Hicky

glad you got the good weather today, so you could get on with your garden tidying. We got good weather too, got lots of washing dry and a bit of a read of my book in my swingchair, even the doggie came out for awhile to sunbathe and sat in her little doggie bed. (she only comes out if it is sunny). 

Hope the wind goes soon so you can get your spraying done.

Picking up those leaves is going to keep you busy at this time of year.

That is good the online shows the meds accepted, so you will have them in plenty of time for your hols. What date do you leave?

Fried mash for brekkie sounds a good idea, was it mash left over from tea the night before? I always use left over mash for tea the next day, but never thought to have it for brekkie.

I had yummy coly cheese and veg for tea, and a honey Greek yogurt.

I have had veggie burger in quite a few different places, and they are usually nice, but this one in tesco was the spiciest I have ever had. I can usually eat them, but not that one.

Good job I have changed my mum's carers, she had the chiropodist today who said her toe nail was hanging off, so it must of been knocked (by the last carers I think). My new carers reported this problem to me and told me her feet were in a bad state when they took over, the old ones obviously hadn't been washing them. My new ones have soaked her feet for several days now and improved them. Chiropodist says she may need anti biotics for it, but as the carers say it has improved since they took over I will leave it a few days and see how it goes.

My friend who comes over for coffee now and again...her son has gone to Sydney with a friend today and has a year long young persons working visa. It is warming up there now, so should be quite nice.

Watching GP show, a lady on it has a mark on her leg just like mine and she said it was from a bite, and like I was, she has just been put on her 2nd lot of anti biotics.

After watching this, it is The Apprentice. I wonder how useless they are going to be this week?

Hope Emptybox is ok and back home again soon. I wonder what he is finding to do there with no techy stuff at all?

Have a good evening HIcky xxx

Evening Everyone.

A dull day here, 14c with very light winds, 3 to 7.

It let me do more work in the garden, raked more slate, it looks better now, 

My rock pegs i ordered came so i fitted them, all ready with the external vine supports now.

After all the changes for the new tree positions i have only got 1 joint to make in the water pipe that runs under the slate to feed each row of trees, i've got till next spring to join the moved pipes and have the joiners as i bought some earlier in the year, i keep a stock of all the pipe fittings i use.

Went to the Dentist, she said i had a small filling needed by an existing filling in a Molla, she said would i like to make another appointment, i asked if she could do it now as i didn't really want to come back because parking is a nightmare, she said ok so thats done, £56.30 for that and a quick clean.

I said to here that i have been using an electric brush so they shouldn't be too bad.

I had hash browns, sausage meat and fried eggs for brekkie and for tea o/h said i could have the rest of the chicken she brought in from Morrisons as she was taking her to get her shopping this morning, so of course i made a curry with it and have enough left for another meal, so will freeze it.

Rang the surgery about the meds i ordered, she said they had sent 2 lots through, i said i asked for 3 so she said she would order another set, i asked about the results for the x-ray i had last Friday, she said the results are in, all is fine.

Hicky

still no Emptybox, it was all a bit odd how he went so quickly and didn't say when he would be back. But maybe he was worried about the long drive there so didn't want to discuss it? Hopefully he is having a good rest ready for the drive home.

Glad the weather meant you could get done what you wanted to in the garden.

That is lucky the dentist did the work you needed there and then. It is so annoying when they get you to go back and forwards for appointments.

That's good news the x ray was fine, sounds like there was nothing wrong with your voice at all after all.

My family went to the cinema today, so I met one of my private carers to discuss her hours, and the problems we have had with the agency carers, then we had a nice coffee together. Then did a bit of Christmas shopping. We had tea at the toby carvary. Always good value and delicious, their Yorkshire puddings are huge!

Watched Supervet, now Feral families. Gosh home education has gone up 65% recently, doesn't say much for the UK school system. But don't agree with all these no rules families are doing..., one mother said she wasn't worried about the kids not reading and writing if they were happy. I felt it was so important I ensure all our kids read and wrote to a high standard, else they can't get on in life without it.

Have a good evening Hicky.

What date do you go away?

xxx

Hello again both.
I'm back from my week visiting my Aunt and Uncle in deepest Norfolk.
Got back at about 4.30pm. Not bad drive, but the rain was lashing down as i drove through Yorkshire. But turned into a nice sunny day when i got into Teeside.
The journey down took around 7 and a half hours though, as there were traffic jams on the A1.
Didn't have any trouble with my van, and it was just as comfortable as a car. Just with more limited visibility.

Sorry that i was a bit secretive about the exact time i would be away and didn't give advance notice, but I'm always aware this is a public forum, so anyone could be listening in. I had thought of putting more detail in a private dialog post, but thought I could just tell you about it after i was back.

It was nice seeing my relatives, and i saw most of my cousins while I was there, and we went out for a nice meal on Tuesday.
A lot of the time was boring though, and I did an awful lot of reading. Also, as Aunt and Uncle are getting on, they didn't want to be going out and about as they used to.

I helped my Uncle to dig up his potatoes one day. They have quite a bit of land, with a few sheep, cows, chickens, geese etc. And he had quite a few potatoes to dig up, so used a little tractor with an implement on the back to do it.
They don't have as many animals and crops as they used to, but my Uncle is still out every morning at 7.30am feeding his animals, despite being 85.
He has trouble with his feet though, so doesn't move too fast.

Hi Hicky. Glad there doesn't seem to have been much wrong with you, and you were able to get the dental work done there and then.
Glad you were able to get lots done in your garden.

Mollie. Sounds like you were right to change your Mum onto the private carer, if the other ones weren't looking after her feet properly.
One of my cousins had just come back from 3 weeks in Australia, when I was there. I think he was in Adelaide (with his family).
Glad the X-rays showed you didn't have a re-occurrence of the thyroid thing. But a lung infection is bad enough. Suppose it depends on whether it is bacterial or viral as to whether antibiotics would do any good.

Oh well, back to work for me tomorrow unfortunately.
In fact in one of the service stations on the way back, my phone rang, and it was one customer wanting a job done urgently tomorrow.

Evening Both.

Quite a nice day really, only 13c but lots of sun for most of the day, slight wind.

Managed to get a lot of jobs done in the garden, it's looking a lot better now.

Had bacon and toms for brekkie, had shrimps and crab paste on toast midday, just made sweet & sour duck for tea with vegetable rice.

Although o/h was off today she went out for the shopping so i got mine as usual.

Mollie, I see Emptybox has come in, will get back to him after i post to you, 

These carers take an awful lot of your time, but i can't see what else you can do.

this home education can be ok if the parents are keeping the children up with the lessons, but to say they don't care if they can read & write or not is very sad, they would suffer terribly in later life surely.

I won't say too much about when i leave as it's a risky thing these days but i'm taking o/h's laptop with me so things could work out ok as signals should be ok from the places i will residing in.

I now only have 25 tubs with trees and gooseberries in, 7 trees have gone as they have had enough time to get productive, also the layout looks better with me moving things round.

Emptybox, I understand, we give far too much away in forums, hope my strange meals don't go against me.

That is quite a nice small farm they have, he is amazing doing all those jobs at 85, it does seem that they need someone there all the time really, bet they were glad of any hand you could give them.

That was interesting digging those spuds up with that digger type thing.

I suppose the night times were worse with no tv or web.

Yes, pleased with the dentist work and the x-ray, i can't count the amount of x-rays, scans, ct scans, probes, camera's etc, i'm sure it would make a good album.

It was nice for you seeing lots of family members again, always good to keep in touch, hope you slep ok with it being a strange bed.

both xx

Emptybox

glad to see you back, now I understand why you disappered, I thought you might of been worrying about the drive or had to go because of an emergency, so glad it was just the sake of not giving away your movements.

Glad to hear you enjoyed yourself. But what a long drive, good job your van was so comfy though. Nice for you to see your cousins. Your uncle does really well for his age, all the countryside and animals, with no technology have done him no harm then. I bet he was grateful for your bit of help though. 

We lived in Adelaide for awhile, a nice but rather a small boring city as it is a long way from anywhere, and far too hot and dry in summer. But it should of been a nice time of year to visit there, when your cousins did.

Sounds like you need to catch up work wise now though, hope you managed to get the urgent job done today.

Hicky

glad you got the good weather and OH got your shopping done even though she had a day off.

That is good you should be able to get internet where you are going, so will take OH's laptop.

Well hopefully I haven't heard anyone being stalked online for having strange meals, so hopefully you will be safe on that front.

Eeeek 25 tubs, no wonder you are busy in your garden.

A lovely warm sunny day again so me and doggie got a nice sit down in the garden. Warm enough for me to wear my t shirt with no jumper too.

Went with son to hospital for his physio. It does seem to be helping him but the day after the physio his leg really aches, so physio said to rest it the next day, then start the exercises the day after.

A good day for drying all the bed linen too today.

Watched Corrie, now watching Gogglebox.

Goodnight both xxx

Evening.
Very frosty here this morning. A shock after mild Norfolk.
I got my urgent job done (raking leaves and strimming), but not much more, because I had to wait for the frost to ease.
It was a nice sunny day though.
I've turned my central heating on this evening for the first time this year, as it's decidedly cold.

Hicky. Doubt anyone could trace you through the trail of your strange eating habits.
I was probably just being a bit paranoid, as I don't think I've given enough hints in public as to exactly where I live, but better to be safe than sorry.

That's good that you will probably be able to keep in touch from most places on your trip.
Good idea to get rid of the unproductive trees, even though it leaves you with only 25.

One of my cousins converted one of the barns on the farm into a lovely house, so he is their next door neighbour. And although he isn't particularly interested in the farm, his son is (my Uncle's grandson), and he gives my Uncle a lot of help with the heavy work.
They are the ones who just came back from Australia half way through my visit, so he wasn't available to help with the potatoes.
I was glad to get back to my own bed, because the one there was rather hard. Plus I found sheets and blankets rather restrictive after using a duvet for years.

Mollie. Glad it was still warm enough for you to be in your T-shirt.
That's good that the physiotherapy is working for your son's leg.
Not sure if my cousin stayed in Adelaide all the time or if they moved around a bit, but they certainly seemed to enjoy themselves over there.

Watched 'Eight Days of Rome: Hannibal's Last Stand' with Bettany Hughes on CH5, then 'The Undiscovered Secrets of Petra'
Just my kind of stuff.

Evening Both.

A blustery day here, 13c but winds of 16 to 21 till afternoon then 40 till tonight.

didn't do much, had scrambled egg on toast for brekkie, had shrimp in white sauce Vol-Au-Vents for midday snack, for tea i had cod with baked spuds and creamy pepper sauce, for pudding i'm going to zap a slice of fruit cake then pour some cram over it.

Mollie, Yes, i don't think Wifi will be a problem where i am going, pretty sure it's all built in anyway, i will try and set it up before we go so i can check all the info i add to the little note book works ok.

I have put the growth of the external vine onto the supports that i am going to use next year, 1 cane had grown 3 metres, of course that could have been because i covered it all in a plastic sheet, if my experiment doesn't work then i will have to revert to plan B.

Yes, some physio can give aches at a later day, don't let your lad overdo it.

Got Strictly soon anyway, F1 practice not on till 10pm

Emptybox, So you have frost all ready and Winter starts 21st December.

Lights go back tonight don't forget.

The gardener wasn't too happy i cut the 7 trees down, but they are in tubs and were too heavy, he was probably thinking of taking them out of the pots removing the soil and they could be replanted, i didn't see it like that and also i didn't want to be giving someone trees that hadn't been successful for me.

Sleeping in strange beds is not ideal, and using sheets, wow, not seen them for a long time.

Will cut the Joan J raspberry canes down when the weather picks up.

Have been watching video's of Singapore Hawker centres, there's 100 of them with 6,000 eating places, but i can't see o/h eating from them, she is a bit fussy, but it looks like eating in the hotels is pretty expensive.

Hi Hicky.
Bit milder here so no frost, but very windy.
Was going to go out to work, but somehow I never made it out the door?
My computers proved more enticing than working in the wind.

Another day of varied food for you.
I had a fried brekkie - egg, bacon, black pud, mushroom and tomato. Then a bowl of my tomato soup for lunch and spag bol for supper.

Not surprised the gardener isn't happy at you culling the trees, as he's probably spent a lot of time helping you to move them around the garden all year. He'll get over it.

Watching X-Factor. Think I liked Holly and Alisah best.

both xxx

Emptybox

Gosh frosty... no wonder it felt cold for you, and you put the heating on. That is good you managed to at least get that urgent job done.

That's handy your cousin was able to convert a barn and so be so close to your uncle.

Hicky

hope you managed to cut the raspberry canes down.

Do you have many garden jobs you need to get out of the way before you go on hols?

They do have Mcdonalds in Singapore if your OH likes that.  

I remember my OH getting a coconut from a Hawker place and drinking the juice from it with a straw. It was lovely he said.

Had letter today from soc services that their part of the finance has been approved, so I had to dash off to the bank and open a new account. Now I have to set up insurance and security checks for my personal carers as I have to employ them. This doesn't pay for all mum's care, but pays some towards it, which is good and at least now I can choose who I want to care for her, so the extra work for me is worth it.

Been shopping in Lidl today for food and the pet shop for the bunny's nibble toy, and got some Christmas stickers for my Christmas cards.

Watching X factor, so glad Lloyd got through, he lives not far from us and was at son's theatre event last month. He was so sweet and friendly, and of course he has a great voice.

Watched the Strictly dancing too, not keen on all the Halloween stuff though, it was OTT and distracts from the dancing imo.

Goodnight both xxx

Evening Both.

Just watching The Great British Bake Off, the new one.

Went out for brekkie to The Grieve Dunning, very nice.

Just had baked spuds and Salmon, very nice, should have made a sauce really but couldn't be bothered.

I picked up more leaves, cut the Joan J raspberry canes down, weighed the raspberries in the freezer, just over 1.5kg so could be making the raspberry and apple jam tomorrow, will use half the raspberries because if i make too much it can start setting before i get it all in the jars, so will use 750g of raspberries, 750g of apple and 1.5kg of jam sugar, with a little lemon, apples have pectin in them so it will start to set sooner.

My Lad asked us what we would like to do or see while in Sydney, but with 486 things to do and with 349 tours it will be hard to choose, but everything looks very expensive to me. 

Mollie, I think all the jobs that are to be done in the garden will either be done or will keep till i get back.

Yes, i fancy the Hawker places in Singapore but not sure if o/h would eat there, when i was there all the outside food places were makeshift & all over the place, we always used to eat from them later at night.

I used to get some Satay from one who came out at night, he lit a little BBQ and sat down to sell his Satay, he had the Peanut sauce as well, i would take all the 20 that he had made to sell, as they were 5 cents each it cost me a dollar, which at the time was 2 shillings and 4 pence, he then packed up and went home as he had sold out, i probably could eat all that now, when i came back to the uk and asked for Satay stick in a restaurant they came back with small skewers, i asked why, they said thats the standard size here, it was half of what i got in Singapore, never bought them here again.

My Lad has sent the info about a place we will be staying at for 9 nights in Sydney, we are in a hotel for the first few days then we move to Meriton Suites Kent Street were we have a rather nice suite.

You get warnings about drinking some of the drinks in Singapore as the water isn't too good, whether to chance it or not i don't know.

Drinking the coconut water should be fine as it is unadulterated.

Glad they have sorted some finances to help with the care, such an awful cost.

I didn't watch x-factor, lost interest this year, don't like the 6 chair challenge, it's totally unnecessary.

Emptybox, That is a good brekkie, the one i had this morning was bacon, egg, mushroom, tomato, beans, sausage and toast it was just enough and very well made, it is quite a job to do all that yourself at home.

Never thought of taking the trees out and making them bare root, but if they hadn't fruited well i might have got the blame, the Asian one was ok but i've never seen so much fruit one such a small tree, there was so many i couldn't have even counted them.

Yes, not much fun working in bad weather.

just a quick hi from me tonight as I am shattered after looking after mum all afternoon, I am falling asleep tonight, must be the hour change too.

At least weather was lovely so I could take her and the dog a walk with the family down the seafront.

will reply to you both tomorrow.

Goodnight xxx

Evening both.
Not bad day here. Cold but dry. A little sun at times.
Supermarket as normal.

Mollie. That's good that the social services have approved paying in part for you to use private carers. But sounds very complicated for you, if you have to arrange special bank account and insurance etc. Hope it all works out.
Not surprised you are tired after looking after your Mum, and yes the time change doesn't help. I woke up earlier than usual this morning, so am tired tonight.

Hicky. Sounds like you had a good brekkie out. And managed some jobs in the garden.
Hope the jam turns out well, if you get to making it tomorrow.
You'll have good accommodation for Sydney then.

Enjoyed X-Factor. Especially as we had Alesha instead of Simon (after his fall).
But it was a bit of a travesty that all those stupid groups got through leaving two girls in the bottom two.
Glad it was that one that got through though. The Mum with 'Leanne' in her name. Good singing voice, horrible talking voice.

Good Evening Both.

Have been busy today, a cold start at 10c, sunny spells with rain expected tonight, light winds of 3-6.

Had bacon on toast for brekkie,  made 8 jars of 0.25l apple & raspberry jam.

Cooked some belly pork for tea, had sliced boiled baby spuds and gravy with it.

Mollie, The hour is supposed to give you an extra hour in bed, mind you it seemed strange to me as well because the light behind the blind usually tells me to get up but it was still only 7,30.

Yes, it must be very tiring looking after your mum, and certainly hard to run a house as well.

Emptybox, I heard that Simon was missing, i recorded the final anyway to watch when i get a minute, didn't realise he fell, will have to find out what happened on google.

both xxx

Emptybox

I too enjoyed X factor, and yes, nice to see Alysha there.

Back to your normal routine and supermarket Sunday again I see.

Did you get out to do some jobs today?

Hicky

You have been busy with the jam making, I bet it is really nice. ARe you keeping it all or does your neighbour get lucky again?

I looked up your suite in Sydney, looks lovely and luxurious. And it says only 3 minutes walk from Darling Harbour, very nice.

that is interesting about the satay sticks in Singapore being so big. Yes probably best not to have ice in your drinks in Singapore, but drinking the coconut juice fresh out of the coconut was fine for my OH as no water or anything else was added. We eat mainly in the hotel or mcdonalds. We used to like going round the main market places and bartering there. Orchard Road has loads of shops to wonder round. Our favourite place to visit there though was the orchid gardens, I think you and your OH would like them, here is trip advisor about it...

https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg...arden-Singapore.html

It will be really strange for you but intresting too going back there after all these years since you were last there.

Been busy sorting paperwork out today and got lots of washing done as it was such a nice day. It all dried so well. Sat out in the garden with the dog and it was nice and warm, so had to get the summer t shirt out again. Got chilly tonight though once sun gone down.

Not much on tv tonight. might watch that programme about the Queen.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi both.
Another frosty start here, but not too bad a day. Got a couple of jobs done anyway.

Hicky. Well done on making all that jam.
Yes Simon fainted and fell down stairs, and had to go to hospital. Something to do with low blood pressure I think?

Mollie. Sounds like it was warm in South Wales. It was cold here all day.
Don't envy you the paperwork.
I watched '999 What's Your Emergency' instead of that Royal prog.

Evening Both.

Didn't do a lot today, had 4 soft boiled eggs with toast for brekkie, did a bit of work in the greenhouse, been putting up support wires to take the strain of the plants on one side of the greenhouse.

I found more currys in the freezer, was going to make more but decided to eat some of what is in the freezer first.

Mollie, With the Jam i will give my neighbour some of course, o/h's sister wants 1 and her mother, i will keep one, was going to make a load of raspberry jam but not sure if i have enough jars left, have got the small wire clip ones but will have to check in the garage.

Not sure about the home cooking in Oz, it depends, i would rather eat out.

I used to love the Satay sticks in Singapore, will have to find those, also the Laksa, wow, that id fantastic.

To be honest i'm not one for sightseeing, and with my breathing being not good i can't really walk far so prefer to sit and eat.

I've been looking at pictures online of my old barracks and swimming pool, the camp was called Gillman Barracks, the military pulled out in 1971 and the barracks are now a Contemporary Are Enclave, it was too good to know down.

Glad you sorted your paperwork, and did washing, at least it was nice enough to sit in the garden.

Emptybox, It was 14c here today, light cloud, rain and wind, but it didn't rain, very pleased.

I read that about Simon Cowel, how dreadful, just collapsed, i suppose he could been an awful lot worse, sometimes it's not the fall but what you hit at the bottom, yes, low blood pressure, wow, something as simple as that.

But don't follow, if the brain can crash on low blood pressure how come it wakes up a few minutes later?

My 3rd set of meds is ready to be picked up as well, when i can get there.

both

Happy Halloween both xxx

Emptybox

glad you got some jobs done despite the frost. We don't seem to get frost very often here, but I do think it looks so pretty when it is all frosty.

Hicky

good idea to eat the curry in the freezer first because you don't want too much food accumulating if you are going away.

That's a shame if you have run out of jars to finish making the jam you wanted to. Well you should certainly have the warm weather to sit and eat all you like in Singapore and lots of places to try the food you like.  That is interesting you found details to look at your barracks from 1971.

Yes very odd about Simon Cowell, I don't think low blood pressure is a health problem on  its own though is it, isn't it just high blood pressure can give heart attacks? But as you say of course it is a problem if it causes you to fall down, he could of been really badly injured falling downstairs.

Not a bad day today, washing nearly dry, just a bit damp, but not warm enough to sit out in today as it was cloudy on and off.

Daughter has been busy making Halloween cupcakes for the kiddies tonight, and she got them sweeties and glow sticks, plus a few Pokemon cards she has repeats of too.

We have had quite a few kiddies call, some very small, all with mum or dad behind them. They were happy with our offerings and all polite, but one toddler was too scared she backed off when I offerred her sweties, so I gave her mum a cake for her.
its our dogs birthday today. Daughter made her a "birthday cake". It was a jacket potato with peanut butter on top and a milky dog bone biscuit sticking in the top like a candle. She loved it.

Bake Off final, but of course most people know who won it now due to the Prue gaff. I bet she is so embaressed.

Have a good evening both xxx

Evening both.
Milder today but damp. It rained heavily overnight, and everything stayed wet all day.
Got a big strimming job done this morning, then mowing this afternoon.

Hicky. Good idea to use up the food you've got before making more.?
That's a lot of eggs to eat for brekkie?
That's interesting that your old barracks are now a modern art studio.
That would have been no good to you when you were a soldier? You can't eat modern art.

Mollie. Happy Halloween to you too.
Can't say Halloween means anything to me nowadays. I never get any trick or treaters.
That was good of your daughter making all that stuff for the little visitors.
 I'm sure your doggie enjoyed her special cake. Doubt she understood what it was for though?

Really happy that Sophie won Bake Off. Really silly of Prue to give it away though. She's the only one of the new team that I'm not too keen on. Something about her voice annoys me. Perhaps the slight South African accent?
Still, I think it's been really good on CH4.

Evening Both.

Not bad today, dry 13c with an odd sunny spell, hardly any wind at 5.

Made a hotdog for brekkie, found another hotdog roll in the freezer, cooked one of theose big Sainsbury's hotdog sausages, love it with mustard and tomato sauce.

Made a tray of Vol-Au-Vents again as o/h brought some shrimps in, i made a white sauce to mix with them, it made 12 so we have 6 each, some left as well, and the box contains 36 cases, love them.

Just had some chicken on fresh Bloomer, had some salt and Lime Pickle to help out.

Have started taking some of the compost out of the tub that houses the Kiwi Berry vine, but a slow job with so many roots, i have left a message for the gardener to see if he has a spare hour to come, could do with him putting the bags of compost into the raised beds.

O/H picked up my 3rd set of meds from the pharmacy, have them all now.

Mollie, Thanks for the Halloween picture, very nice.

I checked what spare jars i had for jam and i only have 6 of the small ones with the hinged lid so will wait till the new year before i bother now.

I only had 2 lots of callers last night with a total of 5 youngsters, i gave them a bag i made up with Swizzles Monster Treats, so got a lot left over.

I think my neighbour had fainted because of low blood pressure, in fact she told me she has to keep it very high.

That was nice, what your daughter put together for the kiddies, never though of glow sticks, good thinking, love the idea of cup cakes as well.

Happy Birthday Doggie, that was a nice treat, and it didn't have to dress up either.

Enjoyed the final of bakeoff, but as you say, Pru dropped a clanger, the problem with time zones.

The Apprentice on tonight, good.

Emptybox, Haven't had any rain here for a while, that will do me.

I think Singapore has changes so much i won't recognise a single thing, i've been watching video's of the taxi route from the airport to the town, a lovely tree lined road, quite a way though and the airport isn't too far from the beach at Changi.

O/H brought me a couple of jars of Laksa soup in as well, so i will be getting some stuff together to make that soup, you can put anything you want in it as the sauce you make with the paste is fantastic.

Hi Hicky.
A dull morning weatherwise, but I got a job done. Then unfortunately the rain came on at lunchtime, and has rained since, so I didn't get anything else done.
I got my September accounts done this afternoon though. I'd forgotten to do them, what with my tooth dramas and my 'holiday'.

Talking about the tooth, I think it is slowly getting better. I still get the occasional twinge from it when eating chocolate or the like, and it's still a wee bit sensitive. But seems much better than it did before. Mind you, it's nearly a month now since the crown was fitted, so taking a long time to bed in.

Hotdogs for brekkie? Well I guess that's not too unusual?
Shrimp vol-au-vents sound delicious.
That's good that you've now got your meds, ready for your trip.
Hope you manage to catch the gardener before you go.
That's one thing great about the internet, that you can find out all about a place before you go there.

Looking forward to The Apprentice tonight. I missed it last week...well missed all telly in fact.

both xx

Emptybox

glad you have managed to get  a few jobs done, guess it gets harder to fit anything in at all now it is getting wetter, colder and darker.

Must of been strange having no tv at all for a week.

Glad the tooth has nearly calmed down now. It obviously did not like being messed with !

I too am looking forward to the Apprentice.

Hicky

that's nice you enjoyed your hot dog for brekkie. My kids like them for brekkie whenever we go to Costco. They are so cheap there too.

Talking of dressing up and the dog, we have bought her an elf costume with little bells on. We always dress her up when we go to the Christmas parade as lots of doggies dress up there, and some of the big ones even go in the parade. She likes it as we put her in her pram when her arthritus plays her up and lots of people talk to her when she is in her pram.

Hope the gardner manages to fit in some time to help you out.

Yes I am sure you will find Singapore much changed since you were there, but it will be so interesting for you. You will certainly only need your summer clothes there.

Not a bad day again, can't complain for November, the washing nearly got dry too. Doggie was too tired to go walkies today after the excitement of her birthday and all the callers that kept knocking the door last night. (not for her birthday, but for Halloween),.

Have a good evening both xxx

Evening Both.

A very calm day, 12c and a couple od sunny spells, still dry though, hardly any wind at all.

Didn't do much, took some more soil out of the Kiwi tub, but with so many roots it's getting harder, have taken out about 30 litres but cover it all up at night as i don'r want it to get dry or wet at night.

Had bacon and tomato on toast for brekkie, shrimp Vol-Au-Vents for midday, and Ribeye steak with onion and mushrooms for tea.

Will be making my  shopping list soon, mustn't forget that.

No sign of the gardener yet.

Mollie, I've never had one of the Costco hotdogs, might get one next time, not sure if we are going before the trip though.

Some of the outfits i've seen on dogs are quite funny, most dogs don't mind either.

In Singapore a few places don't allow shorts, or don't like them, in general they are fine, it does advise having an umbrella because of either sun or rain.

Emptybox,  You definitely get more rain than most, i couldn't cope with all that.

At least you got some home jobs done, they all need doing.

I hope you are right about the tooth, you don't really want them messing about with it now.

It was o/h that wanted the shrimps in the Vol-Au-Vents, i was going to use the tin of creamed mushrooms which i got for them but now i can't use the tin because we have eaten them all up, you get 36 in the pack so they lasted 3 days.

I enjoyed The Apprentice as usual, still some hopeless people, the one that went did nothing.

both xxx

Hicky

gosh sorting the kiwi tub sounds like hard work for you today. Good job you had a good healthy diet to keep you going though.

Hope the gardner turns up soon.

I didn't realise some  places in Singapore didn't allow shorts. Perhaps they are the posher hotel and resteraunts? I guess you will need warm clothes for winter in New York too, as well as summer ones for the other places?

Yes the guy that left Apprentice did not do a lot.

Emptybox

hope you had chance to get in those gardens today, so you don't get behind.

Not a bad day here today, a bit chilly at first, but then mild when I took the dog out.

Been catching up with paperwork, a lot to do with my meeting with soc worker next week.

Son busy in rehearsals at the theatre all week, was there around 12 hours today, but he enjoys it. Rest of family on half term from uni which is nice as it has been so dry this week.

Dog happy to go a walk as weather nice.

Watched Supervet then recordings as didn't fancy anything else on tv.

Goodnight both xxx

Evening.
Not bad day here. A bit of sunshine in the middle of the day that was quite warm.
Chilly this evening though.
Got quite a bit of work done, mowing and hedge cutting.

Hicky. A lot of work dealing with that kiwi tub.
Yes, I'd heard that Singapore was quite strict.

Mollie. Don't work too hard on that paperwork.
Glad the dog has recovered from her Birthday celebrations.
Just don't tell her she's got to dress up as an elf in a few weeks time.

Watched Supervet then Rich House Poor House on CH5.

Evening Both.

A very dull day today, cool as well, 12c with light wind of 6.

My shopping arrived this morning, a lovely sight, and a couple of mini Christmas puddings as i didn't realise you could get them during the year, i have been cutting up fruit cake and heating it in the micro and pouring cream over it, oh well.

It's a strange house really, we have our own bathrooms, our own cupboards, as mine is full of spicy stuff, our own shelves in the fridge and freezer, it's a bit like an HMO.

Had Sausage meat, mushroom, egg and tomato for brekkie, had Salmon for Tea with Fries, was going to have Satay stir fry sauce over the chips but but the open sachet in the microwave and if went on fire, forgot it's got a metallic lining, oh dear so had to have tomato sauce instead as i couldn't be bothered making another sauce, although i have loads of them.

The gardener came this afternoon, we re-potted the Kiwi into a new tub complete with internal water tank, he also put all loose compost from the tubs into the raised beds as i put new stuff in the Kiwi tub, i used Ericaceous compost and some manure, put 2 bags of manure on the raised beds, paid him and also gave him a jar of raspberry jam and a jar of apple & raspberry jam and 2 apples from the tree.

And after going to the dentist the other day, i noticed last night one of the front teeth which had been sorted many times, the work that had been added on had chipped off, not sure how, it must have been done 6 times in the past, go next week to get it sorted, this is probably one of those i smashed when i trapped my face in the car door window when i had the Jag MK1 in the 50's.

Mollie,O/H is concerned that the Aircon can seem rather cold in some of the places so i have to go in a coat in case, with long pants, but lucky enough i don't have to wear a diving suit just yet.

Very pleased about the Kiwi vine, and never damaged the roots, not sure whether i should have trimmed them

Emptybox, Glad you managed to get some jobs done, bad weather sure puts you back, not so much in Autumn i suppose.

I'm taking a range of clothes, of course with going to so many different places with differing temperatures i will need them, i might need a bib as well, as i can't see me stopping eating, except to sleep maybe.

I like the Rich house Poor house, think i might have missed one the other day, will see if i can find it.

Looking forward to Strictly tomorrow.

both xxx

Emptybox

that's good you managed to get quite a bit of work done.

Gosh that great dane was huge on supervet wasn't it?  But that vet did marvellous what he did for those dogs, amazing how well that labrador was running around with only 3 legs.

Hope the weather enabled you to get on again today work wise.

Hicky

hope you enjoy your Christmas puddings, I have noticed they seem to do a lot of variations in flavours of them now.

Having your own space is the means to a long happy marriage I reckon.  So our house is as strange as yours. Me and OH enjoy each others company but keep our own space, eg we sometimes watch tv together, but he has own tv to watch footie and I watch BB. We have our own beds as we don't disturb each other then, or fight over the duvet. And we too have our own bathrooms.

at you setting the satay sauce on fire. How did you manage to put the fire out? Pity you had to make do with tomato sauce.

That is good the gardner came to help you out, sounds like you got a lot done.

you never told us about when you smashed your face in the car window. That must of been painfull! HOpe the dentist can patch you up with not too much trouble when you go.

Yes your OH is right, the air con can be quite cold, I seem to remember from when we were in Oz. Good job you don't need a diving suit, they never look comfy to me. But as you say, you might need a bib with all the different food you are going to try.

Not a bad day here today, bit dull but really mild for November and no wind, so dog liked her walk.

Been to see son doing theatre performance with his drama group, he certainly had a lot of lines to remember this time as it was not a musical this time, But he did really well.

So haven't had time to watch tv tonight.

Think we will have a visit to Costco tomorrow, the family like going there, as we all like a browse and trying the free food samples.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi Hicky.
Dull here as well, and a bit more wind, but at least it stayed dry.
Got a lot done, mowing, strimming and raking leaves.
Still some more places to mow next week, but after that I should be able to put the mower away for the season. There'll be other tidying up jobs to do after that though.

Glad you got your shopping. You must like Xmas pud, if you were trying to make it with fruit cake? Good idea though.
I had to look up HMO. That's funny you and your OH having separate cupboards etc.

Pity your Satay sauce sachet went on fire. Don't suppose you were supposed to put the sachet in the microwave?
How on earth did you manage to smash your face in a car door?
Hope the dentist can patch up the tooth again.

Glad the gardener came. Sounds like you rewarded him well with your jam.
Yes, you'll need a range of clothes with you.
Don't be like me. When I went to visit my Uncle the other week, I forgot to pack any shirts, so had to wear the same one all week.

ETA: Hi Mollie, your post just popped up.
Yes the Supervet did wonders for those dogs.
That's good that your son did well at his Theatre production, even though he had a lot of lines to learn.
Glad doggie enjoyed her walk, and hope you find some delicious free samples at Costco tomorrow.

Watched 'Eight Days that Made Rome: The Spartacus Revolt'.

Evening Both.

A cool dull day here, more light rain showers, a quick sunny one.

Didn't do a lot, went out for brekkie, the usual, booked  a meal for tomorrow midday, 3 course at the Grieve.

Got a demand from hmrc, such a clever lot, took an awful lot to get through to them, eventually id did, thought the phone battery might run out while i was hanging on, got a girl anyway, told her about the tax demand which she could see, then i told her i had had a rebate as i had paid too much for 2016/7 but she had to put me on hold to go to the SA part of the system, i told her i had been paying by DD but they stopped it and i had a letter to say i didn't owe them any money, that was in July, she then got back to say that she would sort it out and it looks like they owe me £30 as well, anyway, i asked if she would send me the paperwork showing were i was up to so i have it in the file.

And all the time i was waiting for assistance the computer on the line was telling me i could sort it out online, of course i could, not.

My tax was between 2 systems but they aren't connected so one side didn't know what the other side was doing.

Just had another curry out of the freezer, just heated a bag of microwave frozen veg rice, very nice, then had a Christmas pud with cream, yummy.

Mollie, The Satay sauce packet went out when i stopped the microwave, not sure what it was made off, a type of flexible bag lined with foil maybe, but from the outside i hadn't noticed.

I thought i had told you about my accident with the Jag and my teeth, anyway, the car i had been used to had a window winder for the drivers window and when i turned it to open/close it took a few turns, i was in the Jag one night and talking to a friend through the front door window, he was going so i started to wind the window, but unfortunately the Jag window winder worked rather different, it went so fast uo that it trapped my head, my teeth between the glass and the top of the window, it made a mess of my teeth so had to go to a dentist to get them ground down so they were no longer sharp, so of course they have never been right since.

I'm going in long pants, with a short coat in case it is cold, hoping to send one big case direct to Oz and take 1 case to Singapore with what we need there as i wouldn't be able to manage a big case if we had to hurry, my breathing isn't good enough.

I don't know how these actors etc remember all those lines, thats very clever in my book.

Emptybox, Glad you got a lot of jobs done, that will help you catch up now.

I've explained to Mollie how i messed my teeth up in the Jag, it was about mid 60's i suppose, had quite a few cars after i left the military, never got another Motorbike.

Looking forward to Strictly later, its at 6.50.

both

Emptybox

glad you got a few jobs done again. It will be a good job when you put the mower away as you have had so many mower problems lately.

Hope you enjoyed your spab bol and beer tonight.

Hicky

hmrc are a nightmare! Fancy them sending you a demand when they owe you! Looks like I may have to register with them as an employer when my mum goes on direct payments for the carers, what a pain! Our accountant usually deals with them for us. I will find out on Wednesdays meeting what I need to do though.

No we hadn't heard the tale of the teeth in the car window!   sounds painfull. You could of strangled youself. No wonder you have had problems with the teeth since then. HOpe it can be patched up again with not too much problem for you.

HOpefully you shouldn't need much luggage in Singapore as it so hot there. Yes you musn't carry too much luggage around as you don't want to get breatheless. Did you know you can ask for assistance on airlines though, tell them your age and you have breathless problems and its free. My mum and MIL had it and a man helped sort all their luggage, plus those needing assistance get to go on board the plane first. It is  a really good service.

Went to Costco and lots of nice free food samples, so can't complain. Mango chutney on naan bread was my fave.

Enjoyed X factor, glad Lloyd got through, he is  a great singer, strange seeing him on tv after seeing him socially and giving out an award in the theatre a few months ago.

Loved Ruth and Anton on the dancing, so funny, she tries so hard, and enjoys it.

Son in the theatre again tonight.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi both.
A lovely sunny morning, but rainy this afternoon.

I was away across visiting my Brother, so missed out on my usual spag bol, but he made a nice chicken curry.

Hicky. HMRC really are in a mess. Sounds like one hand doesn't know what the other is doing?
At least in turns out you are in credit.
No, don't think we've heard about the Jag window before.
Mind you, it would have been sensible to take your head out before you started to wind the window up, no matter how fast or slow you thought it was going to be.
Hope the dentist can fix it again.
Good idea to send some of your luggage on ahead, if that's feasible.

Mollie. Could be complicated if you have to register as an employer. Hope your Accountant can help you sort it out.
Glad you enjoyed your free Costco samples. I think I had Naan bread with my curry tonight (it was some kind of flat bread anyway).

Didn't see any of X-Factor, as my Brother doesn't watch it, but my SiL is a fan of Strictly, so i saw a bit of that before I left to drive home.

Evening Both.

A noisy night last night and again tonight, cool at 10c with cloud rain sun and wind at 16 dropping.

Just had a piece of toast for brekkie with home made app and raspberry jam, went out for lunch, had a starter of my fave prawn cocktail, followed by a beef roast, very nice too.

Put a few shelves up in the greenhouse, took the original ones i put in to move them.

Just had a Singapore Laksa i made, wow, so yummy, it doesn't use water it uses coconut milk instead.

I know who left the Strictly show but don't think they have the spoiler code here do they.

Anyway, it is a total shock, will test if spoiler works.[spoiler] testing [/spoiler]

No, it doesn't, maybe it uses different code.

Mollie, Yes, hmrc, i will have to wait and see what becomes of the problem, i thought i was saving up for the January payment so am confused, i have been saving the weekly payments in a new account so i can transfer it to them when needed, it seems they don't want to hold your money any more, a new system.

My teeth have never been right since i smashed them, but have to manage with what i have, if i put all my teeth in line only 2 side ones meet the front then has a big gap between the teeth of say 5mm so i can't bit with my front teeth at all.

I will have to remember about asking for assistance if i have a case to take but we are going to get one sent straight to Australia so if we have one thats fine.

Yes, Ruth and Anton are so funny, a good match.

Emptybox, yes, hard to believe that the hmrc dept's don't know what the other is doing,, mind you i found out that the National Insurance and hmrc depts don't talk either, as when i had to get in touch for some reason or other they said we don't know where you have been living for 18 years, i said don't the tax people tell you, they take the insurance money, no, no contact at all, no wonder the system can never work.

Hi Hicky.
Frosty start today, but a dry quite sunny day. Already frosty again tonight.
Just did the supermarket run as usual.

Glad you enjoyed your lunch out. And your Singapore Laksa sounds delicious.
Haven't heard a single firework here, but there were plenty to be heard when I was across at my Brother's.

That doesn't sound good with your teeth. And to think I was/am complaining about one crown.
That's stupid that the HMRC and National Insurance don't talk. I thought it was all one sysytem nowadays.

Watched a bit of X-Factor. Glad that Holly got through, but a great pity that Tracy Leanne was voted off.

Evening Emptybox.

A cool start to the day, as a Monday it's not bad, a 7c start rising to 11 cloudy with sunny spells, winds starting at 7 and rising to 14.

Just had to waffles for brekkie with my jam on, yummy.

Midday i had Scallops with a spiced butter dip.

For tonight i just had 2 toast and a tin of Tongue with tomato, trying to cut down on some of the fat junk i eat.

Didn't do much, have had to get my long sleeve shirts out with a jumper because of the future temperatures here.

Haven't had any frost here yet, but it's not far away.

You are lucky, last night was like living in a war zone.

Waiting to hear from the hmrc, should be interesting to get it sorted so i know where i am.

Hi Hicky.
The frost cleared quickly, and turned into a dull, cold and windy day.
Got a big tidying up job done, but needed my heavy fleece jacket for the first time this year, as well as my woolly hat.
Not surprised you are into long sleeves and jumpers now.

Nice meals again for you.
I had breaded chicken in a cheese and ham sauce, with chips and sweetcorn tonight. 
Hope the HMRC get themselves sorted out soon.

Watched Traffic Cops, then the thing on ITV1 on Harry and Meghan.

both

Emptybox

that's nice you got to see your brother and a nice treat for you too to have a curry made for you.    Yes that sounds like naan bread you had with your curry. Were your nephew around, or is the sailor still out at sea?

You are certainly right in that setting up as an employer is complicated! It is driving me mad, lucky my techy savy son is helping me work my way through the worst HMRC bits I have to do. eg, I have to send returns in each month when I work the wages out for each employee, and also a council return and the bank statement to the council and do the wage slips after choosing which software to use from their list and have employers insurance. Hardly had any time to myself the last few days wading my way through it. As Hicky found out, it is a nightmare dealing with HMRC in general. I believe HMRC lost a lot of IT contractors recently too due to the tax changes they put on their own staff, so it probably won't get any better any time soon there. 

Did you get out in your gardens today? Are you fairly up to date now?

Even we had a frost last night, it was very cold, but it is milder tonight.

Hicky

I am not surprised you need your long shirt and jumper now as we are well into November. (you certainly won't need it soon when you go away though).

You do quite well with your eating considering your teeth problems, let's hope the dentist can patch them up again.

I looked after mum yesterday and did some work on the employer stuff, then we went to the local free fireworks display on the rugby field. It was lovely. Luckily we didn't have many fireworks go off in people's gardnes, which is good as the doggy was petrified and hid behind the sofa all evening. Poor thing, she didn't eat much yesterday, only a small meal when the fireworks had finished.

Not much on tv so went for Meghan and Harry thing.

OH came home from work early with a cold, let's hope the rest of the family don't get it now. He is keeping out of our way as much as he can.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi Mollie.
The HMRC employer stuff sounds worse and more complicated that I thought.
I'm glad I'm a one man band and don't have to employ anyone.

The eldest nephew is still at sea. Won't get home till the end of the month, so will miss spending his Birthday at home. Seemingly he's starting to "almost enjoy it" though.
The youngest one was there, but I only got a "Hello" out of him. He spent the whole time skyping his friends. Even when he came downstairs to have his lunch he was holding his laptop, chatting to someone.

Glad you enjoyed the free fireworks.
Don't know why dogs especially are absolutely terrified of them? 
My Brother's dog is old and deaf now, so couldn't hear the bangs, when I was there, so wasn't bothered.

Evening Both,

Not a very nice day, 11c cloud rain and winds, only 14 dropping.

Couldn't do much as non of the jobs are really urgent, will do them when i have nice weather.

Had a burger and onions for brekkie, midday we had shrimp Vol-Au-Vents again, lovely as well, then i put a slab of belly pork in the oven, after it had been uncovered in the fridge for 4 days, i then oiled it and put a little salt on, cooked for an hour at 160c then turned oven to 220c for 20 minutes, the crackling was superb and the pork lovely.

Been watching video's some great ones of people eating a massive lobster and massive Alaska King Crab legs, wow, i need some of those.

Mollie, Will be putting my short sleeve shirts away, unless taking them away, it's a bigger problem than usual as you normally pack for just 1 destination, it will of course make all our clothes heavier than would be normal.

Hope the dentist lady can sort my tooth out, o/h had the same problem last week, the same tooth must have been mended so many times but it always goes in the end, it's probably one of the lower teeth that clashes as only two meet on the right side but if they do it means the problem one clashes, probably why it keeps getting damaged.

It was like a war zone here with the fireworks, they were going off front and back and side which was annoying.

Yes, the dog would be scared, not sure why they don't like the bangs, do they think they are being shot at.

Emptybox, still had no frost but it's too cold outside now without dressing in the right gear.

The meal of breaded chicken in a cheese and ham sauce, with chips and sweetcorn sounds nice, i need a nice sauce with chicken as well.

I'm glad i didn't have to do the paperwork for an employee it's bad enough for self employed.

Sounds like your nephew is in a world of his own, like many these days they stay in constant contact day and night, but so do many adults, it's unusual to see a person passing who isn't looking at their mobile.

Very stupid but thats their problem i suppose.

both xx

Emptybox

that sounds an improvement if the nephew is "almost" enjoying his job away at sea then.

The other nephew sounds like my middle lad, if we go out, he has constant texts from his friends. He does put his phone away if we go for a meal though.

How old is your brother's dog now? Mine is 12 now, but the way she reacted to the fireworks I think her hearing is quite sound. Her eyes are a constant problem though, poor thing's eyes have stopped producing water, so they go sticky and I have to put drops in.

That's good you got a bit of tidying done, despite the fact you needed your warm woolies. Did you get any work done? It was a lot milder here today than yesterday.

Hicky

Another interesting meals menu for today I see, with your old faves of burgers and vol au vonts amongst them.

Yes very complicated for you to do your clothes packing for this holiday as you will be having different extremes of weather in different places.

Yes lets hope the dentist can patch your tooth up again. Is your OH's tooth problem sorted ok now?

Son been helping me most of the day sort this employee stuff out ready for the meeting I have to go to tomorrow. He also had to take some hmrc registration papers over for the carers to sign. Not looking forward to this meeting tomorrow, but hope I have done all the prelimary work they need me to do.

Started off wet here today, but then ended not being a bad day, so took dog a walk. Too late to bother trying to peg washing out though.

Watched The Secret Life of 4 Year olds, so sweet and funny too.

Watching the A word now.

Have a good evening both xxx

Hi both.
Dull and drizzly today. I decided not to go out, as I can pick my days at this time of year.
Got my invoicing done instead.

Hicky. Glad your belly pork turned out well, and you enjoyed the videos of people eating big seafood.
Pity your OH is having tooth problems as well.
Yes, I don't understand what my nephew finds to talk about with all these people he's constantly skyping?

Mollie. Hope your meeting goes well tomorrow. That's good that your son has been helping with some of the technical stuff etc.
They're not sure how old the dog is exactly, as she was a rescue dog. But they think she's around 14, so quite old now. She's a few other medical problems that mean she can't be walked far, so is getting a bit chunky now.
Sorry to hear of your doggie's eye problems.

I watched the A Word too.