Hi Mollie and Hicky.

Bright here but cold.

I got some more grass cutting done in the town. Even there though it hasn't grown very much.

Definitely sounds like you are coming down with something Mollie.

And you've got a cold as well Hicky.

I've still got a bit of a cough left, but feel OK apart from that.

Sad about Mrs Thatcher's death. Even if you disagreed about her politics, she was a huge figure in British Politics.

Is it BGT time again Hicky? That should be good.

I'm enjoying The Voice Mollie. Tom Jones seems to be waiting till the last moment before he turns round, which I think might be a mistake. I think he should have chosen that blonde girl that had sung with Meatloaf.

That sounds an interesting book Mollie. I read that most of the actors in Mrs Brown's Boys are related to the lead actor.

That was generous of your employers Hicky, paying you throughout your recovery.

Being self-employed I might not be so generous with myself. I might give myself the sack if I was off too long.

Evening Emptybox.

BGT starts Saturday i think.

They paid me for at least 6 weeks full time, i was working a full week then, very kind of them, and i was self employed as well.

I think Tom doesn't turn round early as the voices aren't standing out to him, they aren't to me either.

He wants to make sure.

I've had an email of a famous fig tree grower, i asked him about the PH needed for Figs as it wasn't mentioned in his video's and growing data.

He's in New Jersey, he told me they want a PH of 7.8.

I have ordered some Litmus papers to see if i can get a reading, i have a couple of PH testers but it's hard to tell if they work.

Evening All.

A cloudy day here, not very cold though.

Went B&Q for some Fertiliser, have a recipe for giving to the fig tree's.

Cooked a chicken dinner this evening.

Still got this cold, nose stuffed up and running, coughing again.

It looks like we have to warm weather round the corner, from Thursday the temperature rises night and day, could be the end of winter.

Hi Hicky. Yes I saw that about things getting warmer. About time! 

Cold and dull here, with a bit of drizzle this afternoon.

Got some work done this morning, hedge cut and some tidying up work.

Was intending to cut some grass this afternoon, but when I arrived they didn't think it had grown enough, and said come back in a week or two. And that was in the middle of a town. The rain came on just after that anyway.

Hope you get the PH of your figs sorted out Hicky. I saw there was a bit of debate on Facebook. Hope your cold gets better soon.

I didn't realise that Grand National winner was a local boy from Galashiels. I see on the news he was touring the town today.

Watched The Syndicate tonight.

Morning Everyone.

Starting to get a bit warmer, need to get these 2 days out of the way first.

The power went off in the office at 7.50, couldn't find any torches, got someone here at 8.10 with a torch and tester.

It's powered from an old fuse board with a piece of wire in it.

Wire deteriorates when it gets hot so it doesn't last.

Pity you couldn't get your grass cut, i don't think mine has grown but O/H wants it cutting.

There was a debate of FB, i was trying to get to the bottom of the fig tree v PH problem.

But as most things in life lots of people have lots of idea's.

Anyway, i've given the fig trees a mixture of 4 items in equal quantity, granulated Lime being one part.

I think the compost was too acidic last which is why i didn't get many figs.

Can but try, but as some people say the PH should be 6.2 to 6.5 and the fig grower man says it should be 7.8, which makes more sense really as 6.5 is acidic and they like an Alkaline soil.

all

Hicky

hope your fig trees come along well, but after all your effort, I am sure they will.

Sorry to hear you too have got this cold, that is all 3 of us had it now. Do you feel any better today? Shows how they appreciate you at work as they paid you full time during the time you were off sick.   How long did it take them to get the power going again?

This cough/cold has made me feel real rough. Sat up in the chair all last night because of the coughing, and have hardly eaten for 2 days. (not like me, daughter couldn't even tempt me with my fave M and S veg pie last night).

Emptybox

what a shame you didn't get to cut the grass after driving there.  Yes I noticed that the winning jockey was from around your area, when they showed him on tv in his local town. Shame you hadn't put a bet on the local lad, you would of got good odds there.

Had to cancel the occ therapists visit to mums today, I am not well enough, plus I dont want to pass this on to mum.

Have a good day both.xxx

As you say HIcky, it does seem to warming up at last.

Morning.

Drizzling again here, so no grass cutting this morning. Bit milder though.

Sorry to hear you are not feeling at all well Mollie. Just take it easy until you improve. Yes better to make sure your Mum doesn't catch it.

Hi Hicky. Sounds like the electrics in your office need looking at?

Hope your cold has improved?

Looking forward to 10pm. Aisleyne is hosting Looser Women while Nicola is on holiday. Should be good? Hopefully Frodo can read this, even if she can't post?

There's also Phil Spencer on tonight, followed by Scott & Bailey.

Afternoon Mollie & Emptybox.

The power was off for about half an hour as we had no torches.

We don't pay anything for the office, lighting, power or anything else.

I've been using some soft tissues, Olbas vapour release ones, the woman in the office gave me them as she has a cold as well.

It hasn't put me off my food though, it seldom does.

No Mollie, it's not worth letting your Mum get the cold, she might not be able to fight it.

Never heard of Looser Women, will have a look, depending on whats on.

Why isn't Frodo posting?

Hello all 

good to be back ..nothing wrong with the laptop ..just personal things at the moment...first time in yonks I have been near the laptop ..well since the last time I posted 

I will read back to-morrow always love to you folks  my mates sees you xxxxx

Hello again 

sort of had a look back too much to take in at the moment ..lovely photos Hicky of your grandson thanks 

Mollie ..I hope you are feeling better unless you are VIP there are no PMs ..so there you go ..but take care 

Hyah emptybox to be honest I havn't been on the internet knowing your views that was really well!!!!!!!! lost for words about  Maggie (no disrespect)Thatcher  I feel the same love or loathe  her.

The weather here has been fabulous sun ..sun..sun and Benji's stitches have been taken out (the dog)..if I don't post I'm still around  

love to all xxxxxxxxxxx

Hi Frodo. Nice to see you again.

Hope your personal stuff isn't getting you down?

Pity you didn't read back tonight. You could have seen Ash being a TV presenter.

Pretty good job she made of it as well.

Hi Hicky. Oh well, I suppose you can't complain if your firm doesn't pay for the office?

I'm just starting to watch back that Mayday prog Frodo, so I'll be able to give you my verdict soon.

That would be great look forward to your views ..so night all 

Hi Frodo.

Sorry to hear about the personal problems, glad doggy is healing.

Went out for tea last night, a local place had the Wednesday Curry meal thingy.

A choice of a curry meal and a side dish like a starter and a drink of your choice all for about £7, thought that good.

Had a chicken Jalfrezi.

Been filing my invoices from buying on the web, wow, they will fill 2 lever arch files at least, have done punching the holes, just got to put them in.

Darn Microsoft want to restart the puter again after the updates, hate that,

Evening All.

Not a very nice day, drizzle and dull all day.

Saw a recipe for beer battered soft crabs, so used the batter recipe to try it on mushrooms and prawns/

It proved very successful, did some small mushrooms first then thawed some raw king prawns, peeled.

The batter was lovely, keeping the rest for tomorrow.

I used Newcastle Brown as the beer as we always have a few bottles in for parties when we make shandies.

Made some beer batter, wow, had small mushrooms and raw peeled king prawns, now that makes a very nice snack/

The batter proved successful, the recipe said leave to stand for 2 to 3 hrs at room temperature, so i did.

It was 3/4 cup plain flour, 1 teaspoon root ginger, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 egg and 3/4 cup beer.

Tonight TV, Hairy Bikers, Masterchef, Trauma Doctors, Celeb Juice.

Good evening all

Good to see you back Fredo. We missed you.

Sorry you have had personal problems that kept you away from here.So pleased to hear doggie is healing well now.

Emptybox

Glad you enjoyed your Ash tv show last night,

Gardens today, or has the rains started? We had some heavy rain late in the day today.

Hicky

That sounds like a real bargain meal out, glad you enjoyed it. I too hate those interruptions from updates. Good to hear your beer batter recipe was a success, thanks for sharing it.

Had a real bad night lurgy wise last night. Still sleeping only in chair at nights, but last night every time I dropped off to sleep I woke coughing and gasping for breathe within minutes. So tried to keep awake all night. My ribs have been killing me due to coughing, so have been using TENS machine on them. Luckily i have an appointment soon coming up with the respiratory consultant at the hospital so must emphaise the continuing real scary problems this gives me all due to throat problems when I get colds. Lucky OH had the bright idea of digging out my old meds from hospital today, so I am back on the steroid inhaler and steroid nose spray. Fingers crossed for tonight because so far, it does seem to have helped. Have also managed to eat a little more this afternoon, but still not eating much.

Have been watching Secret Eaters. So funny how they can't understand why they are putting on weight, because they only remember to tell the programme about the healthy stuff they eat, and not the naughty nibbles.   Don't think I'd like to be spyed on with all the naughty stuff I grab, then try to forget that I have done so.  

Watching Peter Andre now, then will watch Trauma Doctors on 5 plus 1.. thanks for telling me about that programme Hicky.

Did anyone see episode 1 of the new series...24 hours in A and E on Channel 4 last night? If you didn't, I highly recommend it...., one tale involving a young lady last night was incredible, I think it is repeated later in the week as well as being on catch up.

Have a good evening all xxx

Evening.

Not bad day here, but very cold.

Didn't get much work done. I started cutting one of my big jobs but unfortunately the drive on the mower broke. I tried to fix it on site but no luck. When I got home I managed to do a bodge fix on it, but not sure if it'll work for long? Might be needing a new mower.  

So sorry to hear you are having such a bad time Mollie. Hopefully your meds will alleviate things.

Yes, definitely mention to the consultant that you have all these troubles when you get coughs and colds.

Evening Mollie.

Sorry to hear about your rough time last night, awful that.

Thats awful having your ribs sore.

You take whatever gives relief, you don't want to suffer more than necessary.

I'm watching Peter Andre, then Celeb Juice.

I find it hard to watch the trauma programs,

Had to turn Trauma Doctors off.

Hi Hicky. I'm watching Trauma Doctors at the mo.

Watched Secret Eaters before. As you say Mollie, it's funny how they all think they don't eat enough and can't understand why they are the size they are.

That beer batter sounds good. Well the beer part anyway. Always used to like a Newkie Broon (as they call it round here).

I agree with you about Microsoft updates always needing you to restart the PC afterwards.

Emptybox

oh no, not a non working mower so soon in the season, and mid job too. How very annoying. I hope your fix it jobs works for awhile at least.

Yes I will need to complain a bit louder about my problems at my next appointment, because when I last saw the surgeon he sort of shrugged it off saying that after 2 big ops in such an area, things will not be the same. But as it is respiratory person I see next, hopefully they will able to make sure I am given, or have access to meds as needed when I get a cold. Last time I saw the GP when I had it, but he said it was too complicated for him to deal with,so I got nowhere. My hospital meds are a bit out of date now, but better than nothing until this consultant appointment comes through.

Hicky

Don't think I will bother with the trauma programme then.  As I would of had to watch the trauma show on plus 1. a bit of light entertainment via Celeb juice sounds the best option of the two for me tonight.   That show is so crazily funny, so thanks for reminding me it is on tonight.

Chucking down here now.

Goodnight both x

hello allIts been really cold here to-day ,almost wintery,I'm watching The Sex Clinic on Channel 4 quite funny though..I watched Master Chef earlier and then Peter Andre,glad he has found someone (girl friend) I like him although not too keen on his singing

Mollie sorry you aren't feeling so good ,you take care this changeable weather doesn't help

hope you are well emptybox ,you too Hicky..long post to-morrow from me and a long read back ,I had visitors to-day so I didn't get the chance I think I'm going to stay with Channel 4 and watch the documentary thats on after this

night all xxxxxxx

Morning /Afternoon all

I've had a good read back this morning ,but Its hard to remember or take in when you haven't posted for a while.

Mollie that sounds awful having to sleep[ upright because of the coughing and It hurting your ribs hopefully you are getting It sorted ,I always have Olbas oil too Its very soothing but If you are going to see your Consultant hopefully you'll get It sorted xx I haven't had any crispbakes for a while and like I said I did have a go at making some but they weren't as good as the bought ones I like M&S they have some good choices

Its raining again to-day I thought It was to good to last ,but at least for a few days it was nice to have washing outside ,It always smells fresher bit like the lovely smell when you cut the grass,which brings me to you emptybox aww shame about your lawn mower conking out,mines due a service costs a fortune

fancy me missing Aisleyene standing in as presenter ,my own fault for not reading back I prefer her anyday to Nicola.

I hope you enjoy Mayday and I'm looking forward to see what you think of It, a new ten part Swedish series started last week on BBC 4 called Arne Dahl ...it started off quite good so we shall see.

That batter sounds good Hicky must bookmark the page I love prawns I always have quite a few bags as they have them at half price every so often at Tesco's never heard of ginger in batter ,but I love It anyways so I may give It a try this week-end.

I can't watch Truama Doctors either not keen at all on hospital programmes apart from One born Every Minute ,that sex clinic thing though on 4 last night was funny at  times.

Is the garden looking good Hicky ? do you bother with the spring bulbs?

hopefully we will see some photos soon.

This Is bad the stand off with North Korea doesn't bear thinking about surely common sense will prevail  or will It 

be back later ta ta for now xx

Oh forgot to say a massive Bumble Bee got trapped in the loo I fished It out and put It in a safe place,but It was struggling all day so I had to give It a whack really I hated doing It as they need saving  I couldn't stop thinking about It poor thing

ah well off for a while   

I hope you all don't mind if I bring this post forward I've been going back and although I saw the photo's missed the news about the garden,anyhows another chance to see these lovely pics .

Mollie thanks for the news about Emma taking over from Brian on Big Brother

I wonder how he has taken It ?

off again byee

Evening.

Still dull and cold here. Mostly dry though.

The repair to the mower held up not too bad. Had to do a quick repair while I was out, but worked after that.

Hi Frodo. Pity you couldn't save the Bumble Bee.

I'm half way through the Mayday recordings. Enjoying it so far, but not many likeable characters in it though.

Pity you and Mollie have the rain. I think it's forecast for me tomorrow.

Not sure if Aisleyne presenting was a one-off? Depends on whether Nicola is back by Sunday I suppose?

Watched Come Dine With Me and then The Security Men.

No idea what will happen with North Korea? Hopefully if they fire off any missiles then those will be shot down. Could get very nasty though.

Hello emptybox 

I agree not many likeable characters in there (Mayday) but as you go on some folks

leave a lasting impression ..It left me in no mans land you'll see  anyhows back to reality ..just had fish & chips both oven type things  just needed a quick meal not too bad though

see you xx

Let me know when Aisleyene is on again..funny about her (Ash) she can be a diva I lost my patience a few times with her ..but I stick to my story she should have won .. what a gal   

Afternoon Everyone.

A nice day here, pretty sunny, bit of wind though.

Glad you see you Frodo, hope things are better for you.

Pity about the Bee, but careful, they are fast to sting.

I liked the (I gave it a whack).

My 3 Blackberry Reuben have just arrive but watching F1 trials at the mo.

Will be making more beer batter as O/H brought some cod fillets home from work, she did some shopping, always gets me some nice grub.

And some Eccles Cakes, love them warmed up.

Some chilli duck legs, yummy.

Some strange stuff coming out of North Korea, they seem to live in a world of their own, they are so scared of telling their people the truth, similar to Iran i suppose, don't let the people know what is going on in the world, and stop them talking or meeting.

Hope your breathing is OK Mollie, hope it's as lovely there as it is here.

Celeb juice is crazy, but it's a laugh and i like Kelly.

Evening All.

Got my 3 Blackberry plants planted, made more beer batter, made more chips, changed 2 woks of oil for fresh.

Battered a couple of cod fillets, par cooked the chips then raised the heat to finish.

O/H said it was the best fish and chips she's had for a long time, wow.

Then i had a fly pie.

BGT on tonight, just watching Underboss USA on C4 4seven.

all

Fredo

good to see you posting away here again.   I too just love One Born Every Minute. Whilst I have been not sleeping this week, I have watched the whole last series. I seem to recall they had some sort of Catch up on this series? Am I right, because if so, I missed recording it. Can you recall what it is called because I would like to watch it on iplayer if I can find out what it is called.

Aaaww at your bumble bee tale, what a shame.

Well I do feel a bit sorry for Brian getting the sack after only 2 years, but I must admit I think Emma will be good at doing this job.

Emptybox

glad to hear the mower held up, let's hope it continues.

Hicky

Glad to hear your OH is looking after you with the supplies of good grub. Does she enjoy your batter recipe? My OH loves eccles cakes, Here in Wales, most shops sell Welsh cakes which are similiar. I thought you might like Kelly, yes she is a nice lady and very attractive too. Holly is nice too, but I do wonder if she is now getting in danger of too much overexposure, and is taking too much on?...eg..This Morning, Celeb Juice, The Voice, covering the funeral Wednesday.. (can't be easy with her having such young babes to look after too).

It is good to have some fun tv to look forward to tonight, shame BGT overlaps with the Voice, madness that...  Will watch beginning of the Voice then record when BGT starts.

At last, I am feeling a bit better. Still had to sleep upright last night, but managed to sleep for about 4 hours straight through without the cough waking me. And am starting to feel hungry again at last. Only having small portions though. Had a nice little pizza from Greggs for tea and one spoonful of OH's curry.

Have a good evening all xxx

this is one occasion I am glad you did not invite me over to share your tea with you, I am not partial to flies in or on pies.

Evening guys.

Quite sunny here and much milder out.

I got one grass cutting job done. Had hardly grown, but it gets it started for the season.

Really glad you are starting to feel better Mollie. Just take it slowly.

I agree that Holly seems to be on everything at the moment.

I've recorded Dr Who and the Voice, and am now watching BGT on +1 while I'm cooking my spag bol.

Glad your fish 'n' chips was a success Hicky.

Bumble bees very rarely sting you. Only if you put your hands on them when they are on the grass. Otherwise they just ignore you and bumble on.

Hi Frodo. I've just got the last episode of Mayday to watch. Presumably that's when you find out who did it? And it all gets a bit strange?

Evening All.

BGT was good, some great talent on the way.

Saw this tweet.

------------

BB Livefeed petition ‏@channel5bbuk 48m

If the rumours are true, the new director of programmes at channel 5 may be bringing live feed back #bbuk #livefeed

--------------

interesting eh.

Thats awful Mollie not getting much sleep,sitting up isn't nice to try and sleep.

O/H was very pleased with the beer batter recipe, no complaints anyway, and she's pure fussy.

Retuned my Freeview TV and now have 206 TV stations, and stn 1 is BBC1 and not Wales.

Hi Emptybox, glad you got some work done, the temperature here was about 14C today, but it was drizzling some of the time.

Going to watch the film, Get him to the Greek', Russell Brand'

Hi Hicky. That's good that you've got your Freeview box sorted out.

I see there's a retune in my area on the 17th of this month.

Frodo I forgot to say that 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' is out now on DVD. I just ordered myself the blu-ray version from Amazon.

Hello all 

Mollie hi first of all eccles cakes  your other half has taste they are one of my favs anything with raisins yummy  second comes almond ,then ginger and carrot cake

Born Every Minute is being shown on More 4 I have IT on my planner in the middle of recording so I will let you know during the Adverts 

I don't watch The Voice ..maybe I should because I love singing ,but I did watch BGT..AND I enjoyed It the group that did the Shadow scene was great.

One Born every Minute ...more 4 Tuesday 10pm  Mollie.

I agree about Holly too much and Philip Scofield exposure and smugness then creeps in of course OMP...aww Mollie so glad you are feeling a little better 

as I don't know what happened but It sounds as though you where really lucky to come through It all xx so I'm extra lucky to have met you ...er just hang on while I top my wine up white to-night just having a glass or two red Is a little heavy for me ..glug glug  ah back now ..Is I normal for a dog to eat more after a.. ahem a castration..poor thing on the bright side the rudeness has stopped

Oh I do hope you are right about the live feed Hicks that would be great ..I am going to try your batter recipe to-morrow ,will let you know..sheesh what Is fly pie ..sounds gross but knowing you could be good ..glad your fish.n.chips were good 

Hi emptybox  so got your first cut then as you must really be so far behind us with the weather wise..my neighbour has Daffys all the spring flowers for this time of year I am behind as I let the hedgerows grow ..does that make sense to you ?

looking forward to what you think of the final of Mayday ..Spag Bol day yesterday?

I have been on my own as the number one son Is courting and I have  been concocting all sorts of different things to freeze ..spuds left have been par -roasted and froze 

anything I can lay my hands on has been twiggled made into some concoction and has paid the price for being a !!leftover!!

night all take care xxxxxx 

Emptybox  thanks about The Hobbit as I haven't Blue Ray just buying on DVD

To-morrow 

frodo

Evening Frodo.

Very wet and windy start here. It dried up this afternoon but stayed very windy.

When I was loading the stuff from the supermarket into my car, a bag of lettuce was determined to blow away, but I caught it and shoved it into the boot just before it took off.

I've finished Mayday now. As you say, a very strange, ghostly ending. I enjoyed it though, and I've always liked Lesley Manville as an actress, and she was good in it.

I agree, those shadow dancers were good on BGT....and the girl with the chair.

Not sure what you mean by leftovers? If I cook something I eat it. There's not usually anything left over, apart from peelings etc.

The daffs aren't out in my garden yet, but it won't be long, if this warmer weather continues.

Hope Hicky and Mollie enjoyed their Sundays?

ETA: Oh, just to add Frodo. If you want to watch the episode of Looser Women with Ash as the host, it's now on her website. I'm sure you know where to go.

all

Hicky

you did well after a quick Freeview re-tune, even though you had to the big loss of BBC Wales.   Was the Russell Brand film funny? What a character he is.

Hope work was not too busy today.  Thanks for the livefeed info, it would be just brilliant if we get some of that.

Emptybox

Hope the wind and rain died down for you to get a bit of gardening done. at your tale of the blow away lettuce. Good job you managed to capture it on time and shove it in your boot . Daffs have been out for a while here, they are so pretty. Do you have any in your garden?

Fredo

Thanks for the info about More4, I keep forgetting about that channel. It is so good to see how much those midwives love their jobs.

  at you off to glug your wine, good for you.

Glad to hear the doggie is rudey free, but you best not forget to keep filling his food bowl now.

You have to watch the Voice!!!  It is brilliant, I am sure you will like it.

And I agree with you all...BGT was brilliant too.

  at the man dancing with the broom.

Yes I thought you might like the lady chair dancer Emptybox.

I also liked the girl singer at the end, lovely voice, as well as the great shadow dancers.

Just watching a documentary about Paul Potts, one of the BGT winners. He has done so well since BGT, he said he nearly didn't even put in for BGT though. He is from an area a few miles from us. James Cordon and Julie Waters are making a film about his success now, so should be interesting.

Just starting to get my appetite back again, but the cough has still not gone. Better than it was though.

been quite warm today, even a bit of sun.

have a good evening all xxx

Hi Mollie.

Still very windy here, and rain this afternoon.

Didn't get any work done, but my year's end accounts done.

Glad you are getting your appetite back Mollie. That's a big step.

There's daffodils up both sides of my lawn. The ones on the right are just beginning to show yellow. . But there's now a little green fuzz on the lawn, so the mild and damper weather is having an effect.

Wathed the Panorama prog on North Korea, and now Hoarder Next Door.

Good Afternoon All.

Not as good a day as expected, warm though, cloudy and some light rain.

Went out for brekkie, been pottering in the garden, got a corn fed chicken to cook for tea.

A couple of the twigs i potted in my potting shed are growing, 1 is a Fig Tree another is a Vine.

Not sure where i go next.

My lad in Oz has had a house built in New South Wales, a 4 bedroom, rather big place, it should be handed over on the 26th, he will have to buy a lot of stuff as most is in Darwin and he can't get it till July.

His GF who is an Engineer had to go back home as her brother had been killed in a motorcycle accident,

Just can't understand people riding on 2 wheels these days.

In the UK 28 bikers are killed or seriously injured a week.

(I thought i had posted this Sunday)

Will post another one now for today.

Evening All.

Just watching Dr G: Medical Examiner on 17 'Really'

Been pretty warm today, was at work though.

Had some burgers and chips for tea.

A slight glimmer of life on the vines, still waiting for life from a few of my Raspberry's.

Some buds breaking on the Currant Bushes.

Need some potting compost tomorrow as i forgot i put some fig cuttings into a container of of moss, and i've seen some roots.

That shadow show on bgt was great, but how can it get on when they are from another country?