearsals last night - terrific noise on the roof of the Scoxt Hut! Hello BHB, yes still not nice enough to go back out onto the verandah I am afraid. Let's take the Raspberry Bellini and the cinnamon buns and snuffle under the pink blanket in front of the fire until the DCM arrives.

Morning all - oh Jill sorry to hear you have been having such a tough time of it. Think Eva's suggestion should help put things back on an even keel. KK I am getting very worried about your leap into domxsticity! I quite agree about the ixxning I have to say. I have a similar problem (as MM will say) in too much crammed into the wardrobe so need to press things before I put them on. In fact yesterday I spent some time sorting through again to throw away more things to accommodate some of the new tops I had bought over the past few weeks........ MM has started instigating a policy of "one in, one out"....well bless him, he thinks he has! Eva the photos are lovely! Loved young IJ with his secret weapon! Maeve so glad you had a lovely time (knew you would) - you didn't do the Whxsky Musxum then? Funnily enough I was talking on the phone to an old friend (our best man) yesterday and he said they were off to Ed'burgh (he's never been) for four days. Today Twin is coming over and we are trying D Mxlls again with another of my friends and then we (my Cxpcakers and MM) are off to C Crxss this evening to see A Txle of Txo Cxties.....which will have Anthony from ADWD as Chxrles D. I am taking lots of tissues!! Just depositing ooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmsss for all those that need them, and including Jo who has @@@ back - hopefully the break might have mellowed him? No I guess not. Bright and dry at the moment but we had a couple of very heavy showers yesterday....including one when we were at rehearsals last night - terrific noise on the roof of the Scoxt Hut! Hello BHB, yes still not nice enough to go back out onto the verandah I am afraid. Let's take the Raspberry Bellini and the cinnamon buns and snuffle under the pink blanket in front of the fire until the DCM arrives.

...ooh I have a stutter!! Just zipped back to say I have emailed Martin three photos from the Northern Lights trip, so they will be on the album some time this week I suspect.

Morning all, nice and sunny here as well...at the moment! Not liking the sound of heavy showers with possible thunder later. As Twin says I am off back there today and we are all set for a good weep later. Will be good to see how Anthony is doing. Then tomorrow Spxmxlot again. Honestly, fancy us going to see a show more than once, who would do a thing like that?

Jill lovely to see you again. So sorry things are rough, but hang in there. I think you are seeing light again and it will soon be done with. Then hopefully you can get on with life. Agree with the others about the therapy.

Great pictures Eva. Bless, so cute! The children look cute too!

Morning BHB, yes I know I'm a gad about! Off again,but I should be back tomorrow I think, well plan A! Let's get more Raspberry Bellini and find the CM

Before I go, Ro has added a new little article with the GO to the Timeline.

http://leemead-timeline.co.uk/files/press/now16apr12.html

Morning all. It's a day with a little bit of this and a little bit of that kind of weather. Some showers and some sunshine. It's very windy, so not a nice day to be out.

Hello sweetheart. Can I sit on the sofa with you and have a little rest? You've brought the royal blue blanket, a mug of camomile tea and yourself? That will help no end, as I had a very bad night with only a couple of hours' sleep. I had to get up at my usual time as today I had promised mother to do the weekly shop with her. It's usually done on the Thursday, but tomorrow is my board meeting with the coffee morning afterwards, so I had to do the shopping today.
I'm half asleep now, but will try to keep awake until it's time for my Eva.

Twins,- glad you enjoyed the photos. Viljat loves dressing up, so maybe he'll be an actor when he grows up?
Enjoy the show tonight. You can report back how Anthony is doing tomorrow. It will be nice to have the latest news about him.

Pauline and Ro,- thanks for the link and the interview. The shepherds pie looks easy to make, so I printed out his recipe.

Btw. I see Lee is using beef mince. I thought lamb mince was used in a SP and beef mince in a cottage pie.

Hello all!

I'm back after my weekend tournementing. Actually I was back Monday night but have not had any time to check the blog because I had to sort out our gear. EVERTHING got wet! The rain came down constantly on Monday and everything was soggy. Still the audience stayed to see us perform, so perform we did. We pride ourselves on never allowing our shows to be rained-off (unless there really is no audience).

Despite the weather we had an excellent show. The knights should be proud of themselves - especially my friend Sal who fought for the first time.

I've not caught up on the blog much - I've tried to peice things together from the last few posts.

Firstly a BIG thank you to Sue for texting me about Geri's e-mails, and thanks to Maggie for telling us about them. I've spoken to Geri, and that account has now been closed. It wasn't her usual one. Unfortunally she's lost info she needs. I'm sure a few OOHHMS that she can get the info back will be appreciated.

I must say we have some lovely careing loppies - Pauline with your neighbour, KK with the cat, Jo with the mouse.

Carol - Ann strikes me as a really lovely lady, and so brave.

Jill - I'm sorry to hear about your traumatic time. Very pleased to see you on the blog though. Do come and rant to us if you need to.

OK KK - what's this about mud?

Oh I love Sp*malot too - I hope you enjoy Carol and Pauline!

Chantale - well done to Nick!

Ro and Pauline - thank you for the link!

Eva - yes, it's lamb for an SP. Though Ploppy always calls his CP SP too. Thanks for the piccies - though I can'r see them at work.

So have the baboons given Diana her patio furniture back?

Hello. Haven’t caught up with last day or two and probably won’t have time now as we’re off out to dinner soon but hope everyone had a good Easter. Going to a newish casual restaurant in the hotel which is supposed to be good. Only a few mins walk along the road which will make a change from the usual 10 mins + drive into town.

No, Jane, they haven't. But the loungers & table are due to be delivered tomorrow afternoon (they’d better be or else).

Saw the baboons again over the weekend - two came onto our veranda. We were both inside with the door closed this time. So much for the plastic snake scaring them away – they walked straight past it.

The weather’s been nice again today after a fairly miserable weekend with lots of rain, wind and it’s been quite cool. We only have a gas fire in the living area, and rarely turn it on, so it can get quite chilly in the evening. Ploppy had 3 layers on while I have a throw I wrap round me on cool evenings which I also use instead of a duvet on hot nights.

I must get an early night tonight. Sunday we were up till about 1.30 am watching the Masters golf and then last night I was reading till 3.45 am! It’s so nice to be able to do that without the thought of having to get up for work.

I probably won’t be around over the weekend/early next week as we’ll be packing up Sun/Mon and have to leave here very early Tuesday, so enjoy your holidays, Sue and Carol, and hope the weather improves.

The SR home sounds very special.

That’s brilliant news, Chantale. Well done to Nicholas.

Afternoon. It looks as if we missed the rain here as we were up in the city. Middle scollop had an appointment with the orthodontist (he's got to have braces fitted) today was x-rays, next time will be moulds of his teeth then finally he gets the braces. If we don't get started now while it's free then I would have to pay £1800+!!!!
Scollops bought some books and T-shirts and Ploppy treated my sloppy to a walking pole for our holiday in the lakes.
KK I hope you mange to tempt the stray and your cat takes to it. We have successfully introduced a new cat into the family twice now. A bit of hissing to let the new cat know who's boss then they settled down.
Jill, best of luck with the house sale.
Jane, glad the tournament went well in spite of the rain. Good luck drying the gear out!
Got a meeting later so better get the stuff sorted.

Evening all

I've been w*rking at home today and was supposed to be just doing a specific task and not be contacted by w*rk but there was a crisis going on at w*rk so they did contact me and I've had to spend time sorting that out as well as doing what I was intending to do. So what should have been a few hours turned into nine!! Not bad to say that I'm officially supposed to be on holiday! Anyway, I'm not working tomorrow and then I just have a couple of hours to do on Friday morning and then it's lunch with Lady J, so at least that's something to look forward to!

Carol - don't worry, when I'm back at w*rk (officially) I will revert to my usual non-domestic self!!

Thanks for the link Pauline. SP and a glass of Merlot - yum!

Jane - glad you had a good weekend. See you on Friday!

Diana - enjoy the rest of your holiday. And steer clear of those pesky baboons!

No sign of the stray today but then again I have been rather pre-occupied so might have missed him!

Good evening. Cat who was staying over the hols has gone home and MrS has delivered. Busy busy.
Poor KK w*rking at home is meant to remove the distractions, doesn't seem to be the case with your w*rk.
Fancy Twins, going more than once to a show. I find that really odd;)
Diana, I expect the baboons thought the plastic snake was a toy you left for them as you liked them visiting.
Jane, glad the audience stayed in the rain to see you.
@@@ is trying a different tack with me, in order to get me on side, trying to let me know 'he was told to do various things'. Which I knew anyway. But I also know he was told about what was going to happen when he took the job.

Eva, one horned Viking? Poor thing was he a victim of poachers?

Jo,- I think his uncle (the nerd) once used it abroad during a football match, and some pesky foreigners took off with the other horn. You can call them poachers,- it's almost too kind a description.

If @@@ is turning another leaf, maybe he'll be nice to you.

I'm falling asleep on my feet, so I think I can hear my bed calling.
Nothing exciting on the telly,- just a stooooooopid arty program about a performance artist. What tosch!