It's blackberrying time. I've stocked my freezer up this weekend: https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/lifestyle/now-is-the-perfect-time-to-pick-blackberries-expert-reveals-her-top-tips-51488/

What will you make with them, Lex?

Do you freeze them individually or in small bags? - My brother freezes fruit individually and then bags it. It takes him ages, but he can just pull a single piece of fruit out.

Puddings mostly! Quite a few will be used for breakfast, as well.

I just freeze them in one big bag; they generally don't seem to freeze together into clumps, so I can take as many as I need.

I love Blackberries. I have also grown a Loganberry bush, which has started to produce a few berries , I find they are very similar to blackberries. The blackbirds also like to feed on them, but I don't mind.

Tesco failed to deliver again yesterday evening. I'm now £10 better off having complained via WhatsApp. I managed to get a new delivery date for tomorrow evening, so it's not exactly a disaster from my point of view.

Pretty good rebbonk. I find Tesco more customer friendly than Waitrose. Though there are a few things at Waitrose that I do like and will order stuff for Christmas. Their website isn't always updated and don't always say that items aren't available, bit naughty really... But I will chance it. I suppose everyone will be booking a slot for Christmas, as I am not used to it , I don't want to leave it too late.

I'll quietly increase my buying before Christmas. Talking to my mate tonight, we've both agreed that being alone with faggots, mushy peas, and chips, is better than being pushed into a 'family' do.

I couldn't agree more!
Plus it keeps the expenses down with all the mad shopping, and talking about expenses, the price of postage stamps first and second class is a right rip off! So the puts a damper on sending Christmas cards,, though I will send the two I normally do for family abroad.

I avoid shops all I can, Margaret, hence my Tesco and Amazon ordering. Unfortunately, my neighbour has just gone into a home so I have to time my Amazon deliveries a little more carefully these days.

The idea of crowded shops and carting things home just doesn't appeal any more.

Do you mean your neighbour has permanently gone into care?
How has that affected your deliveries?

Yes, he's gone permanently, Margaret. The place is up for sale.

We used to take parcels in for each other. It was rare that we were out at the same time, so Amazon orders, etc. weren't a problem. I'm now having to schedule orders when I know I'll be in; weekends usually. Unfortunately, Amazon cannot be relied on to leave things in the 'safe' places as they're asked to. Actually, they can't even be trusted to deliver to the right number or even street, but that's another tale!

OH right, it is very sad that your neighbour has to go into care now, you will miss him. It is wonderful to have such good neighbours you build a good bond with over the years, and that doesn't happen very often. WE have a good neighbour too, we do a bit of shopping and get her paper for her every Sat. She has been so good to us too. Sad when all that goes.

I got this notice with Morrisons email regarding ordering of groceries.

I hope my bank doesn't charge anything.


*Pre-authorisation amount.

A pre-authorisation amount of your total plus 5% has been reserved with your bank as a pending transaction. This 5% was to ensure enough funds were available for any items with varying weights or substitutions that may alter your total.

After you receive your order, the final total will be calculated, and you'll only be charged this amount. The pending transaction on your account will clear within a few days after payment has been received.

Moved from. General Coventry and Warwickshire chat & Introductions.




Quote Originally Posted by rebbonk .
Freya was my last dog, she was a Belgian Malinois. This is the longest I've been (apart from when I was married) without a dog. But I honestly can't face the early morning and late night walks again; especially in the cold and wet. But that hasn't stopped people trying to palm dogs off on to me!



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Posted by Margaret...Yes, I can understand that. Dogs need a lot of exercise.
My brother in Norwich, has had 3 dogs and each time they pass away, it is very upsetting something he didn't get over easily. The last Dog he had was a Malamute, and unfortunately got cancer, poor thing.. my brother spent a lot of money on vets trying to find out what was wrong with the poor dog. So a lot of stress really.. I would be very surprised if he has another one.

That is bl**dy cheeky! I always pay via credit card so I don't have that problem, plus I get cash back on my card spend.

I always wanted a Malamute but a former apprentice of mine had one and it was nothing but trouble. I've had 'problem' dogs in the past, but I'm not going looking for trouble.

Losing animals is rarely easy, they're part of the family. My daughter has 2 Maine Coon cats and I warned her before she had them that she was setting herself up for heartache as they don't live as long as us. Losing my cat brought this home to her.

Apart from the exercise, cleaning up, and general wear and tear on myself from animals, I really don't want to face the hurt of losing one again. Whilst all of the dogs were planned acquisitions, the cat wasn't. She just knocked the door one cold night (honestly) and moved herself in. Apparently, cats decide where they want to live but I certainly won't be encouraging any.

But... Who knows what the future holds?