General Chat

Bridget, if you are interested I have reviewed John Grishom's The Last Juror on the last Greaders review thread.

Thank you Ann I will have a look tomorrow morning, have just come home from Quiz night.

23.55 hrs Spain

Bridget, I have never been to a Blessing and I must say it sounds really, really lovely. I love the choice of Hymns, wonderful memories for you all.

We are taking a friend out to lunch to-day, it was his birthday a couple of weeks ago but as he had visitors from America at the time we were unable to arrange the lunch then.

My friends are back from their visit to Australia, by all accounts they had a fabulous time although they had quite a lot of rain while they were.



Val.

8.06a.m.

Morning all

Just adjusting to wearing new glasses, gosh is everything much clearer now !!

amazing what going up one prescription can do !!
Weather better today, bought some carrot seeds so will be trying out the trough idea tommorrow

Good evening everyone.
Ann I have acknowledged and read your review and added one myself! Thank you for reading it for me.
Val, I willsend you a personal message about Blessing ceremonies, I hope that you all had an enjoyable time.

Greenfingers, I also need to have an eye test and new specs...they are so expensive so I hope to be able to use my existing frames, one pair I have hardly ever used.

This morning a lady and her daughter who I met last night at the quiz night came along for coffee and brought some homemade biscuits, which I thought was a charming gesture. We got along so easily that they stayed for three hours and we never stopped chatting...on Monday, weather permitting we are going to have a BBQ and they are coming along.

I was reading some items about Ireland this afternoon and of course we are full of such fun!!! Did you all know that a large part of the worlds population believe that tomorrow is Dooms Day! I found it quite interesting.

However I am still planning what to cook tomorrow and to write emails to all those I promised to write to when in the UK.

Well that is about all my news for now, so look after yourselves and tthose close to you.

19.55hrs Spain

We get out glasses at Tescos, it was cheaper to have new frames BOGOF's then have my old ones re-glazed ! I also had both pairs photochronic so that they change colour when its sunny. Worth thinking about when you come home again for any time..

Been out in the garden again, it was lovely.. When I lived in Scotland it was the custom where I was to take a cake or some such, so how nice that you got biscuits.

1.55pm Norfolk

Have been reading about all the planting you have been doing with interest.

I am a "new" gardener or perhaps more correctly "a gardener to be"
Have only recently sorted my back garden, (I have been in the house for over twenty years) Previously I have just had the weeds cut down every now and then. But remember - "one man's weed is another man'swild flower" So my back garden was full of wild flowers where the fairies lived!

Anyway because of, no time, no energy, no tools or equipment, no shed and no money I have just never got round to sorting it out.

Then ill health reared it's ugly head. That set me back in all sorts of ways.

Now I have got a shed, a lawn mower, a lawn and a washing line. As well as a few tools.

The garden is now enclosed, so I feel more inclined to put out pots etc. in the knowledge that if someone wants to steal anything, they have to climb over the fence.

I need to but a long handled shears. So that I can cut the edges of the lawn.
Will possibly dig up little areas, e.g. close to the shed, so that I can plant something.
Have put a bamboo plant outside. It is still in a pot, but if it seems to grow ok where I have put it, I will be planting it in the ground. (To hide the wall of next doors extention.

It will be a matter of taking it very easy, so as not to over tire myself.
But now I will be looking at plants etc and checking out gardening books.

Have been able to sit in the garden today to lap up the sun (I have a paved area by the house).
Have also dried washing today and yesterday on the washing line. It just smells and looks a lot better, when it is dried outside.

Bridget, The Blessing sounds really special. it felt moving just reading your words, so it must have been 100 times more so if you were there and actually knew the people involved.

Will be having my hair done (at the usual college) on Monday. So will be back to report on the outcome afterwards.

All for now,
hope that everyone is well,
Tess 22.50 UK time

Not a lot for me to report - how can I when I don't go out much? I'm happy being a stay-at-home. In fact, I would like to sell my car and stop my license (had it for 50 years) but worry about keeping appointments with docs, chemist, etc. My family say "we'll take you, Mum" but they all seem to be constantly occupied and I'm sure I would need transport just when they can't make it. It's something I will have to put more thinking into.

Ann - I wasn't sure if I would like 'Water for Elephants' myself - but have thoroughly enjoyed it. Circus dramas in the prohibition/depression years and I loved the up-to-date chapters about the old people's home. I don't know if I want to see the film - Hollywood so often makes a mess of the story taken from a book.

Our temperatures were coming down slowly, ready for the start of Winter next week, but this week they've gone back up again and we've had some beautiful days up to 23C - unusual for us in Sydney, although the snowfields further south have caused the tourists to flock there earlier than usual. The weather is all upside down!

Good morning to you all.
Well retirement is certainly suiting me very well, I was afraid that I would be bored, however now I wonder how I had the time to to work!

For example, yesterday we thought we would have a quiet day, with each of us having a few things to do around the house. Fortunately I had just finished the upstairs tidying etc, this is our main living area, when the door buzzer went of and I let in a husband and wife we net here some years ago and have become good friends. They spend 50% of the year here and the remainder near Bath in the UK.
They said it was a quick visit and they would not be able to stay for very long.
3 hours latter they left, having had several coffees and home made biscuits
brought by the lady the day before, and the chaps had a couple of beers. We have arranged to join a small club they belong to and will be going on a couple of trips somewhere, place still to be agreed and next week we shall
be playing boules with the group.
As they were living another couple arrived! we have been friends with this pair almost since the day we first arrived seven years ago. More coffe and then Wine...... I buy the Good house keeping mag whenever I can and my friend had brought back the most recent one I had.

Another couple of hrs passed by, the temp was going up and up and eventually we dipped our toes in the pool!! First time this year. Just as they were leaving I heard myself say, " do you fancy coming to lunch tomorrow" and they replied " yes please" .

OH then asked me, so what have we got for lunch.......thankfully I found a lovely piece of lamb in the freezer...we are using all our food so we can leave the freezer and fridge open whilst away in UK for the other wedding, and








then start again.



It is a glorious day here, it is peaceful and I can hear the birds singing the sun is shining and the sea is really a fantastic blue. Everywhere feels so calm..Jet and Joe have been for a walk with OH, and are now looking out of the balcony, oh is downstairs in the study and I am sitting writing this and looking across to the castle. Right now all is well with my world, the church bells have just started the peals....I so enjoy listening to the ringing of bells.








So I take this opportunity to once more to thank you all in helping me over the last 9 months, your kind thoughts, you genuine interest in helping my and your good advice will always be treasured, I feel a bond even though we have never met.....

Enjoy your day,
You are all in my positive thoughts and quiet time.....and I am so delighted to be back to enjoying and laughing, who knows what might have happened without such support from family and distant friends.


09.17hrs Spain :-) <3

Cloudy to-day but warm. Lots of weavers twittering around the bird-feexder to-day, yesterday I gave the bird bath a face-lift, looks rather good now.

I am a bit like that myself Berona, don't go out a lot but don't mind bein g at home, there is always something to do and then of course there is the computer! My Sunday paper was not delivered to-day so no crosswords, I have it delivered because taking out an annual subscription means the paper costs about half of what it does if bought at the supermarket.

Bridget, it is so good to hear that you are back to your old self and enjoying life. You do seem to lead a busy life.

I thought it was only here that pot plants are taken by those who help themselves!

Take care.

Val.

14.03.

Quiet day also today, joined friends reunited last week and am in touch with someone i went to primary and secondary school with she now lives in British Columbia, sadly lost her husband in 2007. its been really nice to be in touch with her. But I still cherish all my friends here and those that have supported me through good and bad times... like Spanish Eyes I feel blessed in that way.

Isn't it lovely to get surprise visits tho

Regards all

Jan

5.33 pm Norfolk UK

I have just had some wonderful news and I simply had o share it...
My eldest Grandson will be 16 soon and on Saturday he received a letter from Oxley College hot far from where jhe lives that he definetly has a place at the College from Septembber. He will be doing a course which is recognised by the armed forces as suitable for entry to the Army Navy or Airforce. He is so excited as he has had quite severe Dyslexia, and at times was bullied by other children, We all persevered about the positive things in his life and then when he changed schools two uears agoo as hi mum was in her words " Feed up with him being bullied" she sent him to another school where within a few weeks he had made great progress. One of the teachers explained that all he needed was a special comp for people with this condition so we gathered enough money and the result is a charming happy polite young man who is now being given the opportunity he deserves. So the next generation looks as if it is going to keep up the family tradition...Sorry if this is a bit twee but I am bowled over just as much as I was when my youngest twin was accepted at Sandhurst.. he and his twin also have dyslexia...

Good night to all of you, I am now going to have a glass of wine to celebrate the good news.

20.34 hrs Spain

Congratulations to your Grandson, I am sure he will do well Bridget

Good morning to you all from sunny Peniscola, Spain. It is a glorious day here, and I sat out on the veranda this morning and watched the sun rise, the sky turning into daylight and the silvery top of the sea slowly disappear as the blue sky developed into a beautiful shade of blue. As most of you know this used to be my regular routine and something I used to write about most mornings. It was this atmosphere which made me start my thread.
Valerie, we have always been involved in the local community in one-way or another, wherever we lived.
I used to be a staunch member of a political party in the UK, was on the school boards when my children were young, I feel very strongly in the Jesuit saying, " give me the child until he is seven, and I will give you the man".
I lead a campaign for preventing a road being built very close to where I lived
In London /Essex boarder and after a year and much hard work the local authority took over and then the new road was built underground leaving the beautiful park, and green areas to be used by future children and there parents,.
However my outings now are purely for pleasure and fun. I agreed to try the outings described but if I find it too much I will know to say "I am not ready yet". I am quite content with my own company however it is delightful when people visit. Hope this makes sense.

Greenfingers how nice it must have been to find your old school friend, .

Tess, well done in sorting out your garden, it can be so relaxing an frustrating as well. Think of the exercise you will get and the pleasure, I am looking forward to hearing more about it.

My cumquats stayed very small, were incredibly sharp and have fallen of the tree...I must have been doing something wrong. All other fruit doing very well, thinking now about a cherry tree but unsure how to care for them or what variety to buy.
Any help or advice will be welcome.

Well time to have breakfast so bye bye for now

08.31hrs Spain

Hi all
Well the weather as Bridget said is beautiful. Yesterday we went to the beach and had our second dip of the year. Oh boy it was still cold but non the less very refreshing. After our swim we have breakfast as I take a flask of coffee and a couple of cereal bars with us. All very pleasant and relaxing. Came back for lunch and to watch Grand Prix - and I promptly fell asleep !!
The afternoon found Paul on computer booking up our trip to UK - this time we are motoring up to France and over on the ferry from Rosscoff to Plymouth - so I am going on a cruise - ha ha !! We hope to break our journey and stay at friends in France first - then our plan is to go to the Midlands and see family and friends - I have yet to tell the grandchildren we are coming - do so hope they will not to away on holiday as we are going mid August. The last few days in UK will be spent in Cornwall with my mom and sister then back on the ferry to France.
Last night we had a bbq and sat outside until bedtime as it was so warm.
Glad to hear the blessing went well Bridget and congratulations to your grandson - you must be so proud.
My mom sees a specialist on June 2nd - the scan showed a partial collapsed lung and gall stones - so we will wait and see what can be done for her. Our youngest son also sees a specialist on June 29th - do hope he and mom will be ok.
Went and voted yesterday in the Spanish elections - so very different from England. All the different parties had leaflets on a table - you pick the one you want to vote for and put in an envelope - no standing in a little cubicle with a pen. Then take it to a table with passport in hand and there must have been 4 different lists for them to check you live in Oliva - one lady could not find my n ame at first so I told her I was therre somewhere !!!
Hope you all have a good day I am off now to do some cleaning.
Love Mary xx

Yes congrats to your grandson.

Good morning all. It is 07.05 here and it was the sound of the fixing boats going out for the days catch that woke me this morning. So now I am sitting on the patio, fresh coffee being sipped slowly and listening to the birds singing. I am sure that there are many different birds this year, there is so many different places for them to sing from that I cannot see them, perhaps I should get my binoculars out, but they do sing with such gusto.

It is always amazing to me that I can see the moon, which is a half moon today, whilst the sun is shining. The for caste is very good so keeping my fingers crossed that we have another good weather day.
Mary we never registered to vote but well done to you to have done so. Where the results in your area what you hoped for?

Isn't life strange sometimes. My grandfather was one of many children and with a surname of Ford it has been well nigh impossible to find his siblings marriages etc. One in particular interested me and suddenly a hot much turned up. I followed it through and lo and behold the person on who's tree he was confirmed the connection and kindly sent my full details of his marriage, children etc on the day he was going on holiday. Last month a sudden hot match came up for a name which included an unusual forenames. Now this name has been on my tree since day one as she was my favourite au tbh marriage. She and my uncle did not have any children. Now she has parents, a former husband ,many children and grandchildren and I have a comp,ete but very sad history. Her serving children are over the moon with having found her, her grandchildren are the same and they hsve sent me so much info I can hardly keep up. I know I have posted something about this a short while ago but new info is coming out almost every day.
Yesterday two more happy events!! A cousin who is in touch with me very very infrequently sent me a very long and moving email and would like to come and visit during the school holidays, and an old school friend who I found on one of the sister sites is going to be in Spain this summer and will only be a couple of hours away and she also wants to visit.

Looks as if I am going to be kept busy.

Yesterday we had to go and buy a new umbrella for our table near the swimming pool. We were very fortunate, we went to the new Brico Deco and bought a lovely big green umbrella which also has tiny lights on the inside which do not use electricity but are solar controlled.....it was 59 euros which we thought was a very good buy. We do need some new garden furniture but we may wait until the season is over this yopear and then buy ready for next year. Wooden furniture dries out here and needs a lot of attention, with oh and I ,both away for a year the furniture was not cared for so has completely dried out and is distorted.....oh well it was seven years old last December so not too bad.

Well that is about all my news, so will pop back later today to see what is happening, meanwhile I hope you all enjoy your day.

07.38 Spain

Goodmorning all,

Cloudy and windy again to-day. hopefully the washing will dry quickly.
The newspaper was delivered at 5.15 a.m this mornig, and it was stil pitich dark outside, quite unusual as it normally comes round about 6.30 a.m.so as I was awake I got up and had some coffee and read the paper

Congratulations to your grandson Bridget.

My contact in Southampton has sent me some information from parish records relating to my gggrandmother's family which is good to have.

I have been trying to buy a mans jersey and would you believenone of the shops have any in stock, we were in Port Elizabeth yesterday and I looked at a few shops there but also no luck. Seems as if I will have to get busy knitting but goodness knows when I will finish a big jersey :-). One of the shops I visited yesterday had clothes up to size 9XL, I didn't realise clothes were available in such large sizes.



Val.

9.19. a.m.

Morning everyone

Its a vey blowy day here in Norfolk, tho the sun is shining !!

Taken up the idea with the carrots, and will hope for good results, planted out cucumbers today and some lettuces. The courgettes are romping must have at least 8 appearing on one of the plants already.

OH has deserted me got called in for a meeting that no one had toldd him about !! Only to do with voluntary work, but he dashed off.

I had just made him a coffee ............oh well

9.55 am Norfolk

It is quite chilly here and at the moment it is raining nicely although I don't think it will last as the sky is quite light.

Having the newspaper so early yesterday to-day it hasn't been delivered yet!

My husband had rather a nasty fall yesterday, came home looking like the walking wounded, he had tripped going up a couple of steps, his forehead and nose are grazed and two fingers badly grazed.. It's where he fell - right in front of the Undertakers! At our age a fall like that gives one quite a shock. He is fine this morning.

I am off later this morning to have a hair cut, can't wait. I always feel so untidy when my hair needs cutting.

Nothing else to ay to-day I'm afraid so will say goodbye for now.



Val.

9.17a.m