Evening.
Another lovely day here. Perhaps a bit breezier? But i didn't need a coat while working anyway.
I got my first lawn cut. And the customer was quite glad to see me.

Yeah, if you've got an electric mower, it's always a good idea to plug it all in Mollie.  

I'll have to watch Over the Rainbow more closely next time. I've watched bits of it, but not enough to know who anyone is. Nobody stood out for me so far. But if there's a redhead.......

Hi Hicky.
Once you start using that black trim polish, you get through a lot of it. there's a lot of black plastic on my van, and I could easily use a whole container of the polish, if I didn't ration myself.

Hello Mollie & Emptybox.

My Lad moves to Darwin on May 1st Mollie, he doesn't mess about, he's a Geotechnical Engineer P3 whatever that is.

Just been to Costco again, got my own card now so don't need O/H to go with me.

got a big pack of Loo rolls, a pack of 12 packs x 4 rolls each, will put in garage.

Got more frozen crab legs, they are the smaller ones but the same specie as the massive ones I get.
But these you put in the oven in foil to thaw, yummy.

Will have to do some more plastic polishing on the car as well.

Hi.

Not nearly as nice a day here. Grey and cold with some drizzle this morning.
Got some more grass cut this afternoon though.
It's just a matter of getting round everybody now. That'll take a couple of weeks.

I'm not sure what a Geotechnical Engineer is either, but it sounds like a good job Hicky.

Good morning all
didn't have chance to call in yesterday. Daughter's lappy has broken completely now,so she has to keep borrowing mine to do her college work. OH thought it may be the charger going, so sent for one from HongKong, however it wasn't the charger, because it still doesn't work.  

Emptybox
yes I have a feeling you might be taken by the redhead on Somewhere over the Rainbow. Sounds like your busy time of year workwise is now here. Let's hope the weather is ok for you to get all those lawns cut. Don't think you would want me as a helper though, as I didn't even know how to plug in the mower.

Hicky
Like Emptybox, I don't know what your lads job is, but it sounds good anyway. Not long till he moves up north though. I always found it funny that in Oz, a move up north means moving somewhere a lot hotter, and the north winds in summer were like hot air coming out of an oven.
That is handy that you have your own card now for Costco. Glad to hear you enjoyed your crabs legs.
Is it another day off for you today?

brekkie time for me now, cheese and tomato on toast I think.

Hi Mollie & Emptybox.

Don't know where my post from this morning went.

It explained the Geotechnical Engineering.
Posted a link, this one.
http://www.geotechnical.co.uk/

I'm at work, not too bad though.

Was looking at a site for Darwin, interesting place by the sound of it.

Hi Everyone.

For those that missed seeing Diana as LV in the Westend, which is probably most of you.

But this YT clip is a section when she is in the  club taking off various singing stars.
It brings tears to my eye listening to it still.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0VXttGamvg

Hi Hicky and Mollie.

Yes, she's no a bad wee singer, Diana.
That clip is a bit disconcerting because there's no applause on it, but she's very good.
Perhaps it was a rehearsal? 
I've seen adverts for her new single.

I think I've got a handle on your son's job now Hicky.
Basically, he looks into the ground? ?

Mollie, have you tried changing the battery on that faulty laptop?
If it's a power issue, I would have thought the battery is more likely to be at fault than the charger?
It's usually an easy job to exchange them, as long as you source one for your model.
ETA: Thinking about it, I seem to remember you saying you had to run it from the mains lead, so it probably is the power supply itself, that is faulty.
It's maybe a professional repair job?

It was a little warmer today than yesterday, and i got some more grass cut.
But I see the forecast for next week is to go back to cold, frost and snow.

If that's the case then it could cause havoc in gardens.
I'll have to try to make sure my potatoes are protected, if they've started to grow by then.

Good morning all

Hicky
I heard Diana on raido 1 the other day. looks like her single is going to do well.
will take a look at your lads job link and Diana's link later.

Emptybox
Yes with the lappy the battery had not been working for a long time. OH and son had a fiddle, and reckon as you say it is a special repair job, which might not even be worth paying out for.
frost and snow again, you will have to take care of your crops. Maybe the return of the cold is to do with this volcano?

I am off with the kids to cardiff today to see an Oscar Wilde play, glad it is sunny, because my new psychadelic babycham trainers gave me blisters, so I need to wear my open sandals. OH said they'd give me blisters if I wore them the 1st time with no socks. He was proved right.

have a good day all.
nice and sunny here today, but also nice and cool. perfect weather.

Good Afternoon Everyone.

Lovely here today, bad news for those flying with all planes grounded.

A lazy day for me, going to do a bit more work on the car plastic soon.

Did my brekkie in the oven today, not bad really, some sausages, bacon Toms and black pud.

Car looking good now anyway, got plastic glove with sponge on to put the polish on the plastic, works fine.

Got a spray as well to put over it, it makes it a bit more shiny, must have it looking good.

Got a packet of thingies to do the dash, and a new thingy for cleaning the wet off the screen inside.

Had some Chinese chicken wings for tea, with a Wonton soup, then had a couple of Oranges, have potted some Crab in butter for tomorrow.

Evening.

Not a bad day here. No sign of volcanic ash yet.
Just hope I don't wake up to find my van engulfed.

Got quite a bit of grass cut again, but I haven't found any place that's grown all that much yet.

Psychedelic babycham trainers Mollie? The mind boggles.
Hope you enjoyed the play.

Glad your car is looking spic and span now Hicky.
BTW What is wonton soup?

My brother and his family are one of the ones affected by the grounding of planes. They've been on a mediterranean cruise for the last week, and were due to fly back from Crete today.
As it is they've got to spend an extra night on board, then see what the situation is tomorrow.
Still I can think of worse places to be stranded?

I was watching the big leaders debate on ITV, but i can't say it was very rivetting.

Evening guys.
A lovely sunny warm day here.
No sign of any volcano ash.

I haven't heard from my brother yet, so no idea when he's likely to get a flight home?
I see that Scottish airports may have restrictions lifted from 7pm tonight, so he may get back late tonight.

Hope you've all had a sunny day.

Hello again.


The Wonton Emptybox is a Chinese delicacy that is a prawn in a special thin pastry case, a bit like pasta, with a flavoured soup, pretty tasty.

Finished my car plastic, it's looking good now.

Went out for a Fish and Chip meal at Marigolds, they do one of the best around, O/H had Roast Chicken though.

Hope everyone had a good day.

Good evening all

Emptybox
that is a shame about your brother getting stranded but as you say at least he is on holiday somewhere nice. My friend was due to fly out to New York to visit relatives tommorrow, and it has been delayed until Tuesday.
Here is the link to the Babycham shoes. Mine are a black pair,with bright colours,  and have a bambi piccie on the back of them.  You might be interested to know that they also do Babycham shoes for men?
http://www.babychamtrainers.co.uk/
I saw the leaders too, but as you say not exactly exiting, even the audience seemed like robots. I got bored listening to what they said, but did follow the worm, on the website.
Glad to hear the good weather means you are keeping up to date with the grass cutting.

Hicky
Sounds like you were busy on the car yesterday, I bet it looks good now. Is Marigolds the local chippie? It is a nice treat now and again to get fish and chips. We went to Pizza hut today, because it was one of my boys birthdays, and he chose to go there.
What a nice spring day it has been again today.

Goodnight all
we are off to asda to get some food and will have brekkie there tommororw.
Hope you have both had a good day.

That wonton soup sounds good Hicky. I'll have to look out for it.

Those trainers are certainly colourful Mollie, but I don't think I'll get meself a pair.

I didn't know anything about the "worm". Might have made the debate a bit more interesting. Did make me think about my vote though. I'm now officially 'Undecided'.

It's Happy Saturday again.

Lovely and Sunny here today, been watching the F1 Shanghai Qualifying.

Found where we are staying in Portugal, it's Atalaia, a Villa, but we are renting a car anyway so we can venture around.

I remember doing a design for a control panel & system for a Chemical plant in Portugal, but we tested the automation control system in our factory so I didn't need to go out there, we commissioned it as a dummy system and it passed the inspection.
So I never got to see the system working.
Most designs I did I also saw them in operation as well.

Just had some more crab, think I'm getting addicted.

Tellt ee  
You'll enjoy finding out what sort of crab dishes they serve in Portugal.

It's a lovely sunny day here, but very breezy.
Just going to do my weekly shop in a bit.

Had a text from my Brother. He is still stranded in Crete, and has no idea when he might get a flight home.
They are being put up in a 4 star beach front hotel though, so he's not too disconsolate.

Good afternoon all
another lovely day here too today. and how strange to see not one vapour trail, or plane flying over.. and the sky is just such a clear blue.

Hicky
at you getting addicted to crab. Sounds like me and my blueberry crumble.   I bet Emptybox is right, and you will get some good crabs out in Portugal.   I will look up where you are staying. A villa should be nice as you can do as you please. Should be just right that time of year too before it heats up in summer time.

Emptybox
Your lucky brother being stuck in luxury. I trust the tour company are footing the bill? My friend was due to fly to the states today, doesn't know when she'll be going now. She is not that bothered because they say she can just change dates to whenever she wants, so may leave it till autumn now.

Had a nice brekkie in asda.
We are going to see Diversity tonight in Cardiff. Cant wait, it is a sell out.

Have a good day all.

Oh Well, another day over nearly.

Bad news really for all these people that can't get back or get away with the Ash.
But it can't be helped.

We are still trying to get the Passports for the young ones, with them changing certain rules it's become harder, more messing about.

It should be a good show with diversity anyway.

Evening.

I think it's probably the airline paying for my Brother's accomodation Mollie?
Not sure which airline that might be?
I can see some of these budget airlines getting into financial difficulties because of it though.

Hope you enjoyed Diversity. Are they one of these dance groups? I know they were one of last year's BGT acts, but i can't place them?

Hope you get those passports sorted Hicky. Sounds a tricky job.

had my usual spag bol tonight.

I had to pay for tax discs for both my vehicles today (did it online).
£200 for the van, and £245 for the Jag. Bloody ridiculous.

Good afternoon all
another lovely day, hope you are both enjoying the sunshine today.

Hicky
I hope they manage to get the youngsters passports sorted out ok. I remember my daughter's being complicated. It used to be so easy, the kids used to be on mine, then.... they all had to have their own one, then they had to renew it every few years, the excuse being kiddies change quickly from their pic. Meanwhile, of course, all it ends up doing, is costing us more money!

Emptybox
I just heard the travel guy saying on the news that all European arilines are required by law to provide food and accommodation for stranded passenges, so sounds like this has happened with your brother. So at least he gets an extra holiday from it.
those damn tax discs are just so expenisve now. When I renewed ours a couple of weeks ago, they told me it was incorrect on the renewal form, and had just gone up by another £15! And as for the price of petrol...ridiculous. OH just read that 76p a litre goes in taxes. Oh well, I suppose us taxpayers have to find the money from somewhere to pay all those billions that the government kindly spent on our behalf, bailing out their banking buddies, so they can still get their nice bonuses, and the MP's can claim their expenses.
Hope you enjoyed your sphag bol.

We had a great evening at Diversity.
They were last years winners of Britains Got Talent Emptybox. The group who have the little lad with curly hair and glasses and throw him around. It was great family entertainment. Thousands there. The little lad who danced on his own and came fifth last year was also appearing with them. There are 2 lots of brothers in the group, which is nice.

Am washing some sheets today, then this afternoon going for a walk on the seafront when we take son to drama.

Hope you have a good day.

Well, it was raining here this morning, and is cloudy now.
The rain seems to have put some dirty marks on my white van, so wether that's down to ash, I don't know?

Oh yes, I remember Diversity now Mollie.
Glad you enjoyed the show.

Yes my tax discs were both more expensive than it said on the form. The van was £15 more expensive, and the Jag was £30 more expensive.
Still, I suppose it'll encourage us to buy smaller, more economical cars in the future?
I wouldn't mind dotting about in an electric van, but they haven't developed a practical one yet (apart from a milk float).

Afternoon Mollie & Emptybox.

Not too bad a day here, Sun struggling a bit.

Think my car tax was £205, it goes up £5 a year doesn't it.

Diversity are doing very well, but it's a bit split when you have a pay day.

Not doing much today, going to look for a garden sump liner thingy for my Lad, his garden floods and I'm buying a submersible pump to try and drain the ground

Good afternoon all

Emptybox
What a shame you haven't seen the sun yet today. It has been sunny all day here, but the wind is cooler today than yesterday.
Yes I can't somehow see you being able to do your gardening in a milkfloat. Gosh your jag ihas gone up more than our 7 seater. But jags are lovely cars. Shame really that we can't all go electric. The trouble is with small economic cars is that they are useless if you are a family of 5, with a dog, 5 bikes, (and granny too on occasions), all wanting to go out together. So that is why we have to run a 7 seater. (only an old one though).

Hicky
Our car went up an extra £15 this year, in addition to the original increase that was on the form.
Sounds like you are having a relaxing day today, I have been too. Been sitting in the garden reading my mag. Decided not to go to seafront today, OH just dropped lad off. Glad I didn't , OH said it was packed there today, so it would of been diffiuclut to park.
Did you get what you needed for your lad's garden? The garden centres are lovely at the moment with all the colourful plants there.
I wonder if you were tempted with the burger van?

Did you watch Somewhere over the Rainbow?  I like this show, some good singers.

Oh. Over the rainbow.
Think I'll watch the result show now, while I do my ironing.

I did note the Welsh red-head Sophie.
But I also like dark haired Lauren.

I only watched a wee bit yesterday, so didn't really listen to the singing.

ETA: Aw! That's a pity, I liked Danni and her dimples, as well.

Hi Mollie & Emptybox.

I got a container from Water--World, think it's one that you put plants in for a pond, it has holes in it all over, and got some plastic sheet with 2 mm hole in for putting around the container from Water-World.
My lad dug the hole and fitted it,wanted to get it in in case it rained and you wouldn't be able to dig it then.

He was also putting down some decking, around 3m by 5m area.

Had an ice cream while out, didn't go to B&Q, so no Burger.

Saw a bit of the 'Rainbow' like them all.

Well done to Button & Lewis in Shanghai F1 anyway, they started 5&6 ended 1&2.

Good Morning Everyone.

Happy Monday again, weather doesn't seem too bad really.

Not good if your supposed to be flying anywhere though.

Off for brekkie in a mo, yummy.

Good evening all

Another lovely sunny day here today. Hope it was nice in your areas too.
Glad to hear you are both enjoying Somewhere over the Rainbow. I will say that for Andrew Lloyed Webber, he certainly puts on a good show, and knows how to spot talent.

Emptybox... yes shame about the girl who left Rainbow this week, I did like her, I think there are others that did not sing as well as her, so shame she went. Oh and I didn't notice her dimples.   But I do like the nice colourfull frocks.  

Hicky...Sounds like your lad is going to have a nice garden this summer.

Emptybox
is your brother enjoying his extra holiday?  Or haven't you heard from him? Do you still look after the dog when he is away?  Sounds like he will be home soon, now they are planning on starting flights again.

Went for a little ride on my bike to my mums today. Still  not very confident, so son came with me. It was a lovely day for a bike ride, at least it is not too hot yet in the sun.

Joanna Lumley on tv tonight.

Evening.

Yes, not a bad day here. Sunny anyway, but quite cold. 
They're still predicting overnight temperatures down to zero midweek.

I haven't heard from my Brother since Saturday, but I presume he hasn't got home, or he would have phoned?
He was due back in work today, and the boys were due back at school, so wether he is just waiting for a flight, or wether he is going to come by ferry, train, coach etc, I don't know? Just have to wait to hear. 

I haven't got the dog this time Mollie. She's in kennels. Hopefully they've been in touch to say they've been delayed.
I wasn't asked to take her, but it would have been difficult as I'm out during the day. It was much easier when my Dad was at home during the day.
The dog is one that get's into everything, so unless you want to come home and find rubbish strewn everywhere, you've got to shut everything away and put everything out of her reach. Also she and the cat get on OK if there's someone home, but I wouldn't trust them to be left for long periods.
I'm not saying I won't have her again. Something will probably be worked out, but it's much trickier now.

Hope you enjoyed your bike ride Mollie. Great exercise for you anyway.

Sounds like your son's garden is going to look good Hicky.
My one is rather sparse at the mo. Haven't decided wether i should spend a lot of time (or money) on it or not?
As long as it's kept  tidy, that'll do me, I think.

Watched Flash Forward earlier.

Good morning all
another lovely morning here, sunny with a little chill in the air (3 degrees right now).

Emptybox
maybe your brother is coaching or driving back through Europe then? What an adventure for the boys if they are, and great for the boys to miss school. I think they will learn much more if they are travelling through Europe, than they ever would stuck inbetween those walls of a formal institution. I think it is ridiculous  in this country how parents are told they can not take kids away in term time, travel broadens the mind, after all. When we wre in Oz, travel was encouraged there, and kids could take time off school whenever they wanted, then educate all the rest of the kids when they got back to school by sharing their experiences. It worked well in such an isolated country when families often took long breaks to see Europe. If you want you can take correspondance work with you, which we did for a while.
But I can see, this delay may be more of a problem for your brother if he  is losing either his annual leave or wages from work.
What a shame that the dog is such a little mischief, so I can understand why your brother did not want to make it difficult for you by asking you to have him. I should imagine that most kennels have quite a few of their guests overstaying till their owners can get back home.
Did you watch Joanna Lumley last night on the Nile? So interesting. She is so enthusiastic, and even managed to still look glamourous when travelling in a boat with very basic facilities.

Hicky
is it a work day today?
how is your son's garden going?

The council yard outside our back garden is driving me mad,it's like Fred Flintsones yard out there. They have started their rock breaking machine up again, what a row, and dust everywhere.   Managed to get one load of washing out before 7.30am before they started, I hate standing out there when this machine is going. Thank goodness we rented, and didn't go into debt to buy this house. There  are about 4 for sale now on this estate, out of only about 20 houses there are here. And none of them can even get viewers, nor sell for the price they paid for them 5 years ago.

Have a good day all.

Good Afternoon Mollie.

Chilly in the house and outside in the shade, nice in the Sun though, ground temperature 19deg.
Been to Sainsbury's for a few bits.
Bought a few healthy bits as well, more snacky stuff really.

The pipe came for the pump, still waiting for the pump.

O/H spent 2 hours this morning trying to sort out the pics for the girl's passport photo, one has to be signed and one not, they had got 2 signed and they wouldn't accept so had to go back and get one that was unsigned then.

Now trying to get the travel insurance sorted.
Need an E101 form, I used to have one when I was working abroad.

Hi.

A dry day here, but very windy and chilly.
Got a bit done this afternoon.

Good luck with your travel plans Hicky. I'm sure the volcano will have stopped erupting by then.

Hi Mollie.
My Nephews are used to foreign travel, but they usually just fly in and out.
A coach trip might be educational. But I think it would take a lot to prise them away from their PSPs and Nintendos.

What are the council doing outside your back yard? Is it a building site?
Sounds like a bloomin' nuisance.

Hi Emptybox.

Sorted the insurance and ordered the health card, so that's OK.

Put a Cottage Pie in the oven.

Got my Diana CD, or did I tell you, much rather have a CD than a download, you can't admire that can you?

Just watching 60 minute makeover, then Duncan's show at 9pm, hope it's not one i've seen.

Dragon's den wasn't filmed this week because Peter is stuck abroad, Duncan got back at great expense but no Peter.

Good Morning Everyone.

Happy Wednesday to all.

It might be another nice day, Forecast seemed reasonable anyway.

At work of course, but it shouldn't be too bad today.

Good morning Hicky
Hope they don't overwork you too much today. Do you still get brekkie at the canteen?
Did you see the Diana interview in the Heat?  She is a clever girl considering she is only 18. She wrote nearly all of her new album, which few singers do. Hope you enjoy your cd.
Yes it looks like another nice day today all over the country. Sunny here, but it was below freezing this morning. OH has frost on his windscreen.
Glad you have sorted the insurance and health cards out. Our cards came quickly. did you order them on the internet? They are so fussy with those passport piccies now, I bet your OH was fed up with it by the time she sorted it.

Emptybox
Wonder where your brother is now? Yes a coach trip through Europe will be very educational for the boys , especially if their PSP betteries run out on the way. Glad you too got the dry weather to be able to get a bit of work done. OH bought a new battery strimmer from Aldi for £25, so hopefully I will be able to use this ok.
Don't know what the council are doing, there used to be dust carts parked there, then they moved them and store high mounds of rocks, grit and dirt now, which is even worse. They used the grit for the roads in the winter, and just seem to keep moving it around now, and breaking up stones on this huge machine now.

Have a good day all.
Isn't this cool sunny spring weather just lovely?   I am trying to do a bit of running now when I take the dog out, but only in bursts, not fit enough to run the whole way yet. 

Brekkie time for me... tomatoes on toast today.

Hi Mollie.Chilly this morning but no frost on my car.

I was busier than expected.
Got brekkie OK though.
Have seen a lot of Diana's interviews so nothing changes, I know it all off by heart nearly.

I ordered the health cards and the insurance on line.

Evening.

Very cold this morning. Ice on the puddles and -2 on the max/min thermometer in the greenhouse, but a nice day following.
I think it's supposed to get a bit warmer now?

Hi Mollie. That's sounds like a lot of noise and nuisance from the council yard.
Perhaps they are just breaking rocks to use up their budget, so they can get more next year.

Hope they are not over-working you Hicky.
At least you got a break for brekkie.

I presume you saw that there was an interview with Chanelle in Now mag this week?

My Brother has finally got home. He got a flight to Glasgow late last night. I haven't spoken to him yet (just a text), but they obviously didn't try to trek through Europe.

Good morning all

Hicky
I got our insurance and health cards on the intenet too. Nice and easy, that way.
Is it work day today?
Do you have everything sorted for your hols now?

Emptybox
Glad to hear your brother arrived back now. If he didn't treck through Europe, sounds like he just had a nice extended holiday in the hotel.

the rock breaking machine has gone at last, thank goodness. There is just piles of rubble and dirt there now, so it is still dusty, but at least the awful noise all day has stopped. They must of hired the machine for a few days, it is a massive thing.
Has it warmed up in the mornings there yet? It seems to of here today. At least in this nice dry weather, you can get out in your gardens.

OH has half day today as it is Friday, so we will go the local outlet centre where they do well known brands for reduced prices.

Good Morning Mollie.

Nice here again today, Lovely Friday again.

No work today or yesterday, have ordered another Pump, this one has a float switch for control, might use the other one for a garden water feature or something.

Just waiting for the stuff to come back now for the Holidays.

Forgot to tell you about Wednesday after work, heard on the radio about the Wallasey Tunnel was a bit slow, decided to divert to the Birkenhead one.
As soon as I diverted then the other one started moving, too late, haven't used this one much and on the way out decide to take the dock route as it's easier to get home, got to the unmanned exit booth, my Tag is in the car so the barrier usually lifts automatic to let me out.
The barrier didn't lift, I pressed the button to call for help, a young lady answered, I said, the barrier won't lift, she said, it won't, your in the Buses only lane, can you back out and change lanes.
I had to reverse for 50 ft and go into the car lane, had never noticed.

Glad the machine has gone at last.
Enjoy the Outlet store anyway., get what you can.

Good evening all

Hi Hicky
hope you have had a good day off today. What lovely weather again.
that was a bit of a hair raising journey home on Wednesday. I bet you were suprised when you found out you were in the bus lane!! My mum tells me she remembers that tunnel, and there didn't used to be signs when you came out of it, so if you weren't careful, you'd end up on the north Wales road. 

I love water features in gardens. So I bet one would be lovely in your nice big garden. If you do one, don't forget a photo for us. OH bought me a smiley Hindu water feature for our garden.

Hopefully the holiday stuff shouldn't be too long, ours came quite quickly. I bet the kiddies will be so excited to be going away with you.

Hope Emptybox had an ok day, and managed to get his gardening done.

We had a nice afternoon at the outlet centre. We bought daughter some new sandals and trainers (both in pink), luckily she is still in childrens sizes, so still cheaper than adult ones. She also got a nice little pink bag with a green frog on. OH got 2 pairs of trousers for £5 each from M and S. We went to the jacket potato shop for potato, beans and cheese, then we had icecream after. I had apple pie flavour. OH had coconut, and daughter had choccy orange.

Are you expecting any visitors this weekend Hicky?

Have a good evening all.