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Post by brightspark on Jan 24, 2021 20:43:18 GMT
Tina, that is interesting - I was soooo tired yesterday afternoon, and today too, struggling to stay awake. Eventually, and after lunch, I sat in the armchair and fell asleep fairly quickly and was asleep for almost an hour. A headache started yesterday too, and today I have been taking painkillers every four hours. OH admitted this evening that he is also struggling with tiredness and muscle aches, though no headache. I think I shall have an early night too. Stay safe and well, Tina, x
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Post by ambersparkle on Jan 25, 2021 10:00:52 GMT
Morning Girls, another lovely Morning but very cold, so it will be another Crafting Day, as have Soup made, plenty of Cake, and likely to be more, as Daughter, has a couple of Days off, and that is how she unwinds, baking. Have got plenty of Dinners in the Freezer, but Daughter bought me, some really beautiful Potatoes, just the right Size, not a blemish on them, to be made into Baked Potato Halves, with a filling, they are just the Ticket for a quick Meal, on their own, or with a bit of Salad. Don't know why, but was thinking back to my Days in Egypt, and thought must tell the Girls, that I have seen a Mirage, really. On the way to Ismalia, from Fayid, to visit my Boyfriend, looked to my left, and there was this perfect Arab Village, where I knew there was none, on previous Visits, there was only Desert for Miles. Don't remember the Explanation, but the Sun sort of takes a Picture, and shines it down somewhere else. Will tell you about my Egyptian who offered my Father twenty Dinars, and two Camels, for my Hand in Marriage, true, not kidding, not a bad Price, considering, but that will be in my next Story!
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Post by Aly on Jan 25, 2021 11:45:08 GMT
Morning You have had a very interesting life Tina. Imagine how different it would have been if your father had accepted the offer. A morning of phone calls. Sorted out P’s COVID test for next Monday early an hour away. Also found a company to unblock the kitchen sink who will come next Monday afternoon. Hope it is not too expensive. Went through P’s diet sheet which kicks in on Friday to work out what he can have. Doesn’t look too bad. Arranged to pick up a table being given away that will do for cutting out until my sewing area is done properly. Managed to finish the dungaree dress apart from shortening the straps. Ordered some more fabric from my Irish lady. A pale rose stretch fabric with a tiny gold fleck in it. Another dress to make. Am going to sort out my wardrobe again and get rid of stuff I rarely wear then work out what is needed I can make. It is very likely we will go into a full lockdown this coming weekend so good to have some projects in mind. Another chicken laid her first egg this morning, a small one. So will now have two eggs each day. Cold start but blue sky and sunshine now. Trees have buds on them which makes me happy. Spring is just around the corner.
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Post by irist on Jan 25, 2021 15:25:21 GMT
Afternoon ladies. We too have sun but it's still quite cold. Spent the morning indoors pottering and doing odd jobs while allowing the sun to do its best. After lunch OH and I have been outside, well wrapped up against the cold. He disappeared into his shed to tidy up the tools he had left all over the place and I have turned our 4 plastic "Dalek" type compost bins. Unfortunately the contents had become very wet so have not broken down very well. At least they have now been turned top to bottom from one to the next. The last one did have enough useable compost for me to add to the beds in OH's greenhouse. I've looked in the large wooden compost bin that OH made from 3 old doors. The contents have rotted down much better, probably because the bin has a lid made from insulated roofing sheets (those that had to be replaced on our conservatory when the cowl flew off the main house roof in a gale some years ago and damaged them). Think may be it warms up better and holds the heat. I also turned one bay in it into the second one last year. We may need to move the Daleks where they get more sun during the day to speed up the rotting process.
The woodburner chap is due to arrive this afternoon to look at the fireplace and chimney in order for us to get a quote for installing the new fire. At least it's safe for him to go up the ladder today as there is almost no breeze - a rare occurrence here!
Was your father in the services in Egypt, Tina? Like Aly said, you have had a really interesting life. My father was in the Navy in Sri Lanka in WW2 but my Mum never left the UK in her life. My first trip abroad was at the age of 16 when I went on a school exchange visit to the outskirts of Bordeaux. The family I stayed with owned a hotel and attached bakery in a village amongst the vineyards. The whole point of the exchange was to go to school with your partner but the family was Catholic, I was not so the nuns would not have me at the (boarding) convent. I spent 2 of the 4 weeks at the hotel where no-one spoke English so it was really good for me as I had to speak French. The second 2 weeks my partner was on Easter holiday but she rarely spoke to me and grudgingly took me to some of the local events where she would disappear and meet up with her mainly boyfriends! Her younger sister was sweet and was happy to chat with me. The parents were busy in the hotel dealing with several live-in guests and the bakery. The father did all the baking and cooking and the mother did everything else. I'll never forget I wandered into the kitchen on one occasion only to be quickly ushered out as Monsieur was chasing a rat. I'm still alive to tell the tale! When my partner came to stay with me she did a disappearing act again one day. She met up with a contingent of French boys from her home area who had come over to Bristol at the same time. When she eventually returned later in the day she well understood from my father (who spoke no French) that she had overstepped the mark and behaved herself from then on. She did have to come to school with me which she did not enjoy and was very sullen most of the time. An exchange trip which I will never forget.
I've rambled enough. Off to make our afternoon cuppa and sort out tonight's meal.
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Post by ambersparkle on Jan 25, 2021 18:39:48 GMT
I was in the Services in Egypt, Iris, Inever became a Nanny. I joined the WAAFS, and after serving in the UK for six Months, I was sent to Egypt. After a Year, out of my two and a half Year Tour, I was sent to Iraq. But that's another Story, lol! Made my Potato Halves, and filled them all with a Cheesy Mix, had One for Tea, it was delish. Also put my first Seeds in, the Sweet Peas that I had soaking. Am getting on well with my Card Making Total, I have so many Family Cards this Time of Year, before I can take any Orders, but it is also important to make Funds for the Causes I support.Going to make some Puds for the Freezer tomorrow, have got Raspberries, Gooseberries, and Rhubarb, still to use up in the Freezer. Nothing to watch on the Television, so probably have another early Night. You will be glad when all the Work is finished, Iris. Bye the noo.x
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Post by ambersparkle on Jan 26, 2021 11:08:51 GMT
Morning Lasses, what a change from yesterday, dreich, and 'orrible Outside, melting Snow, but still cold, but a different sort of Cold, a wet Cold, if that makes sense. Was going to make Sponge Puddings, but found that I have no Margarine, and don't think Butter makes them light enough, and anyway, my Asthma is playing up, so it behoves me to sit about a bit today. Got my Delivery from Hobbycraft, three big, Human sized Sun Hats to Decorate, one each for three of us, my Friend, my Daughter, and myself. The cutest little Chicks, and Bunnies. Got a couple of the smallest Frames, not really a Fan of them, but just to play around with .Am late up, so must get a move on, be back later, have a good Day. love Tina x
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Post by Aly on Jan 26, 2021 11:35:11 GMT
Morning Up and out fairly early. Found some great buttons in my favorite shop. The one eyed monster from monsters inc which grandson will love. Realized I had made an error in putting together the jacket so unpicked it all, including the button bands. Just as well I have plenty of the wool. Now correct and I am knitting the collar. Will get it finished today. Our little village only has a church and the mairie but the bigger village nearby we come under has turned up trumps. Had not really explored it before but found a butcher, baker, mini market, pharmacy, small post office and a hair dresser. There is also a pizza place I already knew about having visited it when it was open. Hope it survives as I rather like it. Good to have so much on our doorstep although it is too far to walk. Another egg this morning when I let the girls out . They all came straight out and had breakfast. They seem very happy with their new home. Have friends coming for a cuppa this afternoon, making the most of it before the next lockdown starts. Picked up the table friends gave us yesterday and it is perfect for cutting out. No more scrambling about on the floor. A quiet knitting day to finish my latest project and get it posted tomorrow. Tomorrow afternoon I hope the mobile mechanic is coming back to fit the new shock absorbers on the car. Still waiting for the meadow blanket kit. The crochet along will be finished at this rate as it is February next week. A lovely feeling that another January is behind us almost. A few flurries of snow but nothing serious. Have a good day all
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Post by ambersparkle on Jan 26, 2021 14:50:04 GMT
You are sounding very upbeat Aly, which is lovely, and another Egg, good Stuff. Very helpful that there is a nice little Village nearby, with all your Amenities. What do you feed your Hens on? Can't really concentrate today, as have a permanent Headache, hardly anything for the first two Days, and today, not so good. Daughter, sent up Quiche, which looks lovely, have some nice Asparagus, just got to do a bit of Mash, so away to prepare before the Mood goes off me.
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Post by brightspark on Jan 26, 2021 18:35:31 GMT
Hello ladies, My sewing machine has had a 'moment', and I think we may have to send it off as it is still under warranty. A real pain, as I wanted to get grandson's bolster pillow finished to be able to send to him. Today I worked some more on the felt food for two littlies, 4 and 2 years old. A bit of fun, but it's the pillow that I must get on with.
Tina, how long ago did you have the vaccination? My headache seemed to go on for a couple of days, and fatigue. However, the runny nose has been annoying. Ha, then I found out today that the Astra Zeneca vaccine has an adenovirus as its base. (A chimp adenovirus at that!!) So it really is not surprising that these symptoms have appeared.
Iris, four Daleks ? ... that's a lot of composting! Good luck with your new fire, whichever one you choose.
Aly, good news with the chickens, you do sound happier now. Yes, a nice large table - perfect for cutting out fabrics. That's something I miss about our quilting group - they have plenty of large laminated tables, and, with a large quilt, several are put together to enable the whole quilt to lay flat. I end up laying out my quilts on the floor at the moment. We have a pizza place in our neighbouring village in France, but only ordered. When our family wanted pizzas, they went from place to place and all of them said only pizzas that are ordered. So different to the UK - I hadn't heard of that system before! We're so used to 'popping out for a pizza' or a take-away of some sort. Hope you're okay, Jan.
Have a good evening, x
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Post by irist on Jan 26, 2021 18:50:37 GMT
Evening ladies. It's been a miserable day here - damp and dreary. So indoor jobs once again. Two chaps arrived at 4.30pm yesterday to look at our fireplace. One went up on the roof and inspected the chimney from above. The upshot was they ended up removing the old chimney liner, took the cowl off and covered the pot to stop any more draughts and rain coming in. We are now waiting for the boss to ring with a date when the new stove will be fitted. Things are coming together. This morning I repainted the hearth as the chaps yesterday chipped the first coat I had put on whilst removing the heavy liner. I was intending to put the primer/undercoat on the new pipes today but daughter told me that the supermarket we usually use is like a ghost town between 10 and 11am. So I cancelled my click and collect from the supermarket 12 miles away and used the one 5 miles away. It was deserted so I could fly around and get out very easily. Job done. Nothing like choosing your own veg and fruit and picking up items you had missed from your shopping list.
Sorry you are not feeling so good today, Tina. Hope the headache soon clears.
It's a shame the next lock down will prevent you from exploring your new surroundings, Aly. It's good to know you have more facilities in the next village though.
Hope you are OK, Val, and not suffering the after effects of your Covid jab.
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Post by Aly on Jan 27, 2021 9:41:29 GMT
Morning Another early start as builder came at 9am. Not sure which option to take so will wait for quotes to come in. The important thing is to have a cat flap. Foggy and damp today. Chickens came out as soon as I opened the door this morning. Now using the feeder happily. One laid a soft shelled egg yesterday so have ordered some oyster shell grit. This will provide the calcium and roughage needed to correct the egg shell. Never had this before. The eggs still have pale yolks but again as they eat more of the maize that will change to deep yellow. Finished grandsons jacket, which I am very happy with. The monster buttons look great. Wrote him a little note and it is now ready for posting. Will call the mechanic at lunch time to see if he is coming. If it is to be tomorrow we are thinking of doing a trip to IKEA in Rennes. We want some book cases and half a dozen plain white side plates. Our lockdown might start at the weekend so it needs to be done this week. Getting on with a crochet blanket I started ages ago. About a third of the way through. Still waiting for the meadow blanket. Very slowly getting this house sorted. It was a good idea to wait before making decisions of what to change.
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Post by ambersparkle on Jan 27, 2021 9:44:26 GMT
Morning Girls, very dull this Morning, and the Sky is heavy with Snow. Going to make a Pot of Soup, and maybe a Lemming Drizzle Cake. Then can get back to Crafting, have got a Teddy Pad coming Today, looking forward to playing around with that. Will also bring my Convent Story to a close, time to move on, but don't worry, will be the Story of my Forces Years, unless you feel you have had enough. Can't think of anything else, so be back later. I was vaccinated on Saturday, Val, seem to be without the Headache, this Morning. Have a good Day all. be back later.
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Post by ambersparkle on Jan 27, 2021 9:48:44 GMT
HIYA ALY! SEE YOU ARE ONLINE, waves enthusiastically!
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Post by irist on Jan 27, 2021 14:54:57 GMT
Afternoon ladies. Damp and chilly here again. No sign of any respite in the forecast either Have pottered this morning. I've got a full slow cooker full of bolognese sauce bubbling away. We will have spag bol tonight and I'll portion the rest up for freezing. I've primed the new pipework at last so the house is smelling awful again but it will soon pass. Too chilly to open windows at present. I must be bored again as I've been scrubbing the grouting in the conservatory. It gets mouldy so have to give it a good clean every so often. I'd like to do some knitting but daughter has temporarily borrowed the needles I need. She's knitting a jumper for her granddaughter. She's just been head hunted for an accountancy job which is only a 10 minute drive from home. She's just waiting for a call from the Finance Director of the company to talk over Ts and Cs etc before considering whether to take the job. Grandson has just had to have his car repaired. The fan belt was squealing - a new belt didn't cure the problem so he had to have a new tensioner fitted. He's savvy with his money so was able to pay for the repair from earnings from his part time job. Have had to call a plumber to fix a leaky pipe under the sink in the utility room. I put my hand into the unit below the sink and felt water on the shelf. Think it must have been dripping slowly for a while as the veneer on the shelf has started to lift slightly. I have been wrapping a duster around the source of the water (near a joint in the pipe) and changing it regularly. OH would normally have repaired the leak but is not able to do so now. It makes him feel useless but age and infirmity creep up on us all unfortunately. The plumber who is coming to sort the leak will also look at our bathroom with a view to quoting for the installation of a walk in shower. Unfortunately the plumber who put in the heat pump has not got back to me with a price for doing the job. This morning I've had the quote for the installation of the new fire which I've accepted. Start date - 4th Feb. It's more than I had hoped but in order to comply with new regulations certain modifications have to be made so that a certificate of compliance can be issued by the installer. That's progress Have fun with all your crafting. Bye for now.
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Post by Aly on Jan 27, 2021 16:21:10 GMT
We currently have the mobile mechanic changing the shock absorbers in the rain. Worth every penny. Or even centime. Ended up going to Caen IKEA as had to be back for the mechanic. We know the way there. Planned to have lunch there forgetting that restaurants are closed. Lots of social distancing measures in place which brought things home to me. All the time we stay at home and only venture out to small local shops we can almost ignore what is going on. The news brings things back into sharp focus. We now have three billy bookcases to go along the lounge wall. Had to go with the almost black as they only had that or white which we did not want. Hope to get those up tomorrow then we can house all the books and get several boxes dealt with. Cut out another dress this morning which I hope to get on with tomorrow. The builder has agreed to do the job and will quote for a complete full sized door and a smaller door with a cat flap. A full sized door means putting in a bigger lintel which we would rather do if it is within our budget. Lots to think about just now.
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