Daily life over the garden fence chat.

[Margaret]

A place to share how your day has been. Senior moments or shopping trips, bargains, and so forth.



Today, the rubbish lorry swallowed my wheelie bin! Yes, the whole lot just disappeard into the machinery and couldn't be retrieved. The refuse operator apologized and gave me a number to ring so I can have a replacement.

[rebbonk]

I wonder how long that replacement will take Margaret?

When we had our garden waste bins delivered, they missed us out. We called twice explaining that we hadn't had one delivered... Nothing happened.

Then we found out that one our neighbours had 3! The house numbers in our block run out of sequence and the brains from the council obviously couldn't read the numbers on the doors!

My son had his normal wheelie bin stolen. 12 months later it had still not been replaced. He'd actually moved before a replacement arrived.

Councils... Pah!

[Margaret]

Don't worry, I have ways of making them deliver! :hihi:
They said it should be delivered within ten working days.

[Margaret]

For about 7/8 months after I moved into my present address, I get letters coming for the previous occupier, debt collectors, I got tired of sending the letters back to say that this person is no longer at this address, so I stopped returning them. A few weeks later, a knock on the door asking for this person, I won't give the name, but it sounds like a bogus name I will never forget, I will just say it sounded very Indian. Anyway I had a visit from the debt collector, I answered the door and he asks me If I was this ********* , I was so flippin annoyed and had enough harassment, my feisty Scottish temperament kicked in, I said to him, do I look like *********, like I am so obviously British, how dare he cause me such harassment and invade my privacy by asking me for ID and and a Council Tax form to prove that I am not the person they were looking for. By now my blood was at boiling point, and I told him to go and do his own damn research and check with the Council records, (I am keeping it polite here because I did use some unlady like words). I said, to him, if you ever come to my door again to make sure he brings a policeman with him, Or I shall be the one calling the police! By this time was making his way back to his car and I followed him still giving him hell, he shut his car door , then shut his window on me when I was still in full flow, then I called him an ignorant B*****d.
He said he had been in the job for 25 years and never heard anything like it!
Never saw him again. :hihi:


I don't mind people making enquiries, but this guy had an obnoxious manner. Perhaps they are trained to put the frightners on people, but his tacticts did work with me.
It's not good for my health getting wound up, but I laugh about it now .

[rebbonk]

I once had a letter from a debt collecting agency, and I must say it was very intimidating. I will add that I did not owe anyone money and the company that had sold the debt on were a bunch of shysters and fly by nights who couldn't run a bath, never mind a company. (They are long since out of business).

My brother was a solicitor and I asked him to put pen to paper as I thought it would be better on a solicitor's letterhead. He wrote two sentences and I never heard from them again.

Never got an apology from either party either!

[Margaret]

I once had a letter from a debt collecting agency, and I must say it was very intimidating. I will add that I did not owe anyone money and the company that had sold the debt on were a bunch of shysters and fly by nights who couldn't run a bath, never mind a company. (They are long since out of business).

My brother was a solicitor and I asked him to put pen to paper as I thought it would be better on a solicitor's letterhead. He wrote two sentences and I never heard from them again.

Never got an apology from either party either!




Nice one Rebbonk. It's like tele marketing pests, we start off being polite but they don't get the message unless you hit them with a 2x4, metaphorically speaking of course. :rolleyes:.

[Margaret]

I have set myself a task , I'm practicing one piece on the piano for a whole hour, then the next excercise for an hour before my tutor gets here. Trouble is, I like to keep checking in here intermittently. The interenet can be a terrible distraction, it is amazing how quickly an hour goes. :D

[rebbonk]

Well, insomnia kicked in last night: I've been up since 2.30. Unfortunately, I didn't get much done, because the websites I needed were down for maintenance.

Hope the sites are back up now.:)

[Margaret]

Wow, the Council delivered my new Wheelie Bin this morning! That was nice and quick. :tiphat:

[rebbonk]

Ah, south Warwickshire! Now, had you been in North Warwickshire, perhaps it might have been different?

Warwickshire divide grows say 'experts' (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-24840712)

[Margaret]

Oh I say!
I wouldn't have thought there was a lot of employment in Stratford, most people there I think, are self employed .
Of course, one could always travel out of Nuneaton for work.
I don't know if there is a good public transport system there.

[Lex]

That is bad. this has been discussed many times on WOL, it's good that this has been recognised, our beloved leaders just need to get to work on sorting it out! (I realised while writing this that it sounds like I'm shoving the responsibility on to someone else; maybe it should be all our responsibilities? Discuss, and write a report for your homework ;-) )

[Margaret]

Waiting for our new settee to be delivered, I finally got rid of our old bed settee, it was quite heavy what with all the metal and springs, so I unfolded the bed bit, unscrewed it all and managed to removed it, making the settee lighter and easier to manoeuvre, I managed to upend it to get it out the door, and out fell some money. I'll never buy a bed settee again as they are so cumbersome and awkward to move.
Our new settee is now in place and has transformed the living room, it looks lovely.

[Margaret]

Well here we are, Dec 1st. Advent begins.
I don't think I have ever know such lovely weather for December, today has been beautiful, blue sunny skies, very mild for this time of year.

[Margaret]

I bought a little christmas tree in a pot and now I have planted it out in the garden.
Hopefully it will survive the weather.

[rebbonk]

When we moved in here 20odd years ago, there was a 4ft Christmas tree at the bottom of our garden. The b*gger is now as high as the house, and I'm forever pruning the lower branches off!

[Shizara]

In the 60's my parents purchased their first house and along with the apple tree, grapefruit tree and roses that lined the driveway to the house there was a pot with the top of pineapple in it. It seemed to be perfectly happy as a plant with green spiky leaves but we never saw a pineapple, however, the grapefruit, which was planted within close range of the kitchen window and surrounded by concrete path was a prolific producer of juicy fruit. As for a Christmas tree in the garden, even though with a quarter acre there was room for one no one had ever planted it after Christmas. Every year Dad would take us out, 2 weeks before Christmas to buy a tree and every year it finished up in the incinerator in the back garden. In later years the artificial tree arrived.

[Margaret]

I'll keep an eye on my little one, I don't mind having to to prune it.
Your grapefruit tree sounds very interesting, was that in NZ? I love pink grapefruit.

Radox do pink grapefruit and basil hand wash and shower gel. It smells delicious!

[Shizara]

Yes, the grapefruit tree was in NZ. We also referred to them as a Poorman's Orange tree. As children we would pick them, squeeze the juice and make refreshing drinks. As an adult I also cut them in half, cut segments into the flesh only, put a wee sprinkle of brown sugar and melted the sugar gently in the oven, or alternatively a sprinkle of brown sugar and leave in the fridge over night.. Delicimo.

[rebbonk]

So there we are early last evening, sitting in our local enjoying a pint with a couple of friends.

The landlord's 'lady friend' is absolutely sozzled and making a fool of herself dancing around the almost empty place. Getting no attention, she goes outside. i assume (quite wrongly) for a cigarette.

A few minutes later the young barman goes outside to fetch wood for the fire.

All breaks loose! Barman dashes back in shouting that said lady has thrown herself in the canal and he can't get her out. One of our friends is quite young and fishes her out. The barman calls for an ambulance.

Ten minutes later an ambulance arrives. The crew are great and have a real sense of humour. I think Madness's 'House of fun' was on the jukebox (or whatever it is these days), the driver says, "how very apt!"

As we left (well before nine) the ambulance was heading toward the hospital.

Oh boy, I do live an exciting life!

[Lex]

Well, after arriving at the office this morning and seeing the pitiful amount of work on my desk, I battered my eye lashes at my supervisor and persuaded her to give me the afternoon off, which I put to good use enjoying a sunny walk in the countryside.

[Margaret]

Oh nice Lex the weather is perfect today. You'll still have to face the music on your return though. :p

[Lex]

Thankfully, I've got a couple of meetings to keep me occupied tomorrow.

[rebbonk]

I used to hate meetings Lex. I know people who made a whole career from attending meetings!

Have you ever watched John Cleese's 'Meetings, bl**dy meetings?'

[Lex]

No, I've never seen it - but I can imagine what it'll be like; I think a lot of people where I work have seen it and used it as a bisis for running their meetings!

[rebbonk]

We used to play b*ll*x bingo during meetings.

It was quite amusing when those not in the know used to hear someone call out!

I really used to hate meetings, I always saw them as unnecessary and unproductive. Most meetings could be covered by making a couple of phone calls.

In my opinion, meetings are a corporate disease.

In over 30 years of working, the number of meetings that I attended that were really worthwhile, or even run properly, I could count on the fingers of 2 hands.

[Margaret]

[QUOTE=rebbonk;21502]We used to play b*ll*x bingo during meetings.

It was quite amusing when those not in the know used to hear someone call out!


You mean someone would call out b*ll*x ? :D

[Margaret]

I wish the weather would cheer up a bit, we got rain here. :rolleyes:

[Gladys]

Ditto- its that horrible fine drizzly stuff and its cold.

[rebbonk]

[QUOTE=rebbonk;21502]You mean someone would call out b*ll*x ? :D

Yes, that was the rule!

Got myself into trouble more than once, but mostly those that were not too far up their own butt could see the funny side.

Edited to add, it was most often the Americans (we were at one stage owned by them) that used to get upset. The Germans just thought we were mad!

[Margaret]

Hope you didn't need any translators. :)





https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc8tfioOKvU

[Lex]

We used to play b*ll*x bingo during meetings.

I know that game! I use my own variation, though; as soon as we sit down and the meeting begins, I shout b****ks, and fall asleep!

[rebbonk]

Lex, I used to do a lot of after hours courses. I was virtually guaranteed to fall asleep. Thing was, I snore!

[rebbonk]

Hope you didn't need any translators. :)

It was always fun with the Japanese ( who despite popular opinion, never did own us!)

[Lex]

Lex, I used to do a lot of after hours courses. I was virtually guaranteed to fall asleep. Thing was, I snore!

Fortunately, I don't snore - there's generally someone else in the meeting who does though!

[Margaret]

That's me back from church, we stopped off for a coffee and a snack in the Priors and what do I see coming down the escalator, a bloke and his girl covered in tattoos arms neck face, shaven head, he had a T-shirt on with a large upside down cross on the front and on the back of his T-shirt had written, Worship Satan. Oh well, if that's what satan has done for him, then I don't want to know, hahahaa! I'm afraid the last laugh will be on him, sad actually.

Took the opportunity of the lovely weather and mowed the grass. Like every body does, you hear mowers everywhere. :D

[rebbonk]

Oh well, to each his own Margaret! To be fair, that type of thing is quite common around Coventry, but it ain't nice. A few years back, as a bit of a joke after we'd had a meet at the University, I took a mate into a pub known for that type of thing. Poor chap has never come back to Coventry! He was actually rendered speechless by what he saw.

I notice our lawn could do with a bit of a trim, it's been a couple of weeks since it saw the mower. However, since we have a big dog, I don't like cutting it too short.

[Margaret]

[QUOTE=.

I notice our lawn could do with a bit of a trim, it's been a couple of weeks since it saw the mower. However, since we have a big dog, I don't like cutting it too short.[/QUOTE]

Why is that Rebbonk?

[rebbonk]

I find that dog urine tends to scorch and kill off very short grass, by leaving it that bit longer it stays nice and green. So much so that the lovely dark shade is the envy of my neighbours, who stupidly keep cutting theirs so short that it exposes the roots!

BTW, have you met my girl?

http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h364/rebbonk3/used%20as%20uploaded/NewPicture.png~original

Look at this, butter wouldn't melt in her mouth!

93

Oh yes...

94

[Margaret]

She's lovely, looks like she lets you know whose boss . :D

[rebbonk]

From day 1 she's had her own way.

She was in poor shape when we got her, but has responded nicely over the years. She's gotten me into lots of trouble with Mrs Rebbonk, especially when she decided to go swimming in the canal. I had to lift her out, it was the middle of winter and we were both soaked.

I got an almighty telling off, and was left on the doorstep wringing wet. The dog, on the other hand, was treated to a towelling down, a fireside seat and her favourite treats. For about a week afterwards, every time I came into the room, Mrs Rebbonk made disparaging comments such as, "watch out my baby, the nasty man will get you all wet again!"

[Margaret]

Was she chasing ducks?

Reminds me of the time we took an uncle's dog, a springer spaniel,to the beach with us, she didn't go in the sea but she went in deep rock pool of water and we had a job getting her out, her bum was a bit heavy, hehe! Everywhere she went , through the glens she would find a stream and walk in it. I have very fond memories of her and my uncle and aunt.
Poppy,(the dog), would sit with her head in your lap and look up at you with those beautiful eyes of hers as if she was lonely and never petted, ahh, the sweet memories, I loved that dog.

[rebbonk]

Oh yes, it was ducks!

It was like something out of Tom and Jerry. She stalked the ducks, they watched her then calmly jumped into the canal as she got near. She had no chance of catching them, but then she decided that if they could swim, so could she! It really was quite funny, until I arrived home and got a telling off!

Oddly enough, the previous dog we had chased a canoeist along the very same stretch of canal. He was a bit easier to haul out once he was tired and the canoe had passed.

[Lex]

A very sad day today. I went to the funeral of a friend's wife this afternoon; they'd been married for over 40 years, and my friend looked like his world had ended.

[rebbonk]

Lex, I used to find funerals upsetting and depressing. Then someone suggested that I ought to look on them as the celebration of a person's life. - It made one heck of a difference.

As we get older, we do attend more funerals, but looking at it this was has helped me immeasurably.

Mind you, I still get upset at youngsters' funerals.

[Lex]

I still see funerals as saying 'goodbye' to people and do the, and that's probably why I get upset!

[Gladys]

Lex, I am sorry for your sadness and the loss of your friend's wife.I am sure he's knocked for six and it makes the point we are never ready to let go of our loved ones. Whilst Funerals are about celebrating someone's life and paying tribute to them, a funeral is a very final ' goodbye ' because that's it. Its an abrupt end to what we all take for granted until we realise it happens to us all eventually. The fact that You'll never see them again as you do in life. That to me is the harsh truth and the sadness all of that evokes. The death of a young person seems an unnatural course of the event of life and the opportunities stolen from them in their death is just wrong. I guess there is also that unseen thing that is intangible. The fact that whilst one person can live beyond 100 years and yet another barely lives a few hours or not at all. How does one person get a near miss in not boarding that plane and then those that did all die? The saying ' when your number is up, its up' rings true for me and there's nothing you can do to alter it except live each day and appreciate the people you have in your life to the fullest.

[Lex]

Nothing much of interest seems to be happening in Warwickshire of late (at least, nothing of note seems to be making its way to the local papers' websites); does anyone have any local gossip to share?

[rebbonk]

Well, the Galley Common residents are a bit upset at the moment...

http://www.nuneaton-news.co.uk/Villagers-fight/story-26161754-detail/story.html

[Lex]

Wow, the Secretary of State's involved. You'd think there's an election coming up. ;)

[Margaret]

In Stratford today, I noticed two beggars sitting outside a bank, right by the cash point.
This is the first time I have noticed beggars in Stratford, has this become a recent thing, or maybe I just haven't noticed. Why is it beggars always have a fag in one hand and a can of booze in the other?

:)

[cathidaw]

Outside Sainsburys in Stratford sits a man with a dog.People buy him food and stuff from the shop.My granddaughter gets quite indignant when I say he's probably got more money than us. I always allow her to give something (of her own) as I don't want to curb her altruistic nature.
There is also one in Coventry Stoke outside Tesco .People buy him sandwichesand drinks .He lived in a box in the doorway of HSBC bank and was moved on -after some months.He has now got a brand new tent and is living under the trees at the edge of the council car park.
How long before others join him.

[cathidaw]

Ah, south Warwickshire! Now, had you been in North Warwickshire, perhaps it might have been different?

Warwickshire divide grows say 'experts' (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-24840712)

My green bin disappeared.A new one was delivered in the afternoon. How's that!!

[rebbonk]

Not bad Cathidaw.

My son had one stolen from Walsgrave, it took our useless council months to replace it.

[Lex]

In Stratford today, I noticed two beggars sitting outside a bank, right by the cash point.
This is the first time I have noticed beggars in Stratford, has this become a recent thing, or maybe I just haven't noticed. Why is it beggars always have a fag in one hand and a can of booze in the other?

:)

There's one or two beggars in Stratford - the Sainsbury's one, and another one who sits by gates next to Poundland, and yet another who locates himself outside the gates of Holy Trinity on Sunday mornings.

[Lex]

Oh, and there's the drunks who lurk round the market place on Rother Street. But they keep to themselves, and don't bother anyone (ex-mayor Cyril Bennis occasionally has a go at them, and they have a go back; can't say I blame them - I met him once & he's one of those people who most people seem to take an instant dislike to)

[Lex]

Not sure what I'm going to do with the imminent long weekend yet; what's everyone else up to?

[rebbonk]

Must be honest, until about two minutes before I read this thread I had no idea that it was a bank-holiday weekend. One of the perks (or not depending on your view) of being retired is that these things mean very little. I have all the time in the world to do whatever I want. Even the banks being closed doesn't matter as I can get cash from the supermarket.

However, to answer your question Lex, if we get a couple of nice days I want to take an extended walk along the canal with the dog. I haven't done so yet as the place I intended leaving the canal and picking up the road back has had a bit of a dispute with an idiot land-owner who illegally closed off a footpath. Apparently he's now learned the error of his ways. So Spencer and myself will be exercising and no doubt imbibing at several canal-side pubs.

[Lex]

That's something I often do myself, Rebbonk (although I don't have a dog!) There's a couple of nice stretches of canal in the area with decent pubs just off the tow path; I might take myself for a wonder on Monday....

[rebbonk]

I recommend a dog Lex. Mine (and the previous one) gets me into all sorts of interesting situations. Spencer is a real ice breaker and talking point. People (especially the ladies!) seem to love him.

The only down side is that there are some pubs that don't welcome dogs, but they tend to be more city centre type venues than canal-side.

Unfortunately, I think that this dog will be my last. Akitas are reckoned to live about 15 years and that will leave me quite an old man. Historically our dogs have had long lives. Oslo was almost 19 and we'd had him 13 years; Willow was about 15 and we'd had her 11 years, so we have reasonable hopes for the present one.

Incidentally, as I write this he's looking at my screen, making his typical 'muttering' and grunting noises, whilst nudging me with his head. He's telling me that he wants a biscuit! - Oh yes, they're all characters with their own personalities.

[Lex]

I've occasionally contemplated getting a dog, but owing to a generally busy life where I'm in and out at all hours, it wouldn't seem fair on the poor pooch who'd get lumbered with me - no regular walks or feeding times!

[rebbonk]

Yes, I can understand that Lex.

We didn't take our first one until Mrs Rebbonk had stopped work. Other than short interludes after deaths we haven't been without once since.

As you say, you have to be fair to the dog, they're social animals and need company.

[Lex]

That's something I often do myself, Rebbonk (although I don't have a dog!) There's a couple of nice stretches of canal in the area with decent pubs just off the tow path; I might take myself for a wonder on Monday....

Well, it started raining here in Stratford about an hour ago, and it's putting me off going for s walk tomorrow (probably be very muddy); I'll have to see what conditions are like tomorrow.

[rebbonk]

I can't remember about the Stratford canal, but the tow path round here is generally quite good. Though I'll get a right rollocking if I go out with the dog and bring him back soaked through!

[Lex]

The stratford Canal tow path is in generally good condition, although there are a couple of stretches where you can get ankle deep in mud, even if there hasn't been any rain for a few days.

[rebbonk]

Well, he got me up before 8 this morning and wanted taking out. We got soaked! still, I'll not shrink and now he's had his breakfast he's spark out on the living-room floor. He does smell damp though, despite a good towelling down. - I bet Mrs Rebbonk gives me grief when she eventually surfaces.

[Margaret]

Is anyone still hearing fireworks around them?
I'm sitting here still listening to banger, rockets, crackles, sonic booms, and gawd knows what else.
I've had enough now. I think people must have too much money to burn.
Maybe they should all go down to Parliament and do the job properly.
Getting old. :mad: :rolleyes:

[rebbonk]

We had a few on the 5th, the odd one or two last night and not many tonight. I was beginning to think people were feeling the pinch a little.

Of course, we've got Diwali just around the corner, so I guess we can expect a few then.

I'm of the mind that fireworks ought be like they were in the 60s. One night only unless you had a special permit, and never on Sunday!

[Lex]

There were a few round my way. on Friday, Saturday & Sunday. thankfully, they weren't going off late enough to keep me awake.

[Lex]

Well, I was on an evening walk by the river in Alcester earlier, and just happened to glance to my left and - much to my amazement - I saw the back end of a grass snake disappear into the undergrowth! A very exciting (and slightly scary!) sight - that was the 1st time I'd ever seen one.

[rebbonk]

We get all sorts along the canal Lex. I've not seen adders, but apparently they are there. I often talk to fishermen and they see some quite rare animals when they're sitting quiet.

Can't say I like snakes, in fact, they scare me rigid!

[Lex]

I was glad it was slithering away from me; even though grass snakes are harmless, it would've made me feel very uncomfortable if it was heading towards me!

[Shizara]

Years ago, I walked a bit into the Blue Mountains in Australia with some family who were living there. I was apprehensive knowing Australia's track record for snakes and other creepy things. Whilst it was an experience in itself I was still like a cat on a hot tin roof waiting for a snake to come slithering out. I am pleased to say I didn't see any although it doesn't mean they weren't there.

[Lex]

Is it me, or is autumn starting to creep up on us? Over the last few days, I've seen a few leaves starting to turn brown on trees, and more being blown about on roads & paths.

[rebbonk]

I've noticed the nights drawing in very rapidly.

[Finebyme]

Yes , and I'll be another year older soon. Time goes by too quickly.

[Lex]

Yes, it does - I've already started my Christmas shopping!

[rebbonk]

Christmas shopping? What is that? I send money in cards these days ;)

[Lex]

What's everyone up to this weekend? For me, it's the usual round of housework & food shopping, and maybe a cheeky trip to the pub!

[rebbonk]

I still have a heater to break up (it'll take me about 6 months!), but other than that I'm walking the dog, having a few pints and likely sleeping a lot. - Tough being retired isn't it? :)

[Lex]

It's a hard life, Rebbonk!

[rebbonk]

Oh it is! :)

[Lex]

*mutters jealously*

[rebbonk]

Mrs R hasn't been well, so asked me on Tuesday to go and collect her repeat prescription from the local chemist. I traipsed down there, muttering to myself about all sorts of things, especially about how far it was, and that the pub wasn't open yet. After waiting in line, the chemist himself asked me what he could do for me. I requested the prescription. He walked to the rear of the shop, coming back a few minutes later telling me that the prescription would be ready for collection first thing on Thursday. I was a bit disgruntled, but such is life and I went off on my merry little way.

On returning home, Mrs R asked me where her prescription was. I related the tale and she let rip into me. I was a silly, stupid, hopeless, useless man; the prescription would have been in the front drawers not at the rear, the chemist was an idiot and I should have spoken to the very nice girl with the dark hair who knows where things are. Ah, she's feeling better I thought! I retired to my favourite chair, pulled out a book and quietly lost myself in it whilst Mrs R continued to berate me, the world and everything in it!

Roll forward to Wednesday evening. I persuaded my little piranha fish to come for a drink with me. I would walk the dog, she would go to the chemist and get her prescription and we would meet up at the pub for a couple of drinks. As I sat outside the pub waiting for her, the dog was giving me quizzical looks. I explained to him (not that was really interested) that he had to wait for mum because she didn't like walking into pubs on her own. His tail started wagging as he saw mum walking down the road. Oddly though, she was carrying a plastic bag.

We entered the pub, and I settled Mrs R with the dog and went to the bar. Setting the drinks down, I asked her why the bag? Surely her prescription would fit in her pocket? Again, I was told just how useless men are and invited to look in the bag. I did. Two sets of repeat prescriptions! Apparently, the useless chemist had ordered again on Tuesday, but there was a prescription already there for collection and if I'd have spoken to the dark haired girl none of this would have happened.

Deciding it was likely best not to argue, I took a deep swig of my beer and politely muttered, "yes my dear."

[Finebyme]

Haha! I love your stories rebbonk!

[Finebyme]

What method to dry cleaners actually use to 'dry' clean ?

I got a pair of curtains dry cleaned and it was ridiculously expensive, I also think they faded slightly.
I reckon I can clean them myself one at a time in the washing machine.

[rebbonk]

To be honest, the cost of dry cleaning makes me take a gamble with my own washing machine. I've not got it wrong yet. However, my mother ruined many of her fathers' ties by ignoring the advice to dry clean.

[Finebyme]

I think if I put the curtains on gentle wash cycle , like the wool wash, they should be ok. I shall try that next time. I can put one in at a time. It won't matter much if they shrink just a couple of inches, There is plenty of material of fullness and length.

[cathidaw]

I believe manufacturers safeguard themselves by the label. If your curtains have faded , go back to the cleaners and discuss it.The spirit based stuff is rather harsh and I'm surprised they still use it i these hi-tech days. Ties are quite different.I made one for an exam once at college-horrid thing-so many bits and so many bias pieces. Never meant to be washed. Mine was never used.
Ever tried ironing one? A very scientific process- so Dont!

[rebbonk]

I had a mate once work for a very well known high street dry cleaners. Apparently, they 'lost' a few stripes on a light coloured jacket during their cleaning process. He swears to this day, that when the customer complained, a manager drew the stripes back on with a ballpoint pen!

[Finebyme]

Sounds far fetched maybe. Do they use chemicals to dry clean with?

ps. I should have put this thread in, Over the Garden Fence chat. Maybe move there Rebbonk.

[rebbonk]

ps. I should have put this thread in, Over the Garden Fence chat. Maybe move there Rebbonk. As requested ;)



Sounds far fetched maybe. Do they use chemicals to dry clean with? My belief is that they use tetrachloroethylene (or they used to). It's not the nicest of chemicals and we used to use it a lot on aircraft. It didn't half whip the natural oils out of your skin, but perversely it was a pleasant feeling liquid to put your hand in. From memory, it also destroyed many 'cheap' plastics.

[Finebyme]

Thank you Rebbonk.

[Finebyme]

Does anyone know of any local beekeepers? I'm looking for local bee keepers/honey farm so that i can order direct.
Thanks.

[Lex]

These guys might be able to point you in the right direction: https://warwickshirebeekeepers.org.uk/

[Finebyme]

I found local honey thanks , Lex.

[Finebyme]

I am tired of all the hyped up crap about Cadbury's leaving off the world Easter on their chocolate eggs and bunnies.
Even the Church of England is sticking their oar in and criticising the Cadubury decision to leave out the Easter celebration. The CofE should stop embarrassing itself, as this pagan tradition of Eggs and little chocolote bunnies is nothing to do with the real meaning of Easter. If the CofE want to object to anything then why don't they object to halal cruel method of slaughtering animals.

[Lex]

I found local honey thanks , Lex.

Hope it's good stuff.

[Lex]

I found all the protests about Cadbury's/NT's egg trail pathetic. It's just Cadbury's marketing it's products to the whole country instead of one small section of it. Anyway, it's the CofE's job to promote Easter, not Cadbury's.

[Finebyme]

I hope everyone has a good Easter break!

https://img.clipartfest.com/5cbc3982fd4ede5ebcc58b7b3fa529b4_-website-spring-break-spring-break-clipart-easter_322-293.gif

[Lex]

Hope you have a good Easter too, Finebyme. Personally, I'm looking forward to just having a few days off. :cool:

[rebbonk]

Last Saturday, I experienced a slight problem with the flushing of our toilet. Mrs R complained that she couldn't get it to work at all, but I proved that not to be the case. However, I took a bucket upstairs just in case we had further flushing problems, and then ordered a spare part (a dreadfully expensive £1.00, post free) from Amazon. No further problems manifested themselves until Tuesday morning when I couldn't get it to flush at all. The bucket was pressed into service. I might add, that at this time, Mrs R was still in the land of nod.

Come 11.30 the postman dropped off my ordered part. I was now torn. Did I wait until Mrs R went shopping later in the afternoon, or did I fit it now, missing a TV programme at noon that I had been looking forward to? I opted to fit now.

Twenty minutes later, after much muttering and mumbling the toilet was back in first class flushing order. I cleaned myself and my mess up and went downstairs to watch my programme.

Eventually, she who casts no shadow tumbled out of bed and used said facility. Not a single comment was made to me, until she went into the kitchen and filled the kettle. "Oi, have you been b*ggering about with the water pressure?" she demanded. "This isn't high enough to use the washer!"

A quick turn of the stop-tap later and all is well, but I do wonder why I bother!

[cathidaw]

I've just comE back from Bude.
'someone' had forgotten to lock my car , left in my drive. Someone got in and ransacked the inside, flinging the contents all over the front lawn. My swimming stuff, towels and gym shoes which I leave in there.The door pockets contents , paper towels, sunglasses and the usual rubbish we collect were scattered all over the inside. There was about a fiver in change in the door-which they missed--but took the stuff from the ash tray....about 5 trolly tokens and a 50p piece.
I did laugh, but didn't laugh when I had to pay the RAC £97 for a new battery which had been ruined by the inside light being left on.

[Finebyme]

Beautiful hot day again, emptied the water butt to water the various plants and shrubs. Not very newsy I know, but thought I'd share some chit-chat. Keeps the forum going.
I was browsing/shopping in House of Fraser, have noticed that their merchandise is rather depleted compared to when I first moved here. They really have spread it around to make the floors look full. There isn't as much selection as there used to be. I'm just hoping they don't close as well. I wonder if online shopping has done that. I think the most boring job must be in the perfumery department where the women are all tarted up looking like geisha girls with nowhere to go. As I was leaving the store two ladies from the perfumery department were at the doors holding test bottles of perfumes at the ready and offering shoppers if they would like to try. So they must be getting desperate for sales. I think this must be one of the most demoralising jobs, more or less having to accost shoppers before they leave the shop. I noticed Marks&Sparks to that as well when they are promoting biscuits or chocolate , always the rubbish stuff. Sorry, I wouldn't make a good sales person. Doesn't appeal to me.

[Lex]

Yes, it's been a great few days. It's been hellish in the office, though; instead of turning the air conditioning up, some muppet turned the heating on, and it only got turned off this morning. :(

[rebbonk]

Expected to break for the bank-holiday weekend. - Typical.

I went away late summer of '76. You remember that looooong hot one? - The weather broke the week I went away! :(

[Finebyme]

Don't you have fans in the office, Lex?

[rebbonk]

Don't you have fans in the office, Lex?

No, they're all online on here. Boom boom! :)

[Lex]

Don't you have fans in the office, Lex?

Unfortunately, they're few & far between. I bought myself a cheap fan last year, but it died just as the weather started warming up. Buying a new one could be a project over the Bank Holiday...

[Finebyme]

I had a casualty in the garden this morning. A young blackbird learning to fly flew right bang on the window. I heard a light thud and looked out , there was a baby blackbird knocked himself for six, I carefully picked him up and put I'm in a safer place on the soft grass just under the hydrangea, he was a bit stunned, but he came round ok. He soon started chirping but sat there for a while, then flew off when the parent bird turned up. So I hope he stays safe and not try any high flying tricks for a while.

[rebbonk]

Well, what a palaver...

Twelve months ago our GP retired. His practice was taken on by a new guy, who for whatever reason has decided to now pull the plug. The practice is located in a nearby medical centre along with two other GP practices.

Last week we had a notice from the NHS informing us that we needed to find a new GP. Helpfully, the notice included several GP practices reasonably local who were taking on new patients. Interestingly, the two that shared the medical centre were taking on.

I downloaded the relevant forms from the NHS website, completed them and dispatched Mrs R (Please remember I am afflicted by gout at the moment, I'm not a lazy pig!) down to the centre to register us with one of the existing practices. She returned 30 minutes later telling me that the new practice wanted proof of I/D. - A couple of letters should do. She returned with adequate I/D only to be informed that they now wanted birth certificates. Mrs R explained that she doubted if we had them (wrong as it happens) and the receptionist suggested that she try to register at the other practice as they 'weren't so fussy!'

So, Mrs R went to the other end of the centre and had a word with the receptionist. No problem, she gave her a couple of forms, told her to return with them and the ones of the NHS website and that would be it.

Next day, Mrs R returned with duly completed forms, only to be told that signatures were missing. She signed hers and returned home with mine for me to sign. Looking at the form, I had signed it, but there was another signature required two lines below that we had both missed!

Again, Mrs R returned with my forms only to be told my NHS number was missing. It was, I have no idea what it is as it has been changed from what is on my medical card. (Mrs R has recent prescriptions that she drew hers from.) Mrs R asked the receptionist at the soon to be departed doctor's for the number and was duly obliged. The new GP's receptionist was now happy and we're registered... I hope!

Apart from the faffing about, this shows up why the NHS is short of money. Wouldn't it be far easier for a simple request to transfer the files from one GP to another, along with one signature? Or should I stop being sensible?

[Finebyme]

OH my goodness Mr. and Mrs. R. you must have the patience of Job. How exasperating.
I think my blood pressure would have been through the roof!
Yes, Rebbonk, I would have asked my GP for my medical records to be transferred.
When I left the hospital I worked at, I asked for a copy of my medical records and was duly given them. I don't know if that is allowed, but I think its because I worked in the NHS that the doctors knew me and gave me a copy of my records.
Not that there is much in them.

[Lex]

Is it me, or are even fewer butterflies filttering around than ever this year?

[rebbonk]

Can't say I've seen many Lex. But it's still early.

[Finebyme]

I've seen a few around the garden. Small blues, and brimstones . But no peacocks, or red admirals, or orange tips yet, maybe later in the summer.

[Finebyme]

Spotted a tortoiseshell and a meadow brown butterfly flitting about, while gardening today.

[Lex]

I was enjoying a well earned pint in the beer garden of my local this evening (after a long afternoon on the allotment), when a tortoiseshell landed on my shirt. It was really nice to just watch it sit there & enjoy the sun for a moment before it flittered off.

[rebbonk]

Saturday night and I'd just settled down to watch Taggart, when she who casts no shadow says, "It needs attention you know!"

"Eh," I says. "What are you talking about my little piranha fish?"

"The kitchen sink. It's blocked."

"It wasn't when I used it earlier."

"Well it is now you useless lump!" (Abbreviated version, you understand.)

So I wandered into the kitchen, ran the tap it it all went down the plughole as expected. I gently relayed this to the long haired general who was now curled up with the dog.

"You need to go outside to see it, you useless man!"

So I went outside, and sure enough the drain was exhibiting a slight overflow.

"I'm not looking at that now, I'll do it tomorrow," I said.

"Bl**dy bone idle you are."

I sat back down with her glowering at me.

Sunday morning, I walked the dog, fed him, did the washing up, put the meat in, and then decided that the drain ought be tackled. Looking for a used rubber glove, I couldn't find one, so ripped open a new packet. Outside and into the drain I ventured.

My arm seemed to go deeper into the drain than I remembered it doing last time. (Yes, last time when she poured some chemical down that set like plaster of paris.) The glove wasn't long enough and horrible greasy, oily, waste water flooded over the top and into the glove itself. The experience wasn't pleasant, I can tell you.

Finally, reaching the bottom of the drain I felt something soft. Thoughts of Spencer dropping dead animals in there briefly crossed my mind before I reminded myself that there was a cover on it to stop such things. Taking a deep breath I grabbed whatever it was and withdrew my arm.

There was a sudden suction as the water started disappearing at a great rate of knots. I wasn't sure if I was going to be sucked into the swirling vortex. But struggling against the current I dragged my arm, hand and booty out. Looking into my hand was the largest fur-ball I'd ever seen.

Yes, it was hair belonging to the former member of the Waffen SS, from where she'd washed her hair in the kitchen sink.

On eventually rising from her pit, I told her what I'd done and what had caused the problem. The words she uttered will haunt me forever....

"You swine, you've used my marigolds. I'll need to get some new ones this afternoon!"

[Lex]

Ye Gods; damned f you do, damned if you don't Rebbonk!

[cathidaw]

About time we had something amusing on this site.

Can you better this one?

or lets SEE A GOOD JOKE OR SAYING.

My Dad was full of funny sayings. One of his favourites we used to beg him NOT to tell-for the FORTY FIFTH TIME time was,

"I knew the bus driver was Irish because he had a shamrock in his turban."

Or in a strange pub, we'd cringe when he would sometimes ask the landlord,
"Is there a brook near here landlord?"
If there was, he'd hold up his glass and say, "I thought so sir."
All in his polite Oxford accent.

[rebbonk]

I'm outside talking to the neighbour having left a timed dish in the oven.

The timer starts bleeping and the neighbour says, "Sounds like your smoke alarm again, you'd better go and see to it."

I nearly died of embarrassment. I'm always using the timer and don't have a kitchen smoke alarm.

Nice to know what the neighbours think!

[rebbonk]

She did it again last night! I'd just settled to watch Taggart with a large brandy when she says, "The washing machine won't fix itself you know!"

"Eh? What are you talking about woman?"

"The fabric conditioner isn't going through."

Fortunately, it was only a blocked water feed that took me a few seconds to clear. But I really do wish she'd stop expecting me to be telepathic. - You'd think after 26 odd years she'd know that I'm not.

[Lex]

After suffering toothache for a few weeks, I finally decided to go to the dentist yesterday and get it looked at. After a couple of minutes poking around and a quick x-ray, she said that there's nothing she could do to save the offending tooth, as it had split down to the root.

So she booked me in today to have my tooth whipped out. At lunchtime, I walked back into the surgery with a mild sense of dread and visions of huge amounts of pain. The only pain I experienced, though, was when my dentist stuck the anaesthetic-loaded syringe into the root of my bad tooth; after that I didn't feel a thing!

Now the drugs are starting to wear off, I'm starting to feel a dull ache where my tooth was, but other than that I've had no side effects apart from sounding like the Elephant Man due to a numb tongue & facial muscles!

[rebbonk]

I am of the firm opinion that only going to the dentist when in pain is the correct strategy for me. Like you, Lex, I had a tooth that was cracked all the way down into the root. But my dentist suggested that he might be able to fix it with root canal work.

I asked how much and nearly choked when he said £200. I then asked about the chances of success and he reckoned 50/50. He seemed mightily put out when I said, "Take it out!" No pain at all and the gum healed over quite quickly.

I've had a couple of teeth removed from my lower jaw, and what I've found is that over time the rest move to almost fill the gaps. I'll never have compacted wisdom teeth!

[Lex]

That's where they make their money. I asked about having an insert (a false tooth fixed into the jaw), and it will cost £2,000 to have it done as the procedure's not available on the NHS. My dentist didn't seem to think it was worth it anyway, as it's a back tooth, and I'm inclined to agree with her.

All in all, I was impressed with the dentist handled things; I'll definitely be going back to her for check ups.

[rebbonk]

Walking the dog the last couple of mornings (7:30 ish) I've noticed it's quite chilly. I've also noticed lots of berries on the canal side trees, which I think are very early. Nasty winter on the way?

[Lex]

I've noticed the chilly mornings & ripening berries too. I'm making some carrot soup at the minute, but am thinking about doing a bit of blackberrying once I'm done.

[Lex]

I'm making some carrot soup at the minute, but am thinking about doing a bit of blackberrying once I'm done.

Went a bit overboard with the blackberrying this evening- 1.2 kilos!

[rebbonk]

We used to do that as kids. Mum used to make lovely blackberry and apple pies.

[Lex]

I was thinking about apple & blackberry crumble, and perhaps a few on my cereal in the mornings, but it's now evolving into bramble jelly!

[Lex]

What's everyone up to over the Bank Holiday?

[rebbonk]

Same as usual Lex. When you're retired, every day is a holiday.

Or, more sinisterly as someone once said to me, "Every day above ground is a good 'un!"

[Lex]

I'll be off to the Plum Festival in Pershore over the weekend. I stumbled into it last August Bank Holiday & really enjoyed it.

[rebbonk]

I'm thinking of writing another business book. I'll probably use the time to do some research on it. - Unless Mrs R decides otherwise!

[rebbonk]

Lex, if you like Plums, try this...

Jamie Oliver recipe (https://thehappyfoodie.co.uk/recipes/plum-tarte-tatin?)

[Lex]

Thanks Rebbonk - looks a great recipe!

[Lex]

Just had a busy morning making bramble jelly & rhubarb jam. Both came out ok, seeing as it's my first attempt at jam-making. :D

[rebbonk]

Good on you. I started in the kitchen late in life, but really enjoy it- as long as I have the time!

[Lex]

I really enjoy cooking - basic stuff, mostly. Treated myself to a beef brisket from a local butcher today, which will keep me going for most of the next week.

[rebbonk]

I had a b*ll*cking about the last piece of brisket I did!

It was quite a large piece (note, Mrs R bought it!) and I cooked it in the slow cooker with onions and beef stock. It was lovely and tender and really tasty, and lasted the two of us 3 days.

Mrs R complained that it was too 'strong' tasting and ended up giving quite a lot of hers to the dog. - It was all my fault!

Now, Thursday of this last week we were having a beef casserole, but I didn't think we had enough meat for it. I asked Mrs R to get a little more when she went shopping. She brought back a rather nice piece of brisket(!) which I cubed and added to the casserole. All cooked in the slow cooker along with carrots, onions and a beef stock. Not a single word of complaint!

Women!

[Lex]

Has a very strange experience today - I actually saw a BMW driver use their indicators! :eek:

[rebbonk]

You know the rules Lex, pictures or it didn't happen.

http://dailypicdump.com/media/20160808/worlds-useless-job.jpg

A Day in the Diary of a BMW Driver

"The other day I was cruising along as usual coming onto one of my motorways, which was very busy with inferior cars.

First off, I couldn't believe that the volume of traffic DIDN'T slow down for me AT ALL as I came off the slip road! I had to squeeze into a barely big enough gap between two cars in order to get onto my motorway! The driver of the car behind me did realise his mistake though and honked an apology to me with a long blast of his horn.

Unbelievably, I had to do the same again before I could get to the BMW lane.

Anyway, once I was in the BMW lane and posing along at 110 mph enjoying the adulation that the inferior car drivers were giving me, I noticed an inferior car ahead of me which was not only in the BMW lane of my motorway, but was driving at a ridiculous 70 mph! Naturally, I got within a foot or so of his rear bumper and flashed my headlights to remind him he shouldn't be in the BMW lane of my motorway and to get out of my way.

Of course, once he realised it was a BMW behind him, he did just that, but I could hardly believe it when he pulled straight back out behind me! He also tried to keep up with me and when he realised I would outrun him, he put on some blue lights in his front grill and urged me to get onto the hard shoulder so that he could congratulate me on my excellent car.

Needless to say, I was eager to oblige and when we had stopped, the man gave me a piece of paper confirming what I already knew - that my car goes fast! Apparently he wants everyone to know what a superior car I have, so I had to take my driver’s licence to a police station to be sent away to have some points put on! (They're not free points either - they're £20 each and I was only allowed 3.)

But the man at the police station said that because I drive a BMW, it won't be much longer before I earn the full 12 points, and then I won't even NEED a driving licence, so they will take it off me!

See, now THAT'S the sort of respect you get when you own and drive a BMW!"

[Lex]

You know the rules Lex, pictures or it didn't happen.

I was so shocked, Rebbonk, I didn't even think to get my phone out to take a picture.


Anyway, once I was in the BMW lane and posing along at 110 mph enjoying the adulation that the inferior car drivers were giving me, I noticed an inferior car ahead of me which was not only in the BMW lane of my motorway, but was driving at a ridiculous 70 mph! Naturally, I got within a foot or so of his rear bumper and flashed my headlights to remind him he shouldn't be in the BMW lane of my motorway and to get out of my way.


An Audi driver did that to me a few weeks ago. A sharp tap on the breaks usually makes them back off a bit, but this moron decided to swerve out into oncoming traffic in order to overtake me.

[rebbonk]

Years ago I worked for a research centre. A colleague travelled by motorway to work and was regularly complaining of being hassled by cars trying to overtake him. He fitted a touch switch on his dashboard that would operate his brake lights. He reckoned it was magic to watch their faces in the rear view mirror as his brakes came 'on' and he accelerated away.

[Finebyme]

I need some advice on experiences with shared ownership of a property, what are the downfalls or benefits , if any. Is it hard to sell on your shared part?

[rebbonk]

Assuming you mean part rent-part buy...

Have a read of these two articles.
Home Owners Alliance (http://hoa.org.uk/advice/guides-for-homeowners/i-am-buying/shared-ownership-what-to-watch-out-for/)
Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/housing-network/2013/sep/03/hidden-dangers-shared-ownership)

Personally speaking I wouldn't touch one.

My son has just bought property and I warned him that it was the wrong time to buy. One month in and we are hearing murmurs from the BOE that interest rates are going to rise. I hope he's done his finances properly and can cover the 15%+ that hit me.

Just my personal thoughts, the housing market is overvalued and at some stage (maybe not too far ahead) a massive correction is going to take place. Those unaware will get badly burned.

[Finebyme]

That's right Rebbonk, I mean part rent-part buy. Having read the link and and your your cautionary reply, I think we shall stay well clear of shared ownership. It is for my son who is presently looking in the Warwick area for a 1 bedroom property, flat or maisonette type abode. There has been a few around but on the lower end of the market , some which need a good deal renovating or a bit of work done on them, we are finding they are quickly snapped up by landlords who do them up to rent out. He really needs to be nearer work, as he cycles to work, no car at present, working long hours etc. We were looking at one possibility in Leamington, but the stairs were very steep and black mould round all the windows, damp in the kitchen, damp bedroom ceiling for some reason , there must be a leak in the roof. no central heating. It would be good if he could wait another year before buying maybe, but for reasons I won't mention here , he needs to get a place soon.
He wasn't 100% keen on the part ownership scheme, but now it seems it can get complex he shall shelve the idea.

[Lex]

I looked into shared ownership when I was looking at buying my own property, and it just seemed to be an expensive way of doing things - you're making monthly mortgage repayments on the part you own, and pay rent on the rest. It was an option I gave a wide berth to.

[Lex]

That's a problem I had when I was buying, Finebyme. As soon as a flat came onto the market, more often than not it was snapped up within hours by a landlord who could buy it for cash. Sellers would much rather take the money now than wait for weeks for someone to sort their mortgage out.

[Finebyme]

Thanks Lex, It's no wonder the estate agents are trying to push the shared ownership malarky, there are quite a few properties around that do that, but no, I think my son will not go down that route. Its good to get your opinion too .
Quite frustrating though , I have noticed that there is a lot of nice little retirement flats within my sons budget , quite affordable for him, but of course the age limit prevents him from buying those. It is a great pity that younger hard working people like my son can't get on the property rung easily, even though he can afford a small mortgage.

[Lex]

Well, it's been a long day and there's nothing on the tellybox; think I might treat myself to a quiet pint in my local. :beerchug:

[rebbonk]

I quite fancy the Trevor McDonald prog at 9:00. Bit of a rarity for me to watch TV.

[rebbonk]

Earlier in the week the washing was out on the line and it started to rain. I dashed out, scooped the lot up brought it in and folded it, leaving it neatly on the settee.

Later in the day, Mrs R asked me if I'd brought a pair of her knickers in. I honestly had no idea as it was all done in a hurry.

She then complained that a pair were missing.

Despite me saying that there was no way we had a knicker nicker on the loose, she wouldn't have it. No matter what logical argument I put forward, I was wrong. - It was also all my fault!

Yesterday when she moved the settee to vac behind it, yes, there was the missing pair of knickers. But somehow it's all my fault! :(

[Finebyme]

Folded the washing? You are a well trained servant!





.

(p.s. I don't hang smalls out)

[rebbonk]

Folded the washing? You are a well trained servant!

From the days of living alone. I'm not one for piles of washing around, dirty or otherwise. Plus folding it cuts down severely on the ironing. - I can't remember when we last had our iron out.

[Finebyme]

From the days of living alone. I'm not one for piles of washing around, dirty or otherwise. Plus folding it cuts down severely on the ironing. - I can't remember when we last had our iron out.


So very true, I do the same.

[rebbonk]

I saw an old school friend have a very public breakdown on facebook over the weekend. In truth it was tragic to see. He's now in hospital waiting to be moved to a psychiatric ward.

Am I alone in finding mental health issues so difficult to understand and deal with?

[Lex]

Yes, it's difficult for 'the man in the street' to deal with, especially with extreme cases like your friends'. One of the few good things the BBC has done in recent years is give a lot of coverage to mental health, with the aim of promoting the issue.

[rebbonk]

The guy actually admitted yesterday that his 'performance' on facebook was a cry for help. Why didn't he ring the appropriate services? Why allow people to think he is little more than a facebook drama queen?

So very difficult to understand...

I think he was very lucky that he had enough friends locally to respond.

[cathidaw]

It is much easier to write how you feel than to speak.
On face book although you get replies which you may like or not, there is more time to think of an answer to the replies.
It would save a lot of heartache and tears if people could write down how they feel and pass it to the doctor when they see him. My brother who lives in Devon, always makes notes too, whenever he has to see his G P. which the doc says he appreciates.
I worked for social services years ago and advised persons , depressed or in some sort of emotional distress to do this. I found that the doctor was less likely to tell them to snap out of it, or treat it lightly, as most of them did.
Even now, with all this publicity about mental health,doctors need to be taught bedside'or 'surgery' manners.
I've met a few in my time, who do their job with no sympathy at all. Hearts of stone.
I wonder if nowadays some medical experts have a vocation or a job..

[Finebyme]

I guess doctors become immune to feelings of sympathy , they are dealing with illnesses day in and day out. In a similar way nurses can become seemingly unsympathetic and matter of fact , when on the wards, as they have to just get on with the job and hide their feelings sometimes. But it doesn't mean they don't get upset inside. What used to upset me working on the wards, was if a patient died in the night without anyone with them.

[Finebyme]

Turning to the weather front, It is blustery out there, I think Storm Brian has arrived! Stay safe indoors everyone!





https://media1.giphy.com/media/83uGtKibYcNvW/giphy.gif

[rebbonk]

It's a bit breezy here, but nothing to write home about. - We were right on the edge of the yellow warning zone.

I've got to walk the dog later (after the footy fans have gone home) so I'll hope it doesn't get any worse.

[Lex]

It's been blustery down my neck of the woods over the last 24 hours - my loganberry & raspberry canes have all been blown down on my allotment - but nothing major. It's only just started raining in the last hour.

[Finebyme]

Oh that's a shame Lex, I hope you were able to rescue them. Did you get many berries from them, I love logan berries and raspberries.

[rebbonk]

My mum loves logan berries. - You don't seem to see them in the supermarket very often these days.

Well, the weather forecast was wide of the mark round here. A 'stiff' breeze is how I would describe things and it has just started drizzling.

[Lex]

I only got a few of each this year, but it was their 1st season in their locations on my plot (a friend gave me the raspberry canes, and the loganberry was moved from patch to another), so I wasn't expecting much anyway. I just took the opportunity to cut them back & mulch them in horse muck in readiness for spring a couple of weeks earlier than I originally planned. :)

[Finebyme]

Horse muck :p , I expect they will be delicious bumper crop next year! :D

[Lex]

I'm hoping for great things for next year. Already got my crops planned - runner beans (5 varieties), carrots, parsnips, suedes & spuds (I'm researching heritage varieties).

As well as these, I've got my 'permanent' crops - gooseberries, loganberries, apples (bramley & christmas pippin), rhubarb, red & black currants, and asparagus (which won't be ready to harvest for a couple of years yet).

[Lex]

These are my 2 favourite potato varieties so far, being good for most types of cooking:
160 Violetta

161 Shetland Black 1923

[Finebyme]

These are my 2 favourite potato varieties so far, being good for most types of cooking:
160 Violetta

161 Shetland Black 1923




I've never seen those varieties of spuds, have you tasted them. I am very fond of the American sweet potato, don't know why we can't grow them here.

[Lex]

I'd not come across them either, until I started looking into heritage varieties. Thought I'd give them a try as something a bit different.

[rebbonk]

This amused me, but I think it sums things up quite nicely...


The Official Monster Raving Loony Party


I think the Major of London is wonderful. He has brought in a new "T Charge" that will for £10.00 remove all toxicity from my car, whilst driving in London. Unfortunately once I go outside the T Charge area my car will once again spew out toxic fumes.

And there's more...

If you have a car that's toxic and you're rich, on business or use a firm’s car, this expense can be claimed on your tax as a business expense. So in one stoke The major of London has deterred all those scumbag lowlife poor people who pay their own expenses and saved up to buy a (Government) recommended diesel or cheaper car, from entering the exclusive clean air of Central London. This will no doubt be rolled out across the country when other authorities realise they can add to their depleted coffers using this scam.

On a seerius point I think everyone applauds genuine efforts to clean up our air, but please don't use dodgy air or too many vehicles to justify what is blatantly another tax on Vehicle Drivers.

r.u.seerius
Please note the opinions above are not necessarily loony party policy and should be taken with a pinch of salt (twice daily)

[rebbonk]

After the week we've just had I didn't think things could get any worse. - Wrong!

I've just fielded a call from Mrs R's daughter. Mrs R's very elderly mother has been hospitalised and it doesn't look good.

What a bl**dy week.

[Finebyme]

Sorry to hear that Rebbonk.
They say it never rains but it pours.

[rebbonk]

They say it never rains but it pours.

Doesn't it just!

[cathidaw]

My mum loves logan berries. - You don't seem to see them in the supermarket very often these days.

Well, the weather forecast was wide of the mark round here. A 'stiff' breeze is how I would describe things and it has just started drizzling.
My 5 year old fig tree is loaded this year. My son is making fig and ginger jam next week.He doesn't know yet.!!

[cathidaw]

Hope it doesn't rain too much over the next few weeks. I'm having an owl box made, so when my trees are pruned this year the tree surgeon is going to fix it for me. It has to be about 5 metres from the ground so I'm hoping to attract an Olly in the groove of the trunk.
Hope it works. It will cut the amount of pigeons too.

[Finebyme]

My 5 year old fig tree is loaded this year. My son is making fig and ginger jam next week.He doesn't know yet.!!


Cathy, I didn't know that figs ripened in this country, I love figs. When I lived in Kent, our house was next to a nursing home with a fabulous big fig tree in the garden. (I can't recall if it produced fruit), I don't know how old it was but it looked quite big and mature. It overhung our garden and gave us some privacy. I loved the big leaves. But eventually a neighbour next to the nursing home complained that the roots were too near his garage, causing damage , which I think was exaggerated nonsense. Sadly, however, the beautiful fig tree had to go, it was cut down and destroyed!

[Finebyme]

I'm sure most of us are aware the neighbourhood watch scheme.
Just this morning I answered the door to what you might call a scruffy , dodgy looking bloke enquiring if I wanted any gardening tools sharpened. He started off by saying he had done work for us in the past, when that it a blatant lie, I had never seen him before. I don't normally open the door to callers, but I did feel a little vulnerable, and quickly said, no thanks. Normally if I am on my own, I go out the back door and out the back gate to see who is there. They have no chance if they wanted to try something funny.

[cathidaw]

Cathy, I didn't know that figs ripened in this country, I love figs. When I lived in Kent, our house was next to a nursing home with a fabulous big fig tree in the garden. (I can't recall if it produced fruit), I don't know how old it was but it looked quite big and mature. It overhung our garden and gave us some privacy. I loved the big leaves. But eventually a neighbour next to the nursing home complained that the roots were too near his garage, causing damage , which I think was exaggerated nonsense. Sadly, however, the beautiful fig tree had to go, it was cut down and destroyed!
I didn't know at the time but fig trees need a restricted growth area for the roots.Quite by chance we planted it in an old concrete fishpond in the garden.

[rebbonk]

I'm sure most of us are aware the neighbourhood watch scheme.
Just this morning I answered the door to what you might call a scruffy , dodgy looking bloke enquiring if I wanted any gardening tools sharpened. He started off by saying he had done work for us in the past, when that it a blatant lie, I had never seen him before. I don't normally open the door to callers, but I did feel a little vulnerable, and quickly said, no thanks. Normally if I am on my own, I go out the back door and out the back gate to see who is there. They have no chance if they wanted to try something funny.

We regularly get this type of thing. I have absolutely no qualms about telling them to b*gger off and shutting the door. Mrs R makes the mistake of engaging with them, then can't get rid of them.

[rebbonk]

WARMING!!!

If youse gets a link called 'free porn' dont opin it?!!#*

It is a birus wich deactivate you spellcheck and garblis up you riting. I also receibed it but lukily I dont does porn so I dint opin it.

Warn al1 you vriends!

[cathidaw]

Fanx fu the wornin.


I get annoyed with the ones who phone and wait to clear their throats before they speak. You know the ones, usually named Roger, Henry, or even Brian, with an accent as thick as black treacle

[Lex]

Hahahah!! :D

[Finebyme]

I don't think human head transplants could ever work!





http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3029376/Russian-volunteer-head-transplant-operation-Valery-Spiridonov-says-no-choice-undergo-7-5million-procedure-controversial-Italian-surgeon-Dr-Sergio-Canavero.html

[Lex]

Due to the amount of snow, I'm having a rare day of lounging around doing nothing.

[rebbonk]

Most days are like that for me Lex, it's called being retired ;)

[Finebyme]

Just relax and enjoy your Sunday lunch, then, have a nap, or maybe watch a film. We've had to clear the driveway of snow and getting to the garden we made a clear patch to feed the birds. It is still snowing though.

[Lex]

Most days are like that for me Lex, it's called being retired ;)

All right, don't rub it in!! :p

I finally gave into boredom, and ventured out for a couple of pints at lunchtime.

[cathidaw]

Fanx fu the wornin.


I get annoyed with the ones who phone and wait to clear their throats before they speak. You know the ones, usually named Roger, Henry, or even Brian, with an accent as thick as black treacle

today i had a Jeffry call me.

[Finebyme]

On the Buses.

During this cold weather I often feel sorry for young mothers waiting at the bus stop with their baby in pushchair and often can't get on the bus when the designated area for them it is already occupied by another mother with baby or a wheelchair. So it means the mothers with babies, have to wait in the cold until the next bus comes along. I know there is no easy solution to this problem, but I often think if mum folds up her push chair. it can fit in the little compartment used for bags, but this never seems to happen. Some baby buggies are small enough to fold up. I often want to suggest this but it is awkward.

[rebbonk]

I once saw a woman get on the bus after taking her baby out of the buggy. When the driver queried her leaving the buggy, her response was, "I'll tell the social I had it stolen, they'll give me money for another!"

[Finebyme]

That is pretty dishonest so she will get a new one.

The cultural critic, Dr. Theo Dalrimple tells the story of when he was a doctor was called to a house of a young woman one of whose children he had to treat. Looking into the back garden he saw that the whole area was strewn with rubbish. She saw the doctor looking outside and said. '' Oh don't worry about that doctor, I'll phone up the Council to get them to remove it.'' So she couldn't ever be bothered to take personal responsibility to remove her own rubbish or even make an effort because she knew that if she phoned up the council and complained, they would have to remove it.

[Lex]

Just had a bit of a shock. I've just taken some rubbish out to the communal bins for the complex I live in, and a bleeding great rat jumped out of one of the bins, which was overloaded while the others were virtually empty, and scuttled away under the fence of the bin area.
An email was promptly dispatched to the management company, asking them to remind all the residents not to overfill bins, as I don't want a rat problem!!

[cathidaw]

That is pretty dishonest so she will get a new one.

The cultural critic, Dr. Theo Dalrimple tells the story of when he was a doctor was called to a house of a young woman one of whose children he had to treat. Looking into the back garden he saw that the whole area was strewn with rubbish. She saw the doctor looking outside and said. '' Oh don't worry about that doctor, I'll phone up the Council to get them to remove it.'' So she couldn't ever be bothered to take personal responsibility to remove her own rubbish or even make an effort because she knew that if she phoned up the council and complained, they would have to remove it.

I was in Nuneaton council house a couple of years ago when I heard a young couple haranguing the people behind the counter because his letter box rattled and let the draught in. And that this was the third time he'd been in about it.
Poor stupid souls !!

[rebbonk]

Christmas TV

Whilst I'm not normally a TV watcher, I've been forced to watch a few hours over the holiday period. I can only say that everything I saw was absolute rubbish.

Anyone else got any thoughts on this?

[Lex]

I wouldn't put it as politely as 'rubbish'. If I wrote what I really thought about the TV over Christmas, I'd have to ban myself from WOL for offensive language!!

[rebbonk]

Glad I'm not alone in my thoughts Lex. ;)

[Lex]

You're definitely not alone in that!

[cathidaw]

NEW TO ME THIS CHRISTMAS.

Watching about 300 people running into the sea on Christmas morning on Bude beach.Wishing I could have joined them..........all for charity.
Maybe next year when I shall be walking better..
Strong brandy sauce on ice cream.
Chestnuts roasted with Christmas turkey.
Opening the pineapple gin I made in February.
Getting there in under 4 hours.

[Lex]

I like the sound of brandy sauce on ice cream, Cathi.

[rebbonk]

I like the idea of pineapple gin. - Care to share your knowledge Cathi?

[cathidaw]

EASY.
1 bottle of gin--cheap will do.
One large pineapple PEELED and chopped
Half pound of sugar
one squeezed lemon. or lemon juice

Mix all together and add gin in large bowl or something.
Cover and leave for six weeks.gently stir every now and again/or when you remember

later stir and strain-fine strainer..Have a bigger bottle ready as it makes ANOTHER HALF PINT or (drink the surplus.) Then when sober again, put away 'til about9 months or more
With the strained pineapple sediment, allow it to be well strained, put it in a flattish baking tin lined with baking paper and completely cover it with a large bar of gently melted chocolate-I use dark,but any brand, Tesco is cheap.When its set, score and eat it but remember its alcoholic level is high.
This is the best bit for me.
This year I shall try plums blackcurrants..any fruit on special offer and try using stem ginger with the initial fruit.
My son in law used sloes too but hasnt tried it yet.

[rebbonk]

Thank you Cathi. I fancy having a go at that. :cool:

[Lex]

I had a pleasant surprise today. I decided to have a day out in Oxford today, and made use of the Park & Ride; as I boarded the bus to the city centre, I was greeted by a bus driver who actually has some customer service skills!!

[rebbonk]

I like Oxford, but haven't been there for a while. Last time I went I had a loan car (mine was having warranty work done) and some ******* clipped it in a car park. Luckily, my metal working skills and a bit of T-cut and the damage was all but invisible.

[Lex]

I got back from a few days walking up in Yorkshire this afternoon. Fantastic weather, and some amazing scenery made for a very enjoyable time. :D

[rebbonk]

Glad you enjoyed it Lex.

We've spent a couple of afternoons at a canal-side pub this week. - Very enjoyable and surprisingly quiet.

Sadly, Monday we are to attend Mrs R's mother's funeral. She was 86 so had a decent innings though the last few years were not of the best quality.

[Lex]

I'm sorry to hear that Rebbonk - my condolences. Hope you & Mrs R. are bearing up ok.

[rebbonk]

We're OK thanks Lex. Mrs R's mother's health hadn't been good for a while, so although a bit of a surprise, it wasn't exactly unexpected.

After the problems earlier this year I thought we'd lose my mum first. IIRC our fathers died within a couple of weeks of each other. - But that was 20 years ago.

[rebbonk]

Today's funeral was a bit of a non event. The ceremony was very good (non religious) but the sisters from the two marriages are as divided as ever.

[Lex]

Has a very strange experience today - I actually saw a BMW driver use their indicators! :eek:

It gets stranger; I was following a BMW last week, and the driver used their indicator at 2 consecutive junctions. I nearly crashed!

[rebbonk]

Having become a BMW driver (I know, I know!) I can tell you that I do indicate. However, I have noticed that other drivers do tend to give me a wide berth and treat me with suspicion. I have also noticed that BMW and Audi drivers seem to be very poor at indicating and lane discipline. -The darker the car, the worse they seem to be.

[Lex]

I followed another BMW today, which happily refused to indicate & tale-gated the car in front. I felt a bit of normality return to my life. :D

[rebbonk]

Anyone else spot the Red Arrows skirting North Coventry just before 1300hrs today?

[Lex]

Unfortunately, I was the other end of the county. I had read that they were due to make an appearance in the area though.

[Lex]

I've spent a rather pleasant afternoon in a beer garden with some friends, I'm now sat at home with a glass of wine, waiting for my Sunday dinner to cook. :)

[rebbonk]

We've just had a big row!

I've always told Mrs R when cutting the lawn to have the electric flex over her shoulder so that she can't inadvertently run the mower over it. She always tells me to b*gger off and mind my own business. She's just run the mower over the cable and sliced it in half!

I'm afraid she got rather a large dose of engineering and sexist, not to mention bad, language. She's now not talking to me, so it hasn't all been bad!

[rebbonk]

Whilst having a pint by the canal yesterday, I noticed a slight yellowing of the leaves. - Winter's on its way!

[Lex]

Yep, summer's over - 9 months of rain on the way!

[rebbonk]

It wasn't raining when I took the dog out this morning, but I was soaked when I returned!

[rebbonk]

I've just re-taxed the car over the internet.

It took less than a minute and as I put my credit card away Mrs R said, "Post Office tomorrow, then?"

"No," I said, "it's done."

"Bl**dy Hell," says she. "The government must have done something right, you didn't lose your temper!"

I think that says something about other online payment sites I use.

[Lex]

I re-taxed my car a couple of weeks ago -I couldn't believe how quick it was.

[Lex]

Whilst having a pint by the canal yesterday, I noticed a slight yellowing of the leaves. - Winter's on its way!

I've seen a few yellowing leaves as well this week, plus a couple of flocks of geese honking overhead in the evenings - autumn's definitely on the way.

[cathidaw]

go on rebbonk,cheer us all up.

[rebbonk]

go on rebbonk,cheer us all up.

I don't actually dislike autumn and winter cathidaw. In fact, autumn often finds me out and about with my camera capturing the wonderful colours. ;)

[margaret]

Yes, Autumn can be very colourful with the reds , rusts and evergreens, still some flowers in the garden and tubs looking cheerful. last year I planted a new white peony, which is just getting established, this year no flower but the leaves have gone an attractive red, with with greyish white on the back. I am hoping it will flower next year.

[margaret]

Some end of summer pictures, Didn't take a lot this year.
I'm afraid the Hydrangea, didn't do well at all this year in the long hot summer.

[margaret]

Sky photos .

[rebbonk]

I spent a lovely afternoon in a pub garden today. It was pleasantly warm until about 4PM when I decided to retire to the inside bar. ;)

[cathidaw]

I saw a hedgehog today---using a hole I made in a new fence only last week.How wonderful is that !!

[margaret]

Just wondered if my pictures showed up.

Cathidaw, how lovely , I like little hedgehogs , they can eat up all the slugs they like in my garden. :).

[rebbonk]

Margaret, your piccies show up just fine. ;)

Even with the dogs we've had, we still get hedgehogs. But we do have plenty of slugs and snails.

Current dog isn't quite sure what to make of hedgehogs. She runs at them but then comes to an abrupt halt when they don't run off and she actually reaches them.

[margaret]

Can anyone recommend a decent low cost Energy supplier , please ?

[cathidaw]

I have been with BULB for about 6 months.They were much cheaper than any one then.
Look on Martin Lewis site for up todate energy suppliers..
Good luck.

[rebbonk]

I'm electric only, refuse to use direct debits and want quarterly bills. I can't beat the Co-op, despite trying very hard.

Try looking on u-switch

I can't remember who it is, but there is one site that you sign up with and they are continually shifting you between suppliers to keep you on the best tariff.

One thing to be aware of though, is that in the event of a problem many of these companies will only deal with the named account holder. My brother (lives with mum) has had problems in the past in sorting niggles out. Mum is 90 and often not capable of using the phone herself for various reasons.

[margaret]

I'm electric only, refuse to use direct debits and want quarterly bills. I can't beat the Co-op, despite trying very hard.

Try looking on u-switch

I can't remember who it is, but there is one site that you sign up with and they are continually shifting you between suppliers to keep you on the best tariff.

One thing to be aware of though, is that in the event of a problem many of these companies will only deal with the named account holder. My brother (lives with mum) has had problems in the past in sorting niggles out. Mum is 90 and often not capable of using the phone herself for various reasons.



Thanks Cathi and Reebonk[


I was looking at the Co-op , and their tariff is certainly lower that what I am paying at present under Scottish Power.
But I was reading that the Co-op will be putting their prices up.

I shall look into both, choices.


.

[cathidaw]

Just wondered if my pictures showed up.

Cathidaw, how lovely , I like little hedgehogs , they can eat up all the slugs they like in my garden. :).

I'm boring you again!! but I hada baby squirrell on my bird table today nibbling a very hard batch. it only moved when I got near and dived off into my fig tree,bouncing off and up the garden.About 6" long plus a very bushy tail.I'll have to keep feeding now as it is so small it wont survive the winter. The nest is in next door's laurel tree.
I left cat biscuits for it on the bird table tonight.

[rebbonk]

Can anyone recommend a decent low cost Energy supplier , please ?

This is what I couldn't remember the other day Margaret. I know nothing about them so before signing up do some research. Look After My Bills (https://lookaftermybills.com/)

[margaret]

Thanks for that Rebbonk .



On a different note, What would you do if you went for a job interview and the interviewer was covered in tattoos? :(

[rebbonk]

I'd politely say, "thanks but no thanks" and leave. I wouldn't stay for the interview.

I have nothing against tattoos as such (many of my friends have them) but I don't think they present a professional image. A local thug (businessman!) told me when I was growing up, if I was ever to get tattoos, always make sure that they could be covered up for business purposes. - In the main, I agree with his advice.

Incidentally, I'm not one for sitting quietly in interviews. I remember one at Jaguar where after a few minutes I realised that the guy who would be my boss was a complete idiot. I stood up, said "I work for an idiot now, I have no intention of working for another one." Taking the panel by surprise I shook their hands and walked out. About 3 weeks later I had a letter telling me I had been unsuccessful! It's a shame that Jaguar didn't look at that guy closer as he was the cause of many of their warranty issues. Thankfully he'd gone by the time Jaguar took L/R over. (Sorry, it was a merger <manical laugh>).

[cathidaw]

Yes, Autumn can be very colourful with the reds , rusts and evergreens, still some flowers in the garden and tubs looking cheerful. last year I planted a new white peony, which is just getting established, this year no flower but the leaves have gone an attractive red, with with greyish white on the back. I am hoping it will flower next year.

lovely photo, would surely get somewhere high in a competition for flowers.

[cathidaw]

my japanese windflowers are still out-only half the size of usual and petals are smaller too, due to that hot spell but very pretty
I have a fig tree--loaded with green figs but it's too late for them to ripen now. Next week I shall prune it as it has gone mad this year.

[margaret]

my japanese windflowers are still out-only half the size of usual and petals are smaller too, due to that hot spell but very pretty
I have a fig tree--loaded with green figs but it's too late for them to ripen now. Next week I shall prune it as it has gone mad this year.


Are those pink ones Japanese windflowers? they are very pretty . With my penstemon picture, I was thinking I might enter it in a competition, but will have to wait round to the summer again I think. Leamington usually have a flower competition.

I didn't think figs really ripened in this country Cathi, but the actual fig trees grow lovely big leaves. When we lived in the south east, a neighbour of ours once had a big beauty of a fig tree. But was cut down as someone complained that the roots where moving his shed!

[margaret]

[QUOTE=rebbonk;34256]I'd politely say, "thanks but no thanks" and leave. I wouldn't stay for the interview.


I think that's what I would have done Rebbonk, especially in the medical profession.

It was my son who was having an interview, he had already been interview by two very nice professionals, he felt quite comfortable and good rapport , but then the third was a woman covered in tattoos, made him cringe, I think that would have totally ruined my interview and parted company. By the way the job was for a Band 3 pathology assistant.

The biggest blunder (well maybe not the biggest). the NHS made was allowing staff to have tattoos!
In my day we weren't allowed to wear jewellery, and have neat and tied back. But just before `I left, Matron employed a guy with an earring and a stud on his toungue. He obviously wasn't wearing the stud in his interview. But, that same guy was a good worker and would help out anyone when asked. Pity about the pink handbag and studs and drinking out of the milk carton that we had in the staffroom for our teas. But there we go.




.

[cathidaw]

Are those pink ones Japanese windflowers? they are very pretty . With my penstemon picture, I was thinking I might enter it in a competition, but will have to wait round to the summer again I think. Leamington usually have a flower competition.

I didn't think figs really ripened in this country Cathi, but the actual fig trees grow lovely big leaves. When we lived in the south east, a neighbour of ours once had a big beauty of a fig tree. But was cut down as someone complained that the roots where moving his shed!
Fig trees need to be contained(so I was told) this one is in an old concrete fish pond which was filled in years ago, so it grows outwardly.Otherwise the roots spread far and wide.We had lots of ripe figs--if I could get them before the squirrels did.The wind flowers are usually up to 7 feet' tall.

I'd never heard of penstemons,they look good.
Love your dance video.I did international dance for 12 years=often called circle dance.

[cathidaw]

198
My fig tree this morning.

[rebbonk]

What a lovely garden Cathi

[cathidaw]

My black bin went too.The replacement took 5 weeks until I complained. Then I had one, and 2 w eeks later --another, both with my house number on them.
I kept both---just in case!!!