Good evening Both.

Happy New Year also.

Cool today, 6c but sunny spells, no wind.

Just did a whole precooked Lobster with big claws, oh dear, followed the web instructions but it makes a bit of a mess, i won't go into details in case it puts you off for life.

Mollie, That sounded like a good night, pity about the sequins, you really must stop fighting.

Thanks for the Reindeer pic,

Emptybox,  I suppose Tonic isn't something you stock up on really, we keep Soda in as we like Soda and Lime.

I watched BBC1 from about 11pm so caught the London fireworks.

Quite a lot going off here but i'm not keen on watching them now.

Yes, the Peter Pan thing was funny, my sort of humour really, like watching the cuttings from a film, all the retakes.

The choccies  in my chocolate drawer have gone but the 5 bars of chocolate haven't been touched yet., not sure whether to start on my bars or get some from the dining room table, on second thoughts i think i know what the right thing to do is, and the result would leave my bars untouched for now.

Not a lot on TV, been watching Animations, Sleeping beauty,

Evening Hicky.
Hope the lobster was worth all the mess it made to prepare it?
Hope you managed self restraint as far as the choccie bars were concerned? Mind you, if you can't indulge at this time of year when can you?
I've finished my box of chocolates now.

Watched my Star Wars film. It was really good, well worth waiting for.
Daisy Ridley  was brilliant in the starring role.
Then I watched Still Open All Hours, then Sherlock then Mrs Brown's Boys.

Evening Emptybox.

6c here, some sun as well, not much wind.

Took a walk around the garden, could have done a few jobs but at 6c it isn't really worth the bother.

Am hoping February will be a bit warmer so i can do some pruning on the vines and sort my net sleeves out for the spring.

TBH the whole lobster made such a mess i couldn't believe it, with it being frozen it kept giving out water and with having such a big head and small tail it reminded me of a fish, a Gurnard  which is all head and little body, or a Monkfish, the same, at least most of the Lobster parts i have are Tails, but i have one more whole one yet.

I watched some more recordings, still have about 160 to go yet.

Looking forward to CBB tomorrow though.

Hope Mollie isn't too stressed out.

still got a weaker cough, getting better anyway.

Evening Hicky.
Very frosty here, but quite sunny as well.

You don't paint a very mouth watering picture for that lobster, but I'm sure the tiny bit of it that you can eat was delicious.

Watched the programme on BBC2 on the history of Orkney. As you know, I lap that stuff up.
Really looking forward to CBB tomorrow as well, although not keen on some of the rumoured names.

Evening Emptybox.

Cool today, 7c cloudy, it threatened rain but non came. some wind though.

With the lobster having a head i thought i would get more out of it, but what a mess, also any shellfish bits left over like shells i wrap in foil and freeze till the wheelie is due to go.

I followed a video on YT about taking the Lobster to bits and what to dispose of so that was ok, this one was full of Roe so i ate that.

The claws i cracked with the blunt side of my Chinese knife, which is an axe, you know the one.

I don't really mind who goes in the house tonight, i believe 2 more Friday as well.

Didn't do much today, walked the garden but at 7c i'm not going to sit out, although my Man shed is 10x at least.

Hope Mollie doesn't miss the start of CBB.

Hi Hicky.
Dull here today, but not frosty anyway.
Just went to the supermarket.

That's a good idea, freezing the fishy stuff until it's bin day. Saves your bin from stinking anyway.
I didn't know you had a 'man shed'? Has your OH given you permission to use it?

Yes I heard there's a couple more to go in after the start.
I suppose we just have to judge them on their performance in the house, but there's a rumoured American pair that I'm not keen to see back.

both xx

Hicky

gosh that lobster sounds a bit complicated. Yes 7c is a bit cold to sit out for long, good job you have that man shed though.

Emptybox

it is still bank hol there isn't it? So another day off work for you?

Back to work/college for my lot here today.

Had a busy day yesterday.

Went to RSPCA, looking at animals, as daughter wants to adopt a bunny.

Weather was so lovely, we then went to see mum, followed by a long walk down seafront and had chips. Lots of people around, kiddies with new bikes etc. Chips taste so much nice when eaten outdoors on the seafront.

Been busy again today, trying to sort accounts, even accountant got confused, and it is cut off the end of this month to pay tax! Had to go food shopping and then tidy up after Christmas decs/tree had gone, and cook roast dinner with no help from daughter as she has so much college work on. The Christmas tree, considering we had it for a month, shed very few needles thankfully.

So really looking forward to relaxing with CBB launch tonight.

Enjoy the show both xxx

Hi Mollie.
Did your daughter find a bunny?

I don't take any notice of bank holidays.
I've only got a couple of days work to get in before the Spring, so I'm just going to pick my days.
I've also got quite a lot of tidying up to do in my own garden.

That tax stuff sounds complicated. I'm glad I got mine done before Christmas.
You've taken your decs down early? The tradition is to keep them up till after the 5th. But I guess you got fed up with them?

Ah well. It was Speidi that I wasn't wanting to see, and they went in first.
I like Bianca and Nicola though.

both xx

Hicky

was it warm enough for the garden or was it the man shed today?

how is your OH now? Did she get rid of the cold?

I now have a sore throat already again, and have felt off and real tired all day. Got personal carer to look after mum as don't want to pass anything on to mum and didn't feel up to looking after her today.

Son got a cold yesterday, so I know it is doing the rounds again!

Blackcurrant and honey for me again in a mo.

Emptybox

Yes daughter found a cute bunny we all liked, but there is quite a few things we have to do before we can take it, fill forms in and they even do a house visit, so hope it works out ok.

You have done well if you only have a few days work to fit in before Spring. One of the advantage of working yourself if you can pick the days you work.

Yes I like to put our decs up early, but take them down early too as don't want to get caught out having them up after 12th night! (and as you say by New year, I am fed up of them!). 

Enjoyed CBB, great to have it back, but not sure how having all these old HM's will turn out. Bianca does seem nice, but I didn't like Nicola in the house last time.

Game of Thrones actor is a big name for them to have in there.

Not been a bad day, no sun, but no rain either. Didn't go out today though with this bad throat.

Blackcurrent/honey time, think I'll have a shortbread biccie too. I got some in a tine with a little black scottie dog on it.

Do you ever fancy getting a dog Emptybox? You could take it to work with you in the van. I often see dogs going to work in vans.

Have a good evening both xxx

Evening Mollie.
Sorry to hear you might be getting another bug.
Hope daughter can wade through the red tape and get the rabbit she wants.

Not bad day here. Decided to go and do the job of collecting the fallen apples in the clients yard.

Thought the exhaust on the van was making a noise, so had a look underneath and noticed it was loose. So I took it to the garage and they had it up on the lift.
Unfortunately the exhaust has split, and there's a bit hanging loose.
They are ordering a piece for me and will phone when they have it. Think the job will be about £200 all in.
I didn't mention the problems I was having with the brakes, as they have behaved themselves recently, and I'm hoping they'll last till MoT time.
Not sure if they'll get it done before the weekend? If not I might not be able to go to the supermarket on Sunday.

I've thought about a dog, but think I'll wait till I'm retired.
Don't fancy taking a dog out in the van. There's no room in the back with all the gardening equipment, and I don't fancy having it on the passenger seat, as that's where I keep my lunch bag.

I've always liked Nicola, and her being Aisleyne's pal helps. However she's a bit highly strung, and looks a bit ill at ease in there, so she might struggle.
Bianca seems very nice and sensible so far.
Is your son interested that the 'Game of Thrones' actor James Cosmo is in there?

Evening Both.

Wednesdays post is still here, i'll post it then come back again.

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

Evening Both.

8c again here, slight wind, some sun.

O/H took all the tree's & decs inside and out down this morning, probably because it's her day off, no mother, no work.

She ran me to Sainsbury's to get my prescription and some milk and bread.

Emptybox, The manshed is the 10ft sq summerhouse, it's really quite big when you are inside, the back wall has wide shelving and the sides are all screws so i can hang stuff up, of course it has power so coffee and tea are available all year round.

Yes, 2 more go in Friday, i think Spiedi will cause trouble as thats why they are in there, i didn't like the twist, thought it mean & pure Nasty.

Mollie, Yes, get Lobster tails, the claws were ok but the mess just isn't worth it.

I think there are 2 types of Bunny, indoor and outdoor, as far as i know.

Some trees shed very few needles, the Scottish ones i think but the trees we use don't shed any needles.

Oh Dear the post is still here on Thursday.

Evening again.

Thursday here, don't know why the last one didn't go, pretty annoying.

Mollie, O/H still got a bit of the cold left, the same as me, 

I'm enjoying CBB but think there's going to be fireworks as Spiedi will be causing a lot of problems by telling stories as they make them up.

They even told Stacey that she wasn't allowed to talk to the newbies as it wasn't allowed, which was a lie.

Emptybox, Bad news about your exhaust but with second hand stuff you seldom stop paying out, you just hope for the best.

A dog needs constant attention from what i see, what a lovely way to spend your retirement. haha. 

Hi Hicky.
Nice frosty sunny day here.
Didn't go anywhere, but took my decorations down, and also did my invoicing and accounts for December.
My tree shed a lot of needles when I took it down, and it's a plastic one.

Haven't heard anything about the exhaust yet, but they had to order it in so might not get done till next week. I can drive it as it is, as it's not making too much noise. But I'll look silly if the whole exhaust falls off, so won't go far.

Yes you're right about secondhand vehicles. You are just buying a different set of problems from the previous vehicle. New vehicles aren't immune, but at least you have a warranty.
They were talking about leasing vehicles instead of buying them, on the radio this afternoon. Might look into that in future? But I'll have to get my money's worth out of this one first.

Ah, the summerhouse is your 'man shed'? Sounds very cosy in there. Especially as it has an electricity supply.

Yes Speidi will be trouble, and they're quite unpleasant with it. That's why I wasn't looking forward to seeing them again.
I wish they'd have BOTS straight after the highlights show, rather than putting another prog in between.

both

Hicky

yes your man shed certainly sounds very nice. Do you have heating or does the sunlight just keep it warm?

The bunny we want will be an indoor one, the last bunny we had was indoors. But we want one that looks completely different to our last one, but there is certainly many different types around.

Do you think you forget to press the "Post Reply" buttom at the bottom so that is why your post didn't arrive? I do that sometimes, but lose the post if I turn my pc off before I notice.

Have you finished those anti biotics now? Hope they have settled your problem now.

Emptybox

what a nuisance your exhaust split and will now cost £200! it is so expensive now to keep cars/vans on the road.

You did well finishing your accounts and invoicing and getting your decs down.

Is it right that it is 12th night tonight?

at a dog not being able to share the front seat of your van with your lunch! I think a dog does keep people company and gives a real incentive to get out and about in the fresh air each day. (which is not real important for you right now as you do in your job anyway, but could be a good reason to get one if you retire).

Yes Speidi are rather unpleasant, are they real stirrers or just playing a panto baddie type part I wonder?

I still think Bianca looks promising and the actor an interesting addition when you read all the productions he has been in. Yes my son is surprised that a Game of Thrones actor is on CBB!

Oh dear, like it did for you HIcky, this bad throat has put me off my food, daughter made me a brandy snap with mascapone and fresh raspberries and I couldn't touch it, did manage some tea but not much of it. Oh well I have plenty of fat to keep me going!

I didn't sleep well with the gunge im my throat making it hard to sleep, then the agency rang me at 8am, saying the girls couldn't get in the flat! Fortunately I managed to ring my private carer to go over with her key, but she didn't mind, as she was the one who left the key on mum's kitchen unit last night!  So we now have 2 keys in the key safe just in case now.

Looking forward to watching CBB later, so good to have it back.

Yes I too think it is silly how they put another show on before BBOTS, it should follow the main show then it would get more viewers, I should think.

Have a good evening both xx off for more honey/lemon.

Hi Mollie.
Pity your sore throat is putting you off your food, and meaning you are not getting good sleep.

That was silly of the private carer, leaving the key in the kitchen, but at least she was willing to bring her spare one quickly.

Yes tonight is 12th night (I think?). I've never been sure if the first night of Christmas is Christmas Eve night or Christmas Day night, but I think it's safe to take the decs down on the 5th.
I've thrown my faulty lights away (kept the bulbs and the fuse though ), so will have to get a new set next year.

Not sure who is my favourite on CBB yet, but I'm liking Angie.

Evening Both.

Cool here today 7c i suppose but rain mainly and cloud.

Stayed in and watched TV and ate.

Emptybox, A lot are leasing vehicles but not sure about on short term as it would be expensive having it over winter when you aren't working.

Yes, my man shed has power, couldn't do without my coffee and tea being on hand, it also lets me have the heater set to keep it at 10c which is about as hot as i can afford really.

I think they know if they put BBBots on after the show that everyone would switch off, but they hope some will watch the gap program, i would record them anyway, certainly wouldn't watch them.

Not a fan of Spiedi, he's just a trouble maker and she's there to back him up thats all.

Mollie, I can't see how i would forget to press 'Post Reply', very strange.

I see, and indoor bunny is very nice but you have to keep your eye open when it's loose in a room as they get under your feet, my DIL used to have one with big floppy ears.

I finished the AntiBio's not sure if i still have an infection or not.

CBB should be good tonight, i've heard another name who may be going in tonight but i won't say.

Edit, to prove i posted it Friday. 17.41

Hi Hicky.
Drizzly and damp today.

I've got my van back.
Got a phone call at 8.10am to say they had the bits in, and could I bring it straight down. So I did ...... after I had got out of bed and dressed.
They even gave me a courtesy car. Only a 14 year old Toyota Yaris, but it kept me dry.
Got the van back at about 3pm.
They're going to send the bill, so don't know the cost yet. Hope they don't add on much for the courtesy car, as I only went 5 miles in it (to and from home).

I think leasing would allow you to run a newer vehicle. And you pay a monthly cost which includes road tax and breakdown cover, and any mechanical repairs, so it takes away the worry.
I think a van like mine would cost about £2500 a year to lease, and of course you would never own it. But when you consider the cost of depreciation and all the repair costs, it would probably be worth it.
My van cost £6000 up front (including the trade in for the old one). But I'm hoping to keep it for quite a few years, so I'm gambling that it doesn't have too many repairs in that time.

I think they are trying to get more viewers for the prog in-between BB and BOTS. I usually switch over though.
I've heard the name of one 'housemate', and don't really want to see them back either.

both

Hicky

glad to see your "edit" worked so you know your post has appeared.

TV and eating for you today, sounds like a well deserved relaxing retirement day for you today.

Hopefully you don't have an infection now you have finished your anti biotics.

What sort of heater do you have in the man shed? Warm air or perhaps oil filled radiator?

That is interesting your DIL had an indoor bunny too. I think some are bred now to be indoor pets.

Emptybox

that is the trouble, it is not easy to work out whether leasing is best or not, as it means working out the unpredictable! If you were never to have any problem with the van you owned, then lease would be a waste of money. Does it affect your tax at all? I think OH once looked at leasing one from the company, but it was not worth it because it was taxed, so he bought one instead.

Good job they managed to fix it quickly today, perhaps they were quiet being a bank hol week? I shouldn't think they'd charge you for the courtesy car, as it is not much of a courtesy is it, if they charge for it? OH had one recently and they didn't charge for it.

Yes CBB should be good tonight, it is even listed on my tv as 2 new HM's for this show. As you both say you are not keen on the names you have heard suggested, hope we won't be too disappointed then!

I too am enjoying watching Angie so far.

She looks really good for her age, (her age is something Calum keeps reminding us of!).  And she does't look like she is pumped full of plastic like a lot of women that age in the media are.

Nicola annoying me already again! ...  Crying and snappy already...... and as the other HM just (not unkindly I thought) pointed out, she had only been in there 1 day!  If she is so needy and upset without her kids already, then perhaps she shouldn't of gone in in the first place! And she can always just leave.

I still have the sore throat, and cought (cough not a bad one though), but throat  feels all swollen..., still eating, but not much at all. Now daughter has gone down with it too! Hope you and OH have thrown it off now Hicky.

Enjoy the show both. xx

We also have The Voice to look forward to tomorrow, I think it will be good on itv, hope so any way.

Hi Mollie.
Sorry to hear your throat is still bothering you, and is still affecting your appetite. And not good that your daughter now has it.

I don't think leasing would affect tax as such, but you'd claim a leased vehicle as general expenses, and a bought van as capital expenses, but it works out the same in the end.
Yes, I guess the courtesy car should be free, going by the name.
I got the impression the garage was short staffed this week. Perhaps some were taking holidays that they were entitled to? But they didn't seem to have many jobs in right enough.

Nicola is not bothering me, but it was a bit daft to get teary after just a couple of days, but as I said, she looks a bit ill at ease in there, so is probably only in for the money.

Oh, didn't realise The Voice started tomorrow.
Hopefully it won't clash with CBB.

ETA: Jed flippin' Ward

Evening Both.

8c and cloudy with drizzle and no wind.

Stayed in watched TV had food, thats it, O/H brought my list of food stuffs in with her from work, have eaten the grapes all ready.

Emptybox, That was nice giving you a car while they work on yours, it's not usually charged for, as far as i know, just part of the service.

I'm pretty sure my lad has cars on lease, it's not cheap but you do get most costs included.

Another of my lads that came at Christmas has a lease car, it was a big BMW, he said he was going to change it as it was almost 1 year old.

It was nice seeing Jedward going into the house, they will liven the place up.

Mollie, I don't know if i still have an infection or not really, have a feeling i still might have one.

The heater in the man shed is a German fan heater but i set it to the temperature i need, the one in the small shed is set to frost only.

I really think they should be a bit stronger to be able to go in the house and leave your children, maybe they shouldn't go in if they have young children.

The Voice tonight and Let it Shine as well, then CBB.

both

Hicky

that is handy you can adjust the temperature to suit yourself in your man shed. I expect on a sunny day it soon gets nice and warm with no heating though? Good for you staying in with tv on a not so nice weather day that it was today.

Hope you don't have an infection, perhaps worth checking in case you need to carry on with meds awhile longer? (I think you have a little while to wait for your hospital appointment, don't you?).

Yes I think it is best for mum's with real young children not to go into the house, you can't get that time back again and youngsters change a lot quickly in the early days.

Emptybox

a hard decsion for you to make then whether to lease or buy. I am guessing if the van plays up again some time soon, you may decide to head down the lease route next time!

Day off gardening today?

Yes as you guessed The Voice and CBB clash, how weird as it means Emma will be on both shows same time, as they always sum up Friday's CBB show on Saturdays.

I am enjoying watching The Voice right now, I think it will be better over at itv than it was on bbc. (plus we have Tom back!).

Didn't go out today, just sorted through Chrsitmas decs so OH and son can take them to storage tomorrow. Son gave carer her wages, and took some things to mums,  as he had to go in that area for rehearsals. But I am keeping away from mum till this cold goes.

This damn cough kept me awake, every time I dropped off it would wake me around half hour later!....then when I did get up, had a stinking sinus headache. Daughter feels bad too , so stayed in bed all day. I may stay in lounge overnight in recliner and watch tv if I can't sleep. Why are coughs always worse at night?

At least we have some great tv on tonight to take my mind of it, and I am glad we didn't have this cold over Christmas/New Year.

Have a good evening both, I am sure you will enjoy tonight's tv.

emptybox posted:

Hi Mollie.

 

ETA: Jed flippin' Ward

Hey!  What you on about???   (But I think you must be joking though!).

I love Jedward, it is so great to see them in that house. Look at the faces of all of the HM's when they arrived last night,....every single one of them were laughing or had a big smile on their face, .....and they have all been right miserable up until now. Jedward have added a bit of much needed fun to what so far has been a miserable lot in a miserable show.

I watched their song 3 times already, so that is how I know all HM's were enjoying their entrance! 
Me and the family all love Jedward, we saw them twice in Cardiff.

You never know, now they are on CBB they may extend their tour closer to you, so you could get to see them. They are great in concert. Lots of fun and energy.

Speidi will not have a clue how to handle these two, and I think they will have difficulty winding them up!

Evening both.
Dull but dry and mild.

Went into town to get a few things (including a 2017 calendar), but didn't do much else.
Been bidding on Ebay for some parts to upgrade one of my computers. Have bought a graphics card so far, but am after a CPU and RAM as well.

Hi Hicky. Hope you don't still have an infection. But if you have, I guess you'll just have to stay on the antibiotics for a while.
Getting rid of a car after a year?? I'd just be getting used to it by then.

Hi Mollie. That's not good that you still have the bad cough. But I guess it's good that you were spared it over the festive period.

Watched a bit of the Voice, but was a bit disappointed in it, so turned over at 9 for CBB.
Don't know either of the two new judges, and that blasted American woman seemed to want to dominate. I suppose she must be well known in the States, but I've never heard of her.

I suppose Jedward has livened them up for a while, but that'll be short lived, and they'll start to get on nerves.
You must be a glutton for punishment if you actually went to see them in concert?
I suppose they mean no harm, but look when that one fell off the stage....he could have crushed someone, or taken someone's eye out with his hair.

Evening Both.

Not too bad a day, 8c here but cloud most of the day, saw some sun this afternoon, dry though.

Had brekkie out at the garden centre, order 3 bags of garden manure and 12 bags of J.I.3, i need to get the big fig tree repotted and root trimmed over the winter so needed a few begs of compost to do that, i have a big new tub to put it in but will have to get the gardener to give me a hand as it's a heavy job.

Mollie, I usually set the temperature in the man shed by checking the temperature on my hanging thermometer then turn the dial on the heater, i can have 1 kw or 2kw or no heat just fan, of course if the sun comes out with it having 22 windows it can warm up.

Not sure if i still have an infection or not, hard to tell, i'll see how it goes.

Yes, strange how coughs seem to be worse at night, not sure why, i know your body system shuts down some but not sure why that should effect your coughing.

Emptybox, Hope the parts you bought on Ebay are ok, you get some good bargains from there.

I saw some of the Voice but like you swapped to CBB, will have to see how Jedward get on, interesting, Spiedi don't want them to take over from them, they want to stay top dog.

both xxx

Emptybox

hope you got a reduction on your 2017 calendar, as we were a good week into the new year when you bought it.

Any luck getting the bits you are looking for on ebay and hope the one you have now is good.

Do you have a special evening meal on Sundays, or is it just the sphag bol that is reserved for Saturdays?

Hicky

that is nice you got brekkie out. Did you have an cooked English? Our garden centre too offers a nice brekkie. Yes good idea to get the gardner to help you out for heavy jobs, you certainly don't want to do yourself a mischief!

Your man shed sounds lovely for you all year round.

I enjoyed the Voice, thnk they had some good singers on it. I watched CBB straight after on catch up, so by the time I skipped the ads, I wasn't much behind.

Enjoyed CBB, but what a shame we didn't see much of Edward as he had to go sort his back out. I did hear Emma says he slipped and fell hard on the rain soggy surface of the stage.

Still feel unwell today, stayed in the recliner chair overnight in lounge, so didn't sleep well, every time I dropped off, the cough woke me.

Only went out today to take dog a little stroll as weather was nice.

Looking forward to CBB tonight.

Have a good evening both xxx

emptybox posted:

 

that one fell off the stage....he could have crushed someone, or taken someone's eye out with his hair.

Well he did seem more worried about his hair deflating than what he had actually done to his back!

Evening both.
Drizzly here all day.
Went to the supermarket.

The new exhaust is sometimes rattling on the back bumper.
It's sitting higher up than the old one, and as the bumper is metal it's making a noise, but only now and again.
I'll maybe get them to adjust it when I go to pay the bill, if it's too annoying.

Think the calendar was still full price (£6). Didn't want to wait any longer to get it though. The shop had loads of them in, so probably hadn't felt the need to reduce the price yet.
I just have whatever for supper on a Sunday. Had beefburger chips and peas tonight.

Haven't bought anything else on Ebay today, but am watching loads of items that are coming up in the next few days.
The items I ordered yesterday should come on Wednesday or Thursday.
The local Sainsburys is now doing click and collect for Ebay, so I chose to get one of the cheaper items through that to try it out. If there's no problems, then it would be a good way to buy, as you wouldn't need to wait in for the post, and I am in town anyway several times a week with my jobs. Only certain items are covered though, probably from business sellers.

Pity you still have a cough Mollie. My Brother still has the one he had at Christmas, although he says it's getting a bit better now.

Glad you enjoyed your brekkie out at the garden centre Hicky.
Yes, get the gardener to help with the heavy stuff.

Watched CBB then Botched Up Bodies, which had Josie Gibson and Alicia Douvall.

Evening Both.

My compost was here at 9.30am so thats sorted, was hoping for some warmer weather to repot the fig tree though.

didn't go out apart from opening the gate for the compost delivery, and out in the morning, going to buy another mattress to see if it helps my back.

Mollie,  The brekkie were we went was 4 items with toast, or you can have a big brekkie which is too big for me as they double up on everything.

Yes, i think he was leaning over the crowd as he was passing and probably got too close and slipped onto the crowd, i think they cut it out of the show so we didn't see it.

Sorry to hear your still suffering, my cough has moved to another stage, done quite a lot of coughing today, it's this darn phlegm that gets me.

Emptybox,  Strange the exhaust is knocking on the bumper, it can't be fitted right as it should be in the same place as before, think it need turning a bit.

That idea of picking up items from Sainsbury's sounds good, i have noticed that as well.

I saw the botched bodies, wow, Josie has a lot of skin removed, mind you that was more than skin.

And Alicia, what a mess she is in, her face is ruined now but they always think they look good even when it's simply a mess.

Think everyone of them looked better before they started, once you start you can't stop.

Evening Hicky.
That's good that your compost delivery came early in the day. Saves you waiting in later, if you wanted to go out.
Pity your cough isn't improving.

Bought an i7 CPU (second hand) on Ebay today. Should come over the weekend. Unfortunately there was no click and collect option, so it's down to the postie.

Was very wet and windy overnight, but looked like it would be a nice morning, so I was getting ready to go out, and then the rain and wind came back, so I changed my mind. Some more sun this afternoon, but that wouldn't have given me enough time to get the job done.

While I had my work clothes on I had a proper look under the van, and I've worked out what's going on with the exhaust. There's a finger of metal from the exhaust that fits into a rubber bracket, and it had worked it's way partially out.
When I pushed it back in to it's proper place it was held further from the bumper, and I don't think it will rattle. It might work it's way out again, but in that case I can either use some wire to hold it, or make a little wedge to keep it in.
So I probably won't need to bother the garage. Haven't been out to test it yet though.

I don't think Alicia looks too bad? I know her nose is a bit messed up, but I think it looks quite cute. Perhaps I'm just weird?

Enjoyed CBB. Pity that Angie is up for eviction.
Nicola was funny when she was drunk.
Now watching the Dr Who spinoff on BBC1 'Class'.

both

Hicky

according to the forecast it is going to get very cold, so looks like your potting of the fig tree may be on hold for awhile?

Good idea to replace your mattress to see if it helps, as I know it is important to replace them. Perhaps try a mattress topper too? Not sure if your local hospital does,but ours offers a walk in physio dept for people with low back pain.

I like brekkies where you can just choose so many items, my OH always has a large, I usually go for tomatoes, mushroom, hash brown, beans and fried bread.

Oh dear I see you too still haven't got rid of the cough, so annoying how they hang around during winter.

My throat/cough still horrible too. daughter lost her voice with it too now.

Emptybox

the click and collect is a great idea for you to save you wasting time staying in for deliveries. Shame you can't do it for your CPU. Let's hope your little DIY job stops the problem with the van now, so you don't need to go back to the garage.

Ok it was great Josie lost weight for her health, but what on earth was she doing putting her body through such an invasive op just for a bit of loose skin round her belly. Did she not consider what could happen if she decides she wants a baby? The strain on such a large scar would be enormous. I know if women have caesareans they try and keep the scar small and in a different place if they have more than one and they don't recommend having more than a couple.  Something not right that these celeb women are giving themselves so many future problems because of cosmetic surgery.

Yes I agree, they seem to think they look good if they have paid a lot for cosmetic surgery, (even if they don't!).

Enjoying CBB, Jedward so funny... Nicola not nice trying to catch them out!

Not sure who I want to go, but we must hope the interesting ones stay (yes including Angie Emptybox).

Have made some sweet potato soup as it is easy to eat whilst my throat is so bad. I love home made soup.

Have a good day. xxx

time to feed the dog now.

I have got carers in for mum again, don't want to give this bad throat to her.

Hi Mollie.
I got out to do my job today, as it was a dry start to the day.
Pruning apple trees and cutting down some raspberry canes.
It got a bit drizzly towards the end, but at least I got it finished.

The van's exhaust didn't rattle either, so I was right about the cause.

Yes I see there's cold and windy weather coming, with probably some snow for me. That's one of the reasons I got the job done today, before it arrives.
Just hope it doesn't disrupt my deliveries.

Cough still not gone Mollie? Sweet potato soup sounds just the ticket for it. I like sweet potato, but have never tried it as a soup.

I can see why Josie wanted to get rid of the excess skin, but as you say, it turned out to be a major operation, with major risks.
Don't think Nicola was trying to catch Jedward out? She just wanted to know why one of them was throwing orange peel on to the floor.
As it turned out he was throwing on to a table or something, but not the best way to peel an orange.

Evening Both.

Warmer here 9c but cloudy, strong wind expected late tonight and tomorrow.

Went out to buy another Mattress to a bed superstore, wow, never seen so many beds in my life, sorted one out anyway, then we called in at the butty caravan to pick up brekkie on the way home.

Emptybox, Yes, those lugs are supposed to match up with the fixings and the rubber rings hold them on to stop vibration, if the exhaust isn't fitted correct the rubber tries to come off, there shouldn't be any metal contact between the box and the fixine, the rubber ring fixing is supposed to allow for movement and stop vibration being transmitted from the exhaust to the car body, when it's the right exhaust and fitted ok then it all fits perfect, if the rubber ring isn't hanging correct and trying to come off the exhaust needs to be moved or turned.

You think Alicia looks ok, i can't remember what she looked like before she had all these surgeries done, can't believe have stupid these people are, can you imagine what they will look like when they get old. it's too scary to think of.

Nicola if i remember last time after a few drinks she really doesn't care what she does.

At least you got some work done today, thats the apple trees sorted.

Tomorrow it says 52mph winds here so i think it will be worse by you.

Mollie,  I was going to leave the repotting till Feb but even that could be cold, i'll have to see.

The cold seems to be lingering, it isn't bothering me too much, am drinking some hot Blackcurrant juice as the milk probably doesn't help the phlegm.

My O/H did lose her voice, i didn't not sure why.

The betting has the eviction status as this, Stacy, Ray, Angie, James, Austin & Spiedi.

So Angie seems safe for now.

Your sweet potato soup sounds good, i usually have a lot of tomato soup and have a dozen or more tins still in the garage as when you get them from Costco they are in 24 tin boxes.

Yes, best not to give your Mum the sore throat she couldn't take it.

Hi Hicky.
Glad you found a good mattress. Hope it's better for your back.

I'm hoping the exhaust will be OK now, but if it starts rattling again I'll have to do something, or get something done.

I see Ray J has left the house. Unfortunately that might put Angie more in danger.
TBH he brought nothing to the house. Don't know why Channel 5 spends big money bringing completely unknown Americans over here, when they could put an unknown Brit in far cheaper.

Yes, Nicola should stay off the sauce.

Evening Emptybox.

Not very nice here today, 7c rain and wind so i stayed in.

O/H even offered to take me to M&S or a big Sainsbury's for some food but i have plenty in the house so declined, i've got a few weeks worth of food, all i would do is put it in the fridge then not eat whats in the freezer.

Anyway, i'm making a Beef Rendang curry, one of the kits my lad got me, it makes a lot so will be able to freeze a lot.

I'll go cook some spuds to have with a portion of the curry.

It seems Ray J was in pain from teeth problems, he went to a dentist that found some serious trouble, but it seems while he was out of the house he collapsed  and had to go to hospital but after that they wouldn't let him back in the house, i think he still had his teeth and gum problems as well, it seemed they were going to pay him $1m.

He was a total waste of space from when he entered.

Hope Mollie's throat is getting better, i haven't been too bad today, got O/H to get more throat sweets and blackcurrant juice.

both

Emptybox

yes good idea to get a job done whilst the weather is calm.

Glad the rattle has gone in the exhaust, let;s hope it is gone for good now.

Hicky

glad you found a store with a good choice of mattresses. Good idea to call into the butty van on the way back too. What was the name of the company in case they have branches down here? It is hard to find a place where you can actually see or try the mattresses. Hope you enjoy your curry. Glad your cough is not too bad today, yes best to keep a supply of throat sweets and blackcurrent in.

Both my daughter and I have lost our voices now. We can only whisper. So annoying and still have a cough. So I too am sucking lozengers. Fed up of them now and all I can eat is soup and a bit of soft bread. But will make some butternut squash one for a change tomorrow.

1 Million! For goodness sake! I so agree, why on earth waste so much money on a boring American contestant like Ray was. Most of the UK never heard of him, and all he did was sleep! We won't even notice if he is there or not.

I am sure there are plenty of more interesting UK people who'd do it for half that rate!

Looking forward to tonights' show. that shopping task looks fun.

Have a good evening both xxx

Evening Mollie.

I see Brandon has walked out of the house as well.

Here's the Bed link, think it's just down here though http://www.wirralbedsuperstore.co.uk

But you can see the amount of beds, Wow.

The curry was lovely, boiled some cut up potato's to have with it. i made 2 tubs to put in the freezer after i had a portion.

Thats a blow, you and daughter both losing your voices, and having to have soup is not the best start to 2017 really.

I agree, why spend that much money on a person that doesn't even want to talk to the others in the house, crazy letting him in.

Evening both.
Quite sunny here today, but very blustery.

My graphics card came in the post, and I fitted it OK.
Also I went into town to collect my parcel from Sainsburys.
It seemed to go smoothly. You put your name into a terminal in the store, and then, as if by magic, a shopkeeper appears (very much like in Mr Benn ). Then you present a code that you've been sent by email, and they hand over the parcel.

That's good that you've got so much food in Hicky. Glad you enjoyed your curry and mash (I presume you mashed the tatties?).
Yes I read that about Ray J's dental problems. Wonder if BB still have to pay him?
Brandon Block. Also not much of a loss really.

Mollie, doesn't sound like you are getting any better, if you've lost your voice and can eat only soup.  It seems to be going on and on?
At least CBB and BBOTS followed each other tonight, so you had the chance of an early night.

Now watching a couple of episodes of 'The Grand Tour' on my Amazon box.

Evening Emptybox.

Not too bad here today, 7c with slight rain and some wind.

Didn't bother going out just watched TV.

Glad you got your Graphics card and Parcel, didn't know you could get it delivered to Sainsbury's.

I didn't mash the spuds, i had cut them into pieces about the size of Oxo cubes which is about the size i cut the meat into, can't eat big pieces of food.

The remaining pieces of spud from last night i fried this morning with chopped up pieces of bacon and black pudding, very nice too.

My cold hasn't gone, still got some coughing going on.

What's the Amazon Box, do you mean the Stick (usb) i can't watch the program as don't want to  get prime.

Hope Mollie has got her voice back and is getting better.

both

Hicky

that does look like a big bed store, looks like it is just a local one though. Handy as you had so much to choose from. Glad you enjoyed the curry, I too like a bit of curry with pieces of potato. I only have korma though as I can't eat very spicy stuff. Good idea to use for brekkie next day too.

Sorry you too still have the lingering cough. I am a bit better, but still can't talk properly, neither can daughter, but I looked it up and it says this type of virus can take 2 - 3 weeks! Managed a bread roll with the soup today, cooked the rest of the family a roast dinner, which they enjoyed.

Emptybox

glad your parcel came and the sainsburys pick up was so organised. who is Mr Benn by the way? I thought you meant Mr Bean at first. 

Hope the van is running ok today.

Yes I wish BBOTS was on straight after CBB every night.

Enjoyed seeing Nikki on the other night and I also like Rusti Lee.

Fancy another one walking, but he too did nothing and didn't look happy in the house all along. Might of been overwhelmed by all the loud mouths in there though.

The male members of my family are really having a quiet time without me and daughter being able to hold a conversation with them! (don't think they have a complaint about that though!). But I think they will be glad to have us able to call them when daughter is well again and goes back to her baking again.

Enjoy the show both xxx do you think we will get anyone new to replace the walkers or is it too late for that now?

Afternoon both.
Snow here for the last couple of days. Not particularly heavy, but there's a light covering over everything, and as it's frosty it's likely to stay for the rest of the day.
Sunny at the moment though.

Just got a parcel from Amazon; a SSD (solid state drive) for my PC, and am waiting for the postman to see if more stuff arrives. (ETA: he just came with 2 parcels)
Some roads around here are closed, but most are open as usual.

Just got to get some more RAM now and I'll be ready to upgrade the PC. Might not wait actually, as I can always put the RAM in later, and I might not be able to resist fiddling over the weekend.

Hicky. I thought you might have mash with curry, as that's what I would like; to soak up the curry. Although I usually have rice with curry.
Amazon make the Fire TV box and the Fire TV stick. I've got the box, which is only about the size of a CD case, but has an ethernet connection and better processor. But essentially they get the same programmes.
The latest version of the box supports 4K, but mine doesn't.

Mollie, glad you are a little better and managed to eat a bread roll. Hope you and daughter will be back to your chatty selves soon.
Oh, my Mr Benn joke obviously fell on deaf ears. Don't you remember the children's cartoon character from the early 70's?
Google search for Mr Benn  
He was the bowler hatted man who went into the costume shop where the shopkeeper appeared "as if by magic", and when he got into a costume he was transported to that time to have adventures.

I hear there are supposed to be new HMs going into CBB tonight after the eviction. No idea who? But should be good.
Actually I have heard one rumour, but you wouldn't like that one Mollie, so hopefully it's wrong.  (no not Ash, someone else)