Hi guys.
I've no phone or internet at home. It just all suddenly went dead yesterday morning. Phoned EE and there is definitely a fault, so they've got Openreach on to it, but may take up to 4 business days. So might not be able to be in contact much.

I'm sitting in a carpark in town, typing this on the 3G, but I don't have that at home, so will be very limited. I can just about get Emails through, but anything else isn't really practical.

Good to hear you didn't need an amputation at the foot place Hicky, and a light sanding down was sufficient. Yes I should think that E45 cream would be good for dry flaky feet.

Good that you got another brekkie out.
Hope you get on OK at the consultants tomorrow.

Got my Ebay item sold, which surprised me, as I thought I might be asking too much. Just posted it off just now.
Of course there can always be fraud where Ebay is concerned, but the buyer has a big feedback, so fingers crossed.
They've paid by paypal, but Ebay always tend to refund the buyer if they say they never received it or something, so you have to take the chance.

Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory  as well as a painkiller, so good for any inflammation, which probably includes muscle pain Mollie.
I also take paracetomol sometimes if I have fever type symptoms, and that helps me get a good night.
Hope you got relief for your rib pain? And don't have to be on your feet so much today.

Van still seems to be going fine, and it was very frosty when I set off for town, and I had to scrape the windscreen. So hopefully it won't trouble me again.

Quite enjoyed BB last night, but have to say, I'm probably slightly less than fascinated by Jedward's outfits.

Just a quick post to say my phone is back on again, as of about 4.30pm. So quicker than expected.

The Openreach guy rang and said the phones were all working. I said "thanks", but as soon as I put the phone down everything went dead again.
There followed 10 minutes of me tearing my hair out (of my beard ) and getting annoyed, because I thought I'd have to ring them again. However after 10 minutes it did finally come on and has stayed on.
Then ½ hour later the Openreach guy phoned up again to check that it was still on, so sounds like he's not sure of his fix.
Perhaps some component in the exchange isn't very clever?
Anyway.....fingers crossed.......

Evening Mollie.

Pretty cool today, 1c this morning cloudy and windy, the wind makes it so much colder.

Hospital appointment was ok, still got an water infection though, thats not good, got to go for a cystoscopy for the prostate/bladder and a CT scan for the kidneys.

After the Hospital we went to the pub for a Senior 3 course meal, soup, Mac & Cheese and apple pie and custard.

We skipped through Costco rather quick as 99.99999% of it was for me, the Scallops were £27.99 but the wings were only £7.99 for 2.1kg but they weren't plain wings, spicy, we also got bin bags and triple satin loo rolls which we have been getting for years, love them, and another box of foil which is 200m x 30cm, it used to be 1,000ft once 300m but they have made the roll smaller, like everything, to keep the cost down make it smaller, oh, and plum tomatoes in tine, love them £3.59 for 12 tins, and sliced Chorizo 300g, a bit addicted to it.

It looks like your rib pain comes from standing too long, you'll have to watch that.

Jedward are defo in a world of their own, as you say, their outfits are incredible, they have so many as well. 

both xxx

Emptybox

gosh that was annoying about your phone, and very unusual for Open Reach to actually provide proper customer service! They had my mother with no phone for 3 weeks each time she moved, and us too.  I did read somewhere that they were gong to force them to act quicker though as they had a monopoly on the phone lines.

That sounds hopeful that your van worked ok in such cold weather, let's hope it doesn't play up again now.

How lucky you sold the ebay stuff so quickly, hope it does through ok now.

Are you well now? Hope the problems have cleared.

yes sounds like ibuprofen is the most suitable for me with my aches.

Hicky

sorry to hear you still have the infection. Did the consultant give you any meds to treat it? Did he indicate how long you need to wait for the other tests?

Your seniors meal sounds delicious, and just what you need on a cold winters day.

That sounds like a nice handy shopping session  for you in Costco. We too have their clingfilm and foil, shame they have reduced the amount, as it used to last for ages!

Yes the rib pain does coincide with standing and stretching for things too, or pushing round the heavy vacuum. It also seems to start if I have had a cold with a cough.And I still haven't got rid of this cough, and it is 3 weeks on!

My Giotech broke, but we had had it for 3 years. Shame because it was so light for me to push round.  OH tried to fix it with new brushes and another part, but it still does't work, I hadn't realised it was insured for 5 years as we got it from John Lewis! Wonder if they would take it back to fix it or if OH has invalidated it by trying to fix it himself? Trouble is they are £200 to replace.

Looking forward to CBB tonight after I watch Brits in the Spain at 8pm. I'll be thinking about Hicky telling us his brother is one of them now.

So hope Jedward don't go. I am not happy with who is nominated, wish it was Jamie and Nicola. I don't want to lose Jasmine or Kim either.

Have a good evening both xxx

Hicky. That urine infection is proving very difficult to shift.
Are they certain it's bacterial? Because I read that you can actually still have chronic prostatitis, even after the TURP op.

Hi Mollie. I'm mostly OK now. I had the peeing symptoms on Friday and Saturday, and only minor symptoms since. It often carries on with minor symptoms for 10 days, but nothing that's troubling me.

I think EE have to pay compensation if your phone is off more than a few days, so that makes them call out Openreach sooner.
One year our phone was off for 3 weeks over Xmas and the New Year, and I think they credited us for a month free.

If you've a 5 year warranty with John Lewis for your Gtech, then I think they have to either sort or replace it. Certainly worth a try because of the price of them.
I suppose it depends on what your OH did, but I would have thought brushes and belts etc are thought of as consumable items, and wouldn't break the warranty?

Yeah, I wouldn't want to see Jessica going, just when she is coming into her own.

Evening Both.

Cool today, 1c rising to 4c, cloud and some wind.

Stayed in anyway, marinated a Poussin chicken that i had spatchcocked then roasted, if you spatchcock it it cooks a lot faster anyway.

Mollie, Yes, still got an infection, no, they didn't give me anything, maybe they will tell my doctor, no idea how long till i get appointments, unknown.

We have the G-Tech battery cleaners, they are brill, no doubt about that, we have laminate flooring but also rugs, they clean so simple.

What is the matter with you cleaner, if it need something you can't do i think you should tell them and go from there, you have nothing really to lose, if you take parts to bits that aren't meant to be removed by the buyer then the guarantee would be void of course, but that usually means unscrewing parts.

If it's not Bianca & Jessica tonight that go i'll be very surprised, thats what the betting has anyway, Jedward, Spiedi and Kim are miles behind.

Emptybox, We must have posted together yesterday.

The nurse just said i had an infection, that was it, then he talked about what to do.

I was down for a check of the bladder in the next 2 months anyway as it was last March that i had the op i think.

It would take a miracle for Jessica to stay tonight.

both

Emptybox

glad it is only minor symptoms now, let's hope it stays away now.

Oh I see, your phone was fixed so quick as they don't fancy the idea of compensation! Good as it meant you weren' t kept ages waiting like you were last time.

Did you go out to work today? If so, hope the van was ok.

Hicky

good idea to stay in today after your busy last 2 days. Let's hope they can clear your infection one way or another now.

Yes such a shame if Jessica goes, I think she is lovely, such a postive fun person, unlike some, like Nicola who seems to constantly argue and swear at others (especially Jedward).

I did like Bianca at frist, but don't since she got in with this stupid romance with Jamie. So boring she is now. Hope she goes.

Cough is a lot better but the pain in the ribs had been real bad. Been pacing a lot of the day, went to Cardiff with the family, couldn't even sit still in the cafe, so had to drink my hot choc standing up despite the fact I had taken 2 ibuprofen and 2 paracetomol. Gave up and did what i rarely do and made an appointment to see doc next week! So I;ll see if he can come up with some idea to help and why I keep getting it. 

Feel ok now if sitting and reclining quietly, so am looking forward to CBB, hope I am not disappinted with who is evicted though.

Oh nearly forgot... the reason I went to town was to take the vacuum back. I am pleased to say the store did stick to the agreement of the 5 year warranty and offerred a refund or another vacuum .So we went for another vacuum. As you say Hicky the cordless ones are great. So light and easy to use and you can swop from hard floor to carpet straight away. 

If we have problems with anything we buy, John Lewis have been the best, Argos have been awful though, always pass us back to manufacturer when I know by right it should be the store's responsibility. John Lewis have never fobbed us off. Even though they offerred a refund I was happy to buy another vacuum off them, as they were only £5 more than Amazon and I like the fact we can go back to the store and be treated well if anything goes wrong.

Have a good evening both, enjoy the show. xxx

Aaaww only another week left now,

Hi both.
Everything in deep freeze here. Hardly got above zero all day. Something like  -3 overnight.
Didn't go anywhere.

That's not good that your rib pain got so bad Mollie. Probably best to see if the doc can do anything about it.
Well done getting another vacuum on the warranty. I thought they would offer to fix it first, but better to get a new one.

Hi Hicky. I had to google "spatchcock".
Pity they didn't tell you more about the infection. Maybe you'll find out more when they send results to your doc?

Real pity that Jess is out, but expected as you say. But a shock that Speidi is out. Welcome though.
And a revealing interview that shows that Jedward are not the innocent kids they like to portray (sorry Mollie).

Evening Both.

A bit warmer today, 6c with cloud sun and some wind.

Didn't do much, heaped a bit of the compost up, still more to do though.

Was surprised Spiedi went last night, but when the public votes anything can happen.

Mollie, Thats be=ad news about the pain, wonder what is causing that? those painkillers aren't very strong though, but you need to know why you are having the pain first, good idea to see the Doc.

Yes John Lewis are good, same as Costco, no problem returning stuff, hope you new cleaner is good.

Emptybox, Yes, when you spatchcock the bird it cooks about the same time as if you just cooked 1 leg, with it being flat and having removed the backbone it really cooks so quick.

Here is a method, so easy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ppa1bxB89vg#t=3.8595

Yes, i'm very surprised Spiedi got the push, the public must not have been impressed, mind you, they seemed to be lost this series, probably because of expectations.

Another back door eviction Sunday as well. 

Hi Hicky.
Thanks for the spatchcock video.
Milder here today, but raining constantly.
Good that you could get some fresh air and exercise in the garden, heaping your compost.

Think I hope it's KIm, Jedward or Jamie that's evicted tomorrow (although we don't get to see it till Monday).
Hope Nicola manages to stay. Luckily it's still vote to save, otherwise i think she'd be toast.

both

rib pain horrid again yesterday, too painful to even post here at all yesterday, so  took tablets, bit better today, but taking it easy. have a hot water bottle daughter keeps making for me on it.

Emptybox

don't blame you staying in in that weather!

John Lewis seem to be real good at offering refunds or replacements rather than repairs, so I don't mind paying a bit more to get it from them. Their stores are really lovely inside too.

How you getting on with your new built pc now?

Raining here today too.

Hicky

that is good the weather was ok for you to sort the compost out.

Hope you don't have to wait too long to hear about your appointment or how to handle this water infection.

Was it a roast Sunday dinner for you today?

Just snacks for us as I don't feel up to cooking dinner, and daughter is busy having to help me out.

Yes I thought Bianca would be out, not Speidi! 

I don't think jedward try and deceive anyone they are innocent kids, they are just trying to have fun and play the game without shouting and swearing at people, ..., not easy with that miserable, drunk lot continually shouting and swearing at them whatever they do.

I felt sorry for Jedward being so trusting that Speidi were their friends, when all Speida did when they came out was to stab them in the back. And Coleen showed how ungrateful  and weak she was when they chose her to have her letter, but she still nominated them, so she could follow the gang! Jedward can't win with any of that lot!

Nicola is obsessed with them, and seems she can't wait to catch them out. Good to see them stand up to her at last though. I had to at Callum ,deciding to stand up to Jeward as soon as they nominated him! He had done nothing in that house up till then. He goes on about them being 25, but from what I recall from him being 25, he was hardly a shining example of how to act at that age!".  

I liked Chloe and Jessica, but am surprised you want Nicola to win. I think she is a bad tempered, crafty, foul mouthed bully with her little entrourage all running around scared of her.  eg...Not one of them pulled her up on the evil things she said to Kim about being childless being her problem. And it was made to hurt as she said something about the would stoop lowest, so she must of known Kim had had a still born. (even if she didn't, a decent woman would never throw childlessness back in another woman's face, as there is often personal reasons for this!). I think it was awful when she gave Jedward dirty cups too, she would of blown a fuse if they did that to her! She always seems to get her own way though, yet says Jedward are sly! eg..she had her letter. Wonder why it was not from her hubby though?

I am not keen on these evictions that we don't see till the next day. Just want Jedward and Kim to stay, it is them against the rest of the house now. I'd love them to be the last 2 housemates!   Shame Jessica isn't with them though, they would of all had fun together, I reckon.

Think I'll watch Call the Midwife tonight whilst I wait for CBB.

Have a good evening both xxx

Hi Mollie.
Dull here, but dry and reasonably mild.
Didn't do much other than go to the supermarket.
The van is still going OK.

Sorry to hear your pain is so bad that you can't do anything, and need the hot water bottle to ease it.
Definitely go and see if the doc can offer you anything.
That can't be right so long after your op?

My computer is running nice and fast after my upgrades. Thinking of buying solid state drives for my other PCs, as it made so much difference to this one. But that'll probably have to wait for another year.

Yes, John Lewis has got a good reputation, and gives long warranties for all they sell. Pity there isn't one near me. Nearest one is in Edinburgh (I think).

Your opinions of Nicola sound very much like those on DS, who I've been battling with on her behalf.
Don't really want to go into all the arguments again here, but lets just say I don't think she's nearly as bad as you are saying.
But just between us, she's probably not nearly as good as I've been saying either.
She's probably somewhere in the middle, so hopefully we can agree to differ.
I think we get carried away, on either the positive or negative side, and forget they are just ordinary people underneath.

I think she is still having marital problems, even though she and her hubby are back together. Perhaps that explains some of her grumpiness in there?
I'm also fairly sure she's unaware of Kim's story as well. At least that's what the person running her twitter is asserting.

No, I don't like these back door evictions either. Unfortunately Channel 5 are taking BB further and further away from the show we used to love.

I see we will see Vanessa Feltz and various other ex-housmates tonight, in the Judgement task. Not sure if I'm looking forward to that or not?

Evening Both.

Didn't do anything today, apart from eating and watching TV.

Emptybox, oh, dear, you got the dreaded rain now, some expected here soon as well.

Not sure who will go tonight, not too bothered really as i haven't got anyone down as a winner.

Mollie, Yes, we had a Lamb Roast today, some times we buy the tub of mash as it makes the meal a lot quicker to prepare now and again.

I agree about anyone bringing up a point about being childless, thats not nice at all, and as you say, there is usually a good reason while that is the case.

We will have to wait tll tomorrow night to find out who goes i suppose, with us being a day behind, what a fix.

emptybox posted:

 

Your opinions of Nicola sound very much like those on DS, who I've been battling with on her behalf.

 

Thats good your pc is running good now.

Do you have same name on ds? I have never been a member on there, but might go and see if I can find any of your posts. I think non members can read, but can't search or obvioulsy post.

I am watching BBOTS this year though, think it is better than it used to be. The audience certainly seem a lot more vocal than they used to be.   Did you see Michelle on it one night? (forget her other name). She said she was a friend of Nicola's but Nicola even made her cringe about some things she'd done, (can't remember what Nicola had done that day!), and she shouldn't of done it.

Hhhmm yes, Can't say I am too sure either about a Judegement task with Vnaessa Phelps.

Yes backdoor evictions that are not even shown on the night they go....., very annoying and unfair to the HM concerned, especially at this stage of the game! (even if I don't like them).

Hicky

Lamb roast makes a bit of a change from a roast chicken for you.

We too sometimes have the supermarket mash, in fact we did today, as it saves a lot of time. My fave one is the M and S cheese one.

Yes ridiculous how they chuck someone out of cbb today, then leave it till tomorrow to show us. 

I saw an ad asking for summer BB contestants, but it was for couples. Do you think it is couples only this summer?

Do any of you look at twitter trends whilst CBB is on, I often do.

There was thousands of posts of disgust about Nicola when she made that childless comment to Kim.

Quite a few last night too about Callum when he interferred. I don't think he is as popular as he thinks he is. Hope he doesn't win.

Watching Call the Midwife, it is set in the 1960's now, interesting fashions/furniture.

I am enjoying that period drama about Holycon hotel, great costumes and period set from the war on that.

Enjoy the show xxx

Anyone tried that Deep Heat? Daugher bought me a Deep Heat max and it has helped. Made my hot water bottle seem a hot hotter!

Only thing is, I don't smell do good now!

Well I suppose that wasn't too bad a CBB show?
Don't know why they have to have John McKririck on everything though? He doesn't even look like he's all that well nowadays.

Yes I'm the same name on DS Mollie. Be careful though, some of the posts on there could make your hair curl. Cheaper than a hairdresser though I suppose.
Glad the Deep Hurt did you some good.

Yes, I like Michelle Heaton. I think it was one of the times Nicola snapped at Jedward.
The thing with the Kim comment was that if Kim hadn't said "You're a Mum. Grow up", and hadn't previously suggested that Nicola's children wouldn't like her behaviour on the show, then Nicola wouldn't have gone there. Not defending the comment, but she was responding to Kim.

I've never got the hang of twitter trends. I usually have enough trouble scrolling through all the posts from the people I follow.

I dip in and out of Call the Midwife, but it's very good.
Not watching The Halcyon though.

Hope you enjoyed your lamb Hicky? Never tried those tubs of ready mash.
Hope you don't get the rain.

Think it's probably Jamie or Nicola that has gone today. But we'll have to wait till tomorrow.

Evening Both.

6c here, cloud and a sunny spell, slight wind.

Didn't do much, walked the garden. O/H went to see her mum as usual Monday

Just had ribeye slices with sliced mushrooms for tea.

I know who went last night but better not post it.

Mollie, Yes, we try not to have the same roast twice on a run because of eating too much red meat, 

I don't look at twitter trends as it doesn't really mean much.

I don't really like the backdoor evictions, but they must have a reason for doing it, i suppose it can give some time to nominations again which gives footage from the one place.

The trial was pretty horrific, which of course what the idea was, i think they all got upset over that, good footage again.

 Emptybox, Yes, John McKririck is a strange one to bring back, very outspoken and upsetting.

The ready mash is fine, it's best if some butter is added and a drop of milk to soften it a bit, i heat it in the micro, so quick.

I can't really understand Kim, it was like she was on a mission or a secret task most of the time.

both

Emptybox

Did you go out to work today? Or play with the newly assembled pc? Was it cold there today? I just caught the end of the forecast and she was saying along the lines of temperatures varying a lot across the country. It was very mild here today, so guessing it might of been cold up north? Hope you fully well now.

Hicky

yes they say it is best not to overdo the read meat, so a good idea for you to alternate it.

Do you feel any symptoms now from the water infection? Or are you ok now? Wonder when you will hear about your appointment?

Yes the trial thing wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Good to see Louisa again. I see John Mc. hasn't changed for the better though.

Glad to see the back of Jamie, didn't like him at all. At least that will be the end of the awful showmance in the house. Wonder if they will go and sell their "romance" to the mags when they come out? I suspect so.

Callum was so annoying on tonight's show. Wonder who will go on Tuesday? Hope it is not Kim or Jedward. Daughter found me my Jedward annual she bought me for last Christmas. If you are good, I will post little snippets from it, as I know what a fan Emptybox is, and how excited he would be about this.

I didn't do much either today. It was rather drizzly, just took dog a brief walk, but have cut back what I normally do because of my rib/back aching. At least it didn't start till later in the day today.

Goodnight both xxx

Evening.
Frost and freezing fog here today. Not very good. Bit milder and wetter this afternoon.
Have to go to the dentist tomorrow for a check-up, so hope the weather is better.

Haven't got any work at the moment Mollie, until someone phones up.
If we get some better weather I've got plenty to do in my own garden though.

Yes glad that it was Jamie that went, rather than Nicola.
She might go on Tuesday, but at least she'll get a proper eviction.

I can't think of anything better Mollie. than little snippets of Jedward. ......Actually, come to think of it, just about anything would be better.
Glad your ribs weren't too bad today.

Evening Both.

Not a bad day, 10c and cloudy with slight wind.

I did a bit of work in the garden, picked some more leaves up as the wind had collected them up for me into piles.

Did a bit more card shredding, all the Christmas cards plus i have loads of card and boxes from kitchen stuff.

I was checking on my old heap of compost i made a while back, it's turned into black compost, it's probably been created by so many worms, millions of them, it looks very nice anyway, it's gone from 3 ft deep to 6" deep.

I've got 2 heaps so i'm working on the 2nd lot now.

In 2 weeks i will do some pruning, the vine and i'll trim some of the apple tree branch lengths as they bent over too much last year.

My appointment came through today, the CT scan on the 9th Feb.

In the morning i'm going for a hair cut again, O/H not happy with it, then we are going for brekkie somewhere.

Mollie, I don't feel any symptoms from the water infection, the water is more cloudy than when i am on the antibiotics.

I won't miss Jamie, he seems a bit creepy, Calum is lost now, he doesn't know how to act, everyone says he's boring so he had to do something, thats the way it goes, and i think that with James Codmo was a task as he's done nothing in the house at all.

Tonights eviction should be Bianca, Calum or Nicola.

Hope your Ribs are less painful.

Emptybox, We had frost Sunday morning, O/H said she had to scrape the car off, it was ok this morning, this cloud is keeping the temperature higher.

Hope things went ok at the Dentist for you.

I heard that girl sing, the one for the Eurovision, she was good, that will be interesting.

I wonder what February is going to throw up for us this year.

both

Emptybox

Hope the weather wasn't too bad for your dentist visit, and hope the dentist said all was well. Probably good you haven't got any work on at the moment with the weather not being good this time of year. I know they all usually come running to you at the same time as soon as it warms up and the grass starts growing.

Hicky

that is good the weather was ok for you to do a bit in the garden. It was raining most of the day here.

That is good you don't have too long to wait for your appointment for the scan. Gosh your compost has grown a lot.

Good idea to go for brekkie after the hair cut. Enjoy.

I wonder if it is proper Emma eviction tonight?  Hope so.

I agree Jamie did seem a bit creepy, he won't be missed. You are right, Calum doesn't know how to present himself now, as people have noticed he has done nothing. He is now trying a bit too hard to make himself noticed and just comes over as annoying when he does! Yes James C has done nothing in there at all.

The girl in the Eurovisiion, wasn't she on X factor some time ago? I think she was from Wales. 

I am guessing Bianca will go (but I also thought she'd go over Speida and she didn't!), as I think Nicola will have some fans (like Emptybox!), and Calum will probably have some female fans.

Sorry Emptybox but you will have to wait for an interesting fact from my Jedward annual, as i left it upstairs and can't be bothered climbing up 2 flights of stairs now!

Pain in ribs not too bad, cough still there though, have docs tomorrow , so will see what he says.

Watching Futher Back in Time on bbc2, think you;d like it Hicky, it is all about food in the 1910's.

Looking forward to CBB.

Have a good evening both xxx

Hi both.
Rainy and windy today.
Went to the dentist. Unfortunately I have to go back next week to get a filling replaced.

Glad the wind helped you with your leaf collection Hicky.
That's great that your compost is coming along well.
That's a quick appointment for your CT scan.

I've got a small apple tree in the garden that I've got to prune. Unfortunately I've really got to climb up into it to get it done properly.

Yes the girl that was chosen for Eurovision is good, and the song is good as well, but maybe a bit low key for Eurovision?
I think all the ones who were up for it had been on X Factor previously?

Good luck at the docs tomorrow Mollie. Hope something can be done to ease that rib pain.
Pity you still have that cough.
Why do you think Hicky would be interested in food in the 1910s? He's not quite that old.

Really glad that Nicola survived and is in the final. That's further than she got last time.
Guess I wasn't surprised that Calum went, as he's become a bit bad tempered towards the end. But I think he said he'd had an ear infection, which wouldn't have helped?

Good Evening Both.

Not bad today, 10c with sun all day and slight wind.

Was out for 9.30 to get hair done again, then on to brekkie, very nice, scrambled egg on a bed of smoked salmon with rocket and toast.

then i spent a few hours in the garden, pruned the grape vines, and a little on the fruit trees, don't like branches that face inwards or downwards, did some more shredding as well.

O/H had asked a painter for a price to paint the rooms in the bungalow, not counting bedrooms so he was here while i was in the garden.

Then O/H sid did i want to go to the Hungry Horse for tea, wow, what a menu, fantastic it really is, i had chicken wings for starter, well, it was bigger than i have for a meal, then i had sweet and sour chicken with rice, prawn bread, spring roll, wow, i couldn't eat the chicken, having had so much earlier.

Mollie, Yes, the Euro vision girl was on X-factor, she sounded good to me.

I thionk 1910 was just before my time, in the 1940's we didn't have a lot of food, my father was in the merchant navy so we didn't go short of certain luxuries as he travelled the world over and over and they didn't stop him bringing stuff ashore, i think he spent all his wages on stuff to bring home from sea, i believe my mother so very popular as one of the things was nylons, another was sugar, chocolate, cigarettes tins of 50, probably tea and coffee as well, it really was a treasure trove each time he came home.

Emptybox, The Dentists often call you back as the first visit is a checkup as they have only allowed enough time for that.

Yes, Clum said he had an ear infection for 10 days, they really should tell us it might help to understand why he is acting a certain way.

I've got an Apple tree to prune for a neighbour, will see how the weather looks in the next week or so, 10c and sunny would be great, don't want too much wind though as the sawdust gets in your face.

Not too bothered who wins now, i'm not voting anyway, it will probably be Jedward unless they mess it up in the next 2 days.

O/H got a notification today from a delivery company about a parcel for New Zealand, she owes money for import duties, vat all sorts amounting to £50, if you don't pay they send it back. 

both

Emptybox

that is a bit annoying that you have a return visit to the dentist for treatment. Take care climbing for that apple tree!

Hicky

glad you enjoyed your brekkie at Hungry Horse.Your brekkie sounds posh, I usually go for baked beans, mushrooms and friend bread for my brekkie out.  Sounds like you did have a good meal in Hungry Horse too. We don't have Hungry Horse here, but ate there when we were in Devon. Yes it had a real big choice of a menu, and huge portions when we went too.

That is interesting about your father in the merchant navy being able to bring home all that stuff.

I didn't actually mean 1910's were your time, but just thought you'd find the food interesting on it.

Yes you better make sure you have the right weather to do that pruning. Nice of you to help offer to help a neighbour.

Gosh I bet whoever sent the parcel (your lad?) never realised you'd be charge so much to accept it! What a nuisance.

Doc didn't know what is causing my rib pain. Said it might be bit of arthritus, said to go back if it got worse and to take paracetomol and ibuprofen. Said the cough had not gone on my chest though, just the end of the cold hanging on. And of course whilst waiting for my appontment day, the pain had eased any way. Which is good though, as I have so many jobs to catch up with now.

I think Emptybox might like Nicola in her little black leather skirt tonight!

Enjoy the show. xxx

Evening both.
Very damp and foggy morning, but a bit of sun this afternoon.
Had bad symptoms this morning, so couldn't move far from the WC.

That was an early haircut for you Hicky? But you got a nice brekkie out of it.
Well done getting all that done in the garden.
Perhaps you overdid the chicken at the Hungry Horse; having it as starter and main course? Sounds good anyway.

Yes, the dentist was running late, otherwise he might have done my filling there and then. Annoying to have to go back again, as it's more than a 30 minute drive, but there you go. It's a back tooth, and I think he's replacing a flaky amalgam filling with a composite one.

That's interesting that your Dad was in the Merchant Navy.
My oldest nephew has just started a college course to train to go into the Merchant Navy.
Wow! That's a lot to pay for a parcel? Hope the contents are worth more than that.

Hi Mollie. Pity the doc couldn't offer anything other than painkillers for your rib pain. Can you get arthritis in your ribs?
Glad the pain has eased anyway.
Yes, Nicola looked good in her band gear.
Nice to have a task that they all enjoyed, before the inevitable fireworks later.  

Evening Both.

Warmish today, did some work in the garden, the wind is getting up so i was checking the covers on the tubs, did a load of shredding as well, 12c with sunny spells which was nice.

Mollie, The parcel arrived at 9am, he had to pay quite a lot to send it as well, he also have to put the value, it was in NZ Dollars total 340 whether that played a part in the vat etc don't know, it was only a scarf, a pair of gloves, and a cap for me, with Wild Kiwi on the front with New Zealand and a Kiwi Bird embroidered on the front as well.

I didn't know Arthritis could give you Rib pain as there isn't any joints in the ribs is there, here's 2 possible causes.

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/T...es/introduction.aspx

Also http://www.webmd.com/arthritis...c-arthritis-symptoms

Emptybox,  Oh dear, a relation of mine really needs a TURP but don't think he's strong enough as he has many problems, he does self Catheterisation and has done for years.

Yes, i did overdo the chicken, didn't realise i would get so much for the starter but it was so good i couldn't stop eating it.

I think that my lads pricing for the goods was probably correct but his 340 NZD worked out at about £198 but the costs added up to £50 to pay, wow, thats expensive. 

both

Emptybox

oh dear, sorry to hear your symptoms were so bad yesterday. Do you think it was the stress of going to the dentist and knowing you have to go again bought it on? (even if you are not actually frightened of the dentist, it can be stressful knowing you have to drive all that way to get there on time, then the awful wait in the wating room, let alone the treatment). I hate having to go out to docs or dentists or anything like that, because I hate having to clock watch for an appointment and  find it disrupts my routine and takes so much time out of my day. Did you get chance to drink enough water with having to go out?

But I hope you feel better.

Arthritus in the spine can cause rib pain I think.(referred pain).

That is a coicndence that your nephew like Hicky's dad is off to the merchant navy. I expect that involves a lot of training, doesn't it?

Hicky

  £198! ... gosh what a lot of money those gifts ending up costing! Did you tell your lad about it? I know that is awkward to do as it was a thoughtful gift, but if you don't, he may send you more stuff if he doesn't realise.

That's good the weather was nice enough for you to get in the garden.

Thank you for the very interesting links. It even mentions in that you can get this pain as a result of a cough, and the last few times it has been bad I have always had a cough. My friend has an osteopath and suggests I give him a go.

CBB...Gosh still big arguents and it is final night tomorrow.

What a lot they are!

I'd like to see Jedward win. They have had the right fun loving attitude all the way though.

that reminds me, especially for Emptybox... today's interesting Jedward fact taken straight from my annual..."on 23 May 2011, Jedward performed in front of 60,000 people at College Green in Dublin, ahead of a speech by visiting US president Barack Obama.".

If you are good I will give you another interesting fact tomorrow, bet you can't wait! (unfortunately because daughter bought me this annual a few years ago the info is rather dated!).

Goodnight both xxx

Evening both.
Another dampish day here. Didn't get much done.
No symptoms to speak of today, but can feel them coming on a bit now, so have taken an ibuprofen.

Sorry to hear your relative has all those problems Hicky.
When the pain gets bad I wonder if I'm going to need an op or something, but it has always eased after 4 or 5 hours, up to now.

Don't think there was much stress about going to the dentist Mollie, although I did start off a little late, but still got there in time. Mind you, I don't like lying there with the dentist and his assistant fiddling about in my mouth.
TBH I think it might be the inactivity of spending winter days sitting at the computer that might not be doing me any good. So perhaps if the weather improves, getting out and doing my own garden might be a good idea.
Going to the dentist did mean I missed out on my usual morning herbal 'coffee' though, so I hadn't had as much to drink the day before the symptoms came on.

Glad you got some mild weather to allow you out into your garden Hicky.
Hope you like your very expensive New Zealand cap?

Mollie, hope your pain doesn't turn out to be arthritis.
The osteopath is probably worth a shot. I'm sure my Dad went to one for a while, to help with some shoulder pain he had, and it gave him some relief anyway.

I think it's a 3 year college course to be a deck officer that my nephew is on., and it involves periods at sea of up to two months at a time.
I didn't even know he was interested, I was just told on Sunday that he started the course this week. Although I did know that he'd looked at other services, and the police previously.

Thanks for the outdated Jedward fact.
I wouldn't go as far as to say I'm liking them more, but they have been showing us some more of themselves as people lately, rather than just the running around doing silly dances etc.
They'll probably win it anyway.

Evening Both.

Not too bad today, 8c with some sun and cloud, slight wind.

Didn't do much, just checked in the garden then watched tv.

Mollie, I don't know if O/H will tell him about the import costs, it doesn't matter that much really, she sent him a parcel at christmas so he might have had to pay import duties on that, she doesn't know.

Those links to rib pains show how complex some things are, also to treat, but the more thats known about them the wiser we are.

I can't really see Jedward losing but with public voting we know how reliable that is to guess.

Emptybox, What symptom/feeling do you get that lets you know in advance?

I've got a Dentist appointment at the end of March, think i might need some work this time.

It's a special type of life being on merchant boats or similar as very often you can be away for various periods of time which can be awkward for home life if you have a family as the wife has to raise the children almost alone., it does give the person the chance to see so many parts of the world in a lot of cases but the jobs vary so much.

It's going to be an interesting night tonight anyway, can't see there being any surprises.

Hi Hicky.
Nice sunny day here.
Went out in the van and bought myself a new fleece top.

If I go for a pee and it gets curtailed before I'm finished. And then I get a feeling that I need another pee after only about 10 mins. Then the next time I pee it's painful and even more curtailed and the feeling in-between gets more and more painful. At it's worst you can even get a bit of blood coming out after the pee (although that's only happened 4 or 5 times in the 2 and a half years that I've had this).
I think that's the prostate clenching right down on the urethra?

But one or two doses of ibuprofen usually start to ease it, and I guess the prostate settles down again, until the next time.
Before the peeing symptoms start I sometimes feel a bit flushed and over-hot, and I think oh oh! That's not good.
And of course the prostate also sticks out into the colon wall, so you get some symptoms from that end as well.

Looking forward to the final, although I think Nicola will be out fairly quickly. But I'd like to see her beat Bianca at least.
I think it'll be Jedward with either Kim or Colleen as the final two.

I've never heard my Nephew talking about boats, although he's been on one cruise with his parents.
I think he just wants to do more with his life than he was doing previously,  working in a leisure centre and swimming pool. And as he's 21 he thought now was a good time.
Good luck to him.

both

Hicky you said there were no surprises expected on CBB tonight, but I was surprised to see Coleen win! All I can recall her doing is sitting smoking contantly, whilst moaning in general about the  BB experience, and talking about fellow HM's behind their backs !

Shame Jedward didn't win as they were entertaining, and had to put up with all the other HM';s being so nasty about them. Funny how Nicola suddenly seems to have praise for them at her eviction interview now she is out of the house... she was the one who led her gang into being horrible about them every time nominations were due.

Emptybox..at least you got your wish and Nicola beat Bianca though. I preferred Bianca to Nicola, I think Bianca would of done a lot better if she hadn't hooked up with Jamie, and pretended she was singe.

Emptybox

sorry to hear your symptom when they come are so unpleasant,   it is lucky you mostly have control over it. Let's hope the attacks stay few and far between. As your nephew is so young, I bet he will enjoy seeing all these places in his chosen career.

Hicky

Maybe your lad didn't have to pay import duties. It is strange how it works, we had a lot of stuff sent to us in Oz, but never had to pay them. And sometimes if the family order stuff from abroad, but we have only had to pay them once. Maybe they just pick out random parcels?

Yes health links like that are always useful, the more we know about our problems helps us see  ideas of how to handle it and helps us try and work out what causes it.

I can imagine you know from experience with your father how hard merchant navy life must be for those with a wife and young family, with the father being away for such long periods.

So sad we now have to wait till the summer now for more BB. It has been so good to have it to look forward to each night. Oh well, we will just have to look out for something else to watch, and give each other suggestions if we come across anything good.

If you didnt' see it, last night's Secret Life of 5 year Olds, was brillaint. You could see it on C4 catch up.

Good night both xxx

Evening Both.

Nice today really, 8c and sunny all day, hardly any wind at all

Looked around garden then decided to make a Minced Beef Hotpot. took a while as it had a lot of ingredients, but it was very nice, got a bit left for a snack tomorrow.

Emptybox, Thats a lot to keep going through, it's not going to get better, i think you need to get it sorted one way or another, i think the Prostate can go into a spasm were it just stops working like mine.

I was surprised about the final 4 on CBB, was even more surprised Coleen won after Jedward leading the betting for so long.

Mollie, Yes, strange final CBB show, but with the public voting anything can happen as we know.

My Father was a Lamplighter in the Merchant Navy, think he was torpedoed 5 or 6 times, was lucky though to be picked up each time, he was mainly on the Empress ships, cargo of sorts.

I have no idea about the postage charges, i suppose each country does what it wants.

When O/H sent her last parcel it went Royal Mail, my lads came courier.

Just a pity the ships doctor never knew he had a problem with his Aorta as thats one of the things they don't check on a medical.

I enjoyed the 5yr olds, a clever head on them, so enlightening to see what they think.

I still can't see when the Jump starts, can't be far off.

Yes, a long time till BB.

Evening both.
Damp and drizzly day again here.

Wasn't too disappointed with the CBB winner. Better than Kim winning anyway.
Watching a silly western film tonight. Will miss BB.

I'm hoping it doesn't come to an op Hicky. But I'm taking comfort that yours went OK, just in case I need one in the future.
That hotpot sounds good.
Your father really did have good luck, to be torpedoed so many times and survive.

Oh, I see The Jump starts tomorrow night on CH4 7.30pm.

Evening Emptybox.

Wow, had no idea the Jump was so close, haven't seen any adverts for it, must watch though, i usually scan through the stations every hour so i try not too miss something i want to see.

A nice day here, 7c sun all day and no wind, did some shredding in the shed.

O/H made a lamb roast for tea, very nice too.

Been watching those programs which the loggers make massive Log Cabins out of trees/logs, they are so complex, heave knows how they do what they do, but massive 2k sqm cabins are such beauty.

Considering that i watched the whole operation live on a screen then i'm sure you will be fill, I was over the op in a few days if i remember right, but you need to keep a diary of symptoms etc so you can show the doc because you have to get on a waiting list anyway, also you have to prove more or less that it's necessary to have one.

Just had one of those baby Christmas puddings, heated with double cream over it.

Hope Mollie isn't in too much pain from her Ribs? 

both xxx

Emptybox

I hope you are symptom free today. Hopefully you won't need an op as you are managing on the whole with just a low dose of medication. But from what Hicky says if it did come to it, at least he had a quick recovery and was able to stay awake.

Thanks for telling us about the Jump tonight. I too had not noticed it and really need something to watch with no CBB now!

Even though we liked different HM's I did enjoy this series. I hope now Jedward are on the radar again, they will come back to Walea on tour again. Shame you are so far away Emptybox so can't come with me.

Did you just go to get your papers today? Do you ever use the bike you fixed now? Or is it too cold? Weather forecast says we have some cold weather to come, which is no surprise whilst we are into the coldest part of the year. It is definately getting lighter at night though. 

Hicky

Glad you had a good day weather wise and enjoyed a lamb roast. I am feeling much better now thanks. As the cough eases, so does the rib pain. So we went to Costco, Enjoyed a few food samples and had jacket potato with beans and cheese in their cafe for £1.65, Such good value.

Gosh your father has such an interesting history, fancy being torpedoed all those times! How lucky he was picked up. My dad was in the navy in the war, he was very young, but had to be a gunner in the navy. Both of my parents were evacuated to Wales from the midlands as children.

It is good those Christmas puddings keep so long, you reminded me we bought OH one, as he is only one who likes them, and it is still in the cupboard, so will have to give it him soon.

Been a nice day here too today and yesterday. Got lots of washing dry yesterday and met a friend for coffee. Such a change from last weekend as I was in pain, so couldn't go anywhere.

Time to enjoy a nice bag of cheese and onion crisps? Do you both like crisps? I lve them.

Have a good evening. xxx

Evening both.
Another drizzly day here.
I hear it's going to be colder and drier soon, which won't be too bad, as you say Mollie.

Went for the papers and to the supermarket this afternoon.
Haven't used the bike since September Mollie. I'm definitely a fine weather cyclist.
Symptoms been OK for the last few days.
Glad your cough is finally much better.

Glad you enjoyed your Costco snack.
That's interesting that your parents were evacuated to Wales, and you ended up marrying a Welshman?
I love crisps too Mollie, not very good for you though.
Yes it's great that it's getting lighter at night.

That's good that you got the good weather Hicky, and that lamb roast sounds good as well. Bit late for Xmas pud though?
That log cabin building pro sounds interesting.

Enjoyed The Jump, but a real pity Josie bottled it and is out already.
I was going to support her. Maybe it'll have to be Caprice now?
Watching The Good Karma Hospital now on ITV.

Evening Both.

Weather not so good, 5c cloud and some rain, wind as well.

Have got a feller in boxing in the top of the kitchen cupboards as we can't dust up there, he's also going to be doing the painting of some of the rooms.

Stayed in, do you watch that program called Timber Kings, love it, so clever watching them building these massive log cabins, wow.

A bit restricted today on food with him working in the kitchen.

Managed to get some little biscuits with cream cheese and smoked salmon for brekkie though, yummy.

Mollie, Love Costco but we only go when we have a particular item to get, then we look around, as we have to pay both ways to go through  the tunnel to Liverpool.

Not sure if you can get those small Christmas puds all year, a nice pud warmed up in the micro.

I'll probably finish the bit of mince i had over, i'll add a few more sliced spuds and a little gravy to make a meal of it.

I've got another poussin  chicken to spatchcock as well, maybe tomorrow for that.

Emptybox, Yes, looking at the forecast, the weather is going colder, tomorrow 8c, but for the next 10 days its 5c or below.

A pity Josie bottled it, i suppose she was just to scared of messing up and ending in hospital, unless you are careful and know what you are doing it is very dangerous.

I think the way they start from the starting blocks is the key factor, they don't seem to understand do they, the leverage from the start controls your speed, and on the jump you need to crouch and spring up as you leave the end of the ramp, they just drop off the end which is hopeless.

I like Caprice, but it depends on who has the guts, one person seemed to be good, can't remember who.

At least it's something to watch.

Hi Hicky.
Not too bad day here. Very frosty start but some sunshine. Went into town to collect my prescription and pay some bills.

Pity the feller working in your kitchen stopped you getting at the food, but at least you found something to nibble on.

Haven't heard of Timber Kings. Is that a programme on the telly or is it on Youtube?

Pity The Jump is only on once a week. I thought they used to have it on daily?
But yes, I was expecting big things of Josie. Surely they had some practise doing the big jump?

both

Emptybox

so glad you have no symptoms now. A nice dry day for you to go into town at least. I took dog a walk and she didn't mind going as it was nice and dry, but it did rain later. Seems very cold already and they said it was getting colder later in the week.

Hicky

good job you had acess to some nice nibbles whilst the guy was working on the boxing. Pity you have to pay for the tunnel on Costco days.

Yes such a disappointment our Josie just couldn't face that ski jump. Let's hope Caprice does well now.

I haven't heard of timber kings either??

Going to watch Halycon hotel tonight, am enjoying that. It is so hard to find nice things to watch now with no CBB.

Goodnight both xxx