Evening Both.

10c cloud, rain, winds 13 then at 2pm 55 till 6pm.

Another rotten day, stayed in apart from a trip to the gazebo to undo the long box that the walk in fruit cage came in, blowing a gale.

the 1st big suit case just arrived by DHL from New York, my lad will send the other one back from Australia, they picked it up on the 27th so it doesn't take long, couldn't bring them via the airline as the max weight per case was 20kg for the hold, although you could have 2 each.

 I just had beans on toast for brekkie with spiced chicken wings for tea.

Mollie, the flavoured porridges sound ok.

Yes, females always voted out first because the voters are mainly female so obviously not going to vote out men are they.

didn't hear BB tell Ann that the bed with her towel on was her bed did you? even in the DR, nothing, no mention, but no-one asked either.

 A group of women in the kitchen doesn't seem ideal either.

Emptybox, I have to pay hmrc before the end of the month so wanted it out of the way really, but i can't pay them till i put the cheque in.

I don't see any point in Bots really, apart from me not liking Rylan, it's just people giving opinions, seldom do opinions agree anyway, i would rather have an hour of live feed than a load of nobodies telling me their thoughts on them.

both xxx

Emptybox

It was really windy here too today, but has died down now at last.

Good for you treating yourself to a new fleece and jeans. Which shop did you get them from? And were they in the sale?

hope you are enjoying your winter break from work.

It is 12th night tomorrow isn't it? So that is nice you keep to tradition, another reason I get mine down early is because I'd be worried I'd forget and leave them till after 12th night, and that meants bad luck, doesn't it?   And I certainly don't want that!

Hicky

pity the weather was not good again for you. But I guess we can't expect much good weather in January in this country.

That is good your luggage is starting to arrive home.

Did you buy any momentos or treats whilst you were away?

I recorded BBOTs, and as you all say, it is not very good now, so I just half watch it on record, and Rylan said that the towels were meant to allocate whose bed was whose as they had their names on them. But he didn't go on to say whether the HM's had been told this.

I too would prefer a bit of livefeed, wish we could go back to those days when we had continual livefeed, we really got to know the HM's well with that!

I have had hastle the last 2 days, as the bus driver told carers yesterday mum had been ill for 2 days at day centre, and needed a doctor and he didn't want her to go today. But carers said she was well and so I rang day centre manager who also said she had been well and they would of phoned me if she wasn't! It has been so many phone calls for me to and from the carers and the manager the last 2 days to check everything, and there was nothing wrong with her!   Methinks the bus driver should just stick to driving the bus!

Looking forward to CBB soon. xxx

But I am fed up of just women , that is not the real world!

Haven't made up my mind who I like and who I don't yet as it is early days and  just odd with solely women.

Goodnight both xxx

Evening both.
Raining all day here, so nothing to do outside.

Hicky. That's good that you got your first big suitcase back. Pity you had bad weather too.
Bit strange you have to pay HMRC and get a cheque from them. Is that from different departments?
Yes, I'd rather have live feed than BOTS any day.

Mollie. Strange that the bus driver said that your Mum had been ill, but nobody else agreed. Perhaps she felt unwell on the bus?

I bought the jeans from a men's clothes shop, but they were full price unfortunately (Wranglers £42.50). They did have a sale on, but for suits and shirts etc, which I didn't need.
I got the fleece jacket half price though (£18) from a woollen mill shop.

I was thinking of using it for work, because I've broken the zip on my heavy fleece jacket. But the new one isn't lined, so won't be as good at keeping the weather out. I've actually managed a bodge fix on my old jacket, by adding a button fixer at the bottom, to stop the zip from unzipping, so I'll see if that works next time I've got work to do, before I decide which one to use for work.
I could always wear a thick jersey under the lighter fleece.

I would be quite happy if CBB stayed all women. Not looking forward to having men cluttering up the place.

both xxx

Hicky

hope the weather was a bit better so you can get in your garden.

Have you given your OH a shopping order to get since you got home?

Emptybox

I guess it is unlikely to get Wrangles reduced in the sale anyway, so you didn't do bad getting your fleece for that price. I like those woolen mill shops, they have one in Betwys coed on the way when we go up to OH's. I bet they sell some nice Scottish woolies/tartans in there.

Yes might be a good idea to layer it with a sweater whilst you are working, easy to shed a layer then if it gets too warm.

Just watching beginning of CBB....Gosh that India is doing nothing for transgenders, she is so agressive!

I am glad to see the guys going in now, I think those women were getting so boring trying to show how intelligent and opinionated they are.

So far Malika is one of my faves.

Busy day... took son to his GP referral at health club, seems a really good programme with a trainer helper each time he goes. Hope it helps his painfull leg.

Then dog has bad tum again, so off to vets for more meds. HOpefully she will perk up tomorrow.

Then off to shops to take jumper back that was too big (Chrissy pressie off OH), then food shop, then carvary for tea as we had 40% off!

Back to CBB, enjoy the show both xxx

Evening Both.

A lot better today, cooler at 5c cloud and rain, light winds at 8 max

I was doing a bit in the garden, put the fruit cage parts in the summer house and checked what came, was looking for instructions as parts list didn't seem to add up to what i was building, then found instructions telling me that the instructions are on a website, went to the website on the back of the booklet and found it was the wrong site, saw some minuscule writing on the leaflet and needed a magnifying glass to see it said MFD.LTD so had a look and found lots of info, also found that the oddities on the tube fittings are spares.

Also noticed that the 8ft tubes should be inserted into the ground 18" as this is a walk in fruit cage 6 x 12 ft so needs the support.

My shopping arrived, heaven, was awake this morning before 7am so made cheese and tom on toast, had prawn Vol-Au-Vents this afternoon.

Was feeling tired this afternoon so jumped into bed, didn't wake till 9.30pm, oh dear, had to record 5+1 ha ha.

Mollie, because we had too much luggage to bring home we took 1 big suitcases, one was mainly for Singapore and Hawaii as we had sent 1 case to Australia for Australia and it stayed there, Son will send that back, the case we took was used in Singapore and we took it to Hawaii and the USA, in the USA we bought a smaller case to bring home presents for family, o/h bought them in some big US shops.

Strange that about the driver and your mother, don't quite understand that.

Emptybox, HMRC couldn't take the money they had from me to pay my tax bill as the account it was in was a self assessment one, and the one it had to pay was a personal tax one, the mind boggles, they have sent me a cheque and a bill to be paid, cracking system. Didn't realise the hundreds of departments are isolated from one another.

When we arrived home last week o/h picked a few bits up from the local store, we needed milk and bread.

Having trouble getting much more in the freezer now as it's full of mainly my stuff.

Hi guys.

Drier here today but dull. Didn't do much apart from taking the Xmas decorations down. I'd put them all away in the cupboard then noticed I'd left a bit of tinsel on a picture frame, so had to get the box out of the cupboard again.

Hicky. Glad you had better weather so you could sort out the fruit cage parts. You'd think they'd come with some paper instructions, rather than sending you to a website.

You must have been tired if you napped till 9.30pm and missed the start of BB.

That's good that your provisions arrived.

Mollie. Yes, there are some nice woollens and tartans in the woollen mill shop. I've bought quite a few jerseys from there in the past.

Pity doggie took a bad turn. Hope the medication helps.

Also hope your son benefits from the trainer at the Health Club.

Pity your present was too large. Hopefully they replaced it without any problems?

The men going in seem OK. Too early to say yet.

Yes I think Malika has been nice so far. Rachel is my favourite up to this point though.

I agree that India hasn't done herself any favours at all.

both xxx

Three Kings Day greetings to you all. xxx

Hicky

glad you got better weather yesterday, so was able to to try and sort the fruit cage parts out. Pity the assembly instructions were so complicated to get hold of though. Hope the weather was ok today, so you could get on with assembling the fruit cage.

Glad to hear your food order arrived. You are cheeky taking over the freezer with all your food. Does that mean your OH has taken over the fridge with her food?

You are bound to still feel tired after such a long trip and with your body clock out due to jetlag, and being mid winter too. So good for you having a nice snooze.

My mum got £300 extra to her state pension for winter fuel heating. Might be worth enquiring if you can get that? I think it starts at age 65.

Did you buy any other clothes or souvenirs whilst away in addition to your Hawaiian shirt?  Just think in a few months, you will be able to wear that in your garden or when you go to the pub for tea.   (with any luck).

Emptybox

Pity you missed the last bit of tinsel and had to get that box out again to put it away,but good job you noticed it and put it away in the box in time, as you wouldn't want bad luck all year by leaving it after 12th night! 

It was a lovely dry and bright day here today, and a pretty frost first thing.

Went to Cardiff as daughter wanted to get her Captain America comic. So I popped into Primark to get myself some working boots I had seen in an online fashion magazine. Here they are.... I decided not to go for the blue velvet, but I went for the same boot in the dark red velvet colour.

Wear yours with chunky socks and a midi dress to give these tough boots a more feminine feel.

As my ankle and knee still aren't right since that fall, I am hoping the flat boots will help keep me upright in all weathers.

In the online magazine they are listed as £16, and showed that price on the label in the shop, but when I went to pay, they were in the sale, so only £6!!!

We went to Costco and stocked up with quite a few things. Got a few nice free food samples whilst there.

Doggie lot better today, she has eaten 2 chicken breasts anyway. 

Enjoyed CBB last night, the new guys seem quite interesting.

Have a good evening both xxx

Evening Emptybox.

A bit better today here, cooler though 5c sunny with light winds 8-12.

Been in the garden for a while, was looking how the fruit cage was going to fit around the cherry trees, 6 x 12 ft is pretty big, i could of course change the size by cutting the tubes to what i want, will have to move a couple of plum trees to get a gap between plums and cherry's.

I suppose with having so many cage sizes and build options there are too many selections but i do think they should show the website to go too a bit easier.

I think i'm still catching up with lost sleep, had another sleep this afternoon from 2pm till 5,30.

Caught up with the lost portion of CBB on 5+1 anyway, enjoyed it anyway.

The Voice starts tonight on ITV at 8pm with DOI tomorrow at 6pm.

Temperature to plunge overnight, and colder tomorrow.

Evening both.
Not bad day here with some sunshine.
It's set to be very cold tomorrow though.

Mollie. Never heard of "Three Kings Day". That's a new one on me?
I presume it's supposed to be the day they visited the baby?

"working boots"? Are you going to encroach on my territory and take up gardening? Do they have steel toecaps?
Mind you, I don't think I'd go for blue ones. Light tan is about as racy as I'd be prepared to go.
Glad you got a bargain any way.
Really glad doggie seems to be making a recovery.

Hicky. Yes you might have to move things around to accommodate that large fruit cage.
You must still be suffering a bit of jet lag, with needing afternoon naps.

Missed The Voice today. I watched the Hunger Games film and recorded CBB.
After saying I didn't want to see the men, can't say there are any that I dislike......yet.

Evening Both. :

Missed your last post Mollie somehow.

Cold here today, was 1c 1st thing, rose to 4c sunny thought, no wind.

Went out for brekkie, it makes a change and saves cooking, o/h made a chicken roast for tea.

I spent some time in the garden, sorting out what needs to be done if i can get the gardener.

Mollie, We have been getting the winter fuel payment for many years, we get £100 each, think you get more when you are older.

I bought a few things, got a beanie and a fluffy hat with side flaps, those were for the USA, also bought a beanie for the gardener as i know he wears them.

My lad bought me a new Swiss knife as the airport took it off me going to Hawaii, also bought a mug, oh and a scarf, think i got a fridge magnet as well, somewhere.

I was looking at those boots, they are ankle boots, they give no support to the ankles, the ones you need go over the ankles to stop you twisting your ankle if you tread on something with one side of your foot.

You need something like these examples, shoes are not good in bad weather, they don't support your ankles.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Knixm...=ankle+support+boots

Dancing on Ice tonight as well, 6pm though.

Emptybox, As you say, the men in CBB are nothing special, only watch the females anyway.

both

Emptybox

glad you had a good day weather wise.

Yes you are right about Three Kings Day, I only knew about that term this year because someone I know in Glasgow mentioned it, I assumed she knew about it as she was Scottish, but perhpas that is not so, as you don't know about it.

I knew the 12 night thing was a big thing in Europe, and children in Spain have their pressies on 12th night.  I had heard of Epiphany, (same thing), so I read up on it and it is quite complicated, depends on which calendar is used, and some think it commemorates when Jesus was baptized. (se link below).

http://www.euronews.com/2018/0...ates-three-kings-day

They made a giant pasty in Mexico to commemorate and it is 1440 meters long and weighed over 9000kg. Even HIcky couldn't get through most of that!

Goodness me, no chance of me squeezing you out on the work front in my "working" boots, and definately no steel caps in sight!   As the carer said today, my boots look lovely, but don't really look like they would cope well in bad weather.   It's the shiny red velvet you see, and the black fluffy bits where they  do up.

Thanks for the boot piccy Hicky. Yes I can see how those ones would support my  ankle, and what I need really to ensure my ankle does't twist again. Wonder if they do themthose in pinky/red velvet?

Hicky

Good for you going out for brekkie. Where did you go? Is it a help yourself like at Toby or waiter servery like Weatherspoon we go to?

Glad you got in the garden, hope you can sort the gardner out to help you now.

That is good you get the fuel payments already, yes when you get over 80 like your mum, it goes to £300, which is great as she feels the cold so easily.

That is nice you got a few things whilst away. How odd Hawaii took your knife away, but the other places didn't.

If you google FT and "America in deep freeze as Australia fries", it is a story about 120 degrees difference in temperatures! Gosh, good job you missed that Hicky.

Looked after mum all afternoon today, but didn't take her out as the sea breeze was a cold Arctic one today! But we did take the dog a quick walk round the seafront park beforehand.

I enjoyed the Voice. Loved the duet between Tom and Jennifer.

And really enjoyed Dancing on Ice, gosh it is hard work compared to Strictly. I think they all did really well.

CBb... I am enjoying it and I don't mind the new males who have entered, they were badly needed, those women on their own were dull, dull, dull. Such boring conversations.

The only one I dont like so far is India. So negative and disrespectfull to her elders, and I am tired of her continually flaunting her body. No one else has.

Quite cold here today, but lovely and sunny.

Goodnight both xxx

Evening both.
Very frosty here this morning and sub zero all day.
Was -2 when I went to the supermarket, and down to -4 now.

Annoyingly Sainsburys were in the middle of reorganising the store for some reason, so everything was in a different place to what I was used to. And as they hadn't changed the aisle labels yet, it was a case of just randomly wandering around trying to find things. Took nearly twice as long as usual.

Hicky. Glad you could get out in the garden. Hope you manage to get the gardener to help you. That was nice of you buying him a beanie.
Why did you take a swiss knife with you on holiday? You might have known they would confiscate it.

Mollie. No Three Kings Day definitely isn't a thing in Scotland. Must just be a European thing.
That's one big pasty. But I bet Hicky would give it a go.
Yes, there are certainly some extremes of temperature going on at the mo. I see they had snow in parts of Florida for the first time in 30 years.
Heard on the news about this Aussie Flu. Hope it doesn't affect any of us.

Watched a bit of Dancing on Ice. It's on a bit too early for me, but I wanted to see Candace.
I watched Vera later, then CBB on +1. Although my Brother phoned in the middle of CBB, so i missed a lot of it.

Evening Both.

Pretty cold here, -1 to 3c sunny though, light winds of 8 to 12.

Had a wander around the garden, pretty frosty, didn't do anything, only because any jobs can be left for later.

Just had bacon, eggs and hash browns for brekkie, later had shrimps with a home made dip of mayonnaise, mustard & chilli, had some chicken wings later.

Made some chicken Satay this morning with over half a chicken and a satay making kit, can't get it onto skewers so put it into a flat tray and froze it, will slice it later into a freezer bag so when the Satay dipping sauce comes i can have some, had to order online because she couldn't get it from Sainsbury's.

Mollie, Went to the one in Greasby, The Greave Dunning, it's reasonable an not too far to go and open for brekkie at 10am.

Yes, agree about India on CBB, has really shown how not to be, she spends more time talking about her 50 years as a feller, and shouting she's a real woman, whats that about?

Emptybox, I haven't rang the gardener yet, the forcast for the next 10 days has the weather pretty cold so don't really want him to be working here in that.

I had been reading what i was able to take in my hand luggage and seemed to find that as long as the blade was less than 3cm long it was ok, i always carry a small penknife with me but thought the Swiss army knife would be more acceptable as what i read said it was ok.

I read this, among others {Starting on April 25th, airline passengers can carry pocketknives with small blades. We're not talking tactical knives. Even most Swiss Army Knives are still banned. But the new rules allow small knives with blades of 2.36 inches or shorter to come into the cabin and travel in your pocket or a carryon bag.14 Mar 2013]

Hi Hicky.
Very frosty here and it stayed all day.
It's not supposed to be so cold tonight thankfully.

Waited in for an Amazon delivery today, which came at about 1pm. Just came with the postie. Just some refils for my water filter jug. I can get them cheaper from Amazon than from Sainsburys.
I'm bidding on Ebay for a second hand Freeview HD box for one of my TVs. Trying to get one for £25 or less. Don't need a recorder, just want the HD channels on my TV in the dining room.

Yes, don't think there's not much can be done in the garden when it's so frosty. I need to prune my apple tree, but don't want to walk around on the frozen lawn. That's my excuse anyway.

Some nice food for you today anyway.

Surprised they let any knives onto planes TBH. I thought they were even confiscating childrens' toy knives and guns.
But I guess, if you read the rules, and your swiss army knife conformed, then it should have been OK?
No idea what you hoped to do with it though?

Watched CBB then the new ITV drama 'Next of Kin' on +1, now watching BOTS.

Evening Emptybox.

Cool today, 4c, thick cloud, winds of 15.

Did a bit of leaf raking again, thought i had raked them all up unless the wind is collecting them for me.

Was up at 06.30 am put a frozen pie in the oven, just fancied it.

Took the frozen tray of chicken Satay from the freezer and sliced it up and put it in bags then back in the freezer, the jars of Satay sauce i ordered from Amazon should come Friday.

Had been watching video's of people making massive amounts of food to feed say 300+ children and adults, some used 100 chickens and made a biryani, i noticed they used cooked rice to put in with the chicken, i always though you put dry rice in and let it cook with the meat.

Anyway, o/h had cooked some mince and onions and left me a load in a frying pan, so i made it into curried mince and put some rice on, after the rice was cooked i added it to the meat and made a Biryani, very nice too.

both xxx

Emptybox

gosh that frosty weather there does seem a long time moving. Are you still having to use the portable heater in case the water freezes?

I read that not only is it Florida that has had cold weather, I read Southern Spain has had snow too, so Brits who thought they were flying out to the sun, ended  up making snow men!   I never did believe in this global warming stuff, just an excuse to tax us more and more job creation I reckon! (I do believe in global pollution though, but I think the planet is more powerful than us as far as temperatures/volcanoes etc are concerned).

https://www.thesun.co.uk/trave...emperatures-plummet/

How annoying the supermarket had shifted stuff around, I hate it when they do that as it takes an age to find stuff.

fancy your brother phoning you in the middle of CBB!  A bit of bad timing that.

Hope your bid on ebay is successful. That would be nice to have HD. We only have the ordinary one.

Was Next of Kin any good? I was watching CBB so missed it, but might download it if it is any good.

Hicky

that is handy that the Greave is not far for you to go to for brekkie.

at you making a pie at 6.30am for an early brekkie. I reckon your body clock is still a bit messed up, so you fancied tea at brekkie time.

That is good you were able to get in the garden to rake some leaves.

Glad you enjoyed your biryani later too.

Been real busy lately....., Accountant sent annual accounts to check, then we lost a P60 we needed to send her, then I had lots of emails to sort for the carers, and their Christmas wages to sort, and social worker wants to meet with me and day centre manager tomorrow. Managed to cook dinner and do washing/tidying in between.

And thankfully managed to watch CBB with the help of pause though.

Not that good last night I thought, too much of that attention seeking unpleasant India imo going on and on and on about the same damn thing! 

If she shut up about being a real woman we might not notice so much, how she looks nothing like a woman, does not walk/stand like a woman and certainly does not have woman type curves when she strips off!

Looking forward to tonights show, let's hope India does not take over the whole show again though! There are quite a few other HM's I want to see in there.

Been cool and drizzly here today, but not as cold as it has been.

Have a good evening both xxx

Just sitting ready to watch CBB, and wowsers, for some reason its on till 10.35.  

Enjoy. xxx

Evening both.
Milder here today, but damp and dull.
Didn't do much except last month's accounts, and I paid my (small) tax bill online.
Didn't need the heater in the back kitchen last night, but I used it for the previous two nights.

Hicky. Surprised you are still finding leaves to rake up.
As Mollie says, your body clock must still be out of sync, if you are getting up at 6.30am fancying a hot pie.
When I make a curry I boil the rice in a saucepan and make the curry part in a frying pan, and they only get united on the plate. Probably not the right way to do it though.

Mollie. Sounds like you've had a busy day, and losing the form wouldn't have helped.
Hope your meeting tomorrow goes well.

Certainly the cold this year makes it hard to believe in global warming. Didn't realise they'd had snow on the Spanish beaches too.
Didn't win the Ebay item, but there are plenty on there and I'm in no hurry.
Next of Kin was quite good actually, but a bit dark in places.

Yes, CBB is extended because of the live nominations.
I agree with you about India. Seems a bit strange that she spent her whole life wanting to be a woman, but then comes over so masculine.

Evening Both. :

Weather pretty calm, 7c sunny spells winds 4.

Went to bank then Docs to see nurse, took a water sample which she sent off to the hospital to be tested, not a good start, anyway have got the new inhalers to try, will see the nurse/sister again on the 30th as she is leaving for a better job, these you only take once a day.

Had a walk around the garden, might have to swap positions so the cherry trees are where the plum trees are to make it easier to install the walk in fruit cage otherwise it will be too close to the gazebo and will hinder you walking past it.

My Satay sauce jars came today, 4 of them so might have some Satay for tea.

Mollie, Those accounts give you a lot of work, i've got to sort out paying hmrc now, it says use the personal account online so i'll look into doing that, got till the 31st.

I agree with you about India on CBB, didn't watch last night as there's nothing interesting happening.

Will watch Friday hoping she goes.

Emptybox,  I agree, my body clock hasn't settled completely, the same as my eating, my eating while away was up the wall as well, same as o/h, here's was worse as she couldn't eat most of the food as it either had spice or garlic in it, almost everything was like that, in the different countries i had some of the strangest food ever, the Kangaroo was ok but who would prefer that to best stake i ask you.

And it was hard to believe that in Hawaii and the USA they served you a massive plate, the size of our meat serving plate, that used to be in the old days, and then charged you 4 times the price you would pay in the uk then they added 15% for service and you had to pay another 18% for a tip, so a meal for 4 was costing between £250 to £360 a time, crazy.

And room service was pretty expensive as the food in most places was brought in with all sorts of costs added to the bill.

We spent a lot of taxis but in Oz my lad has an Uber account so he could ring them and they would pick us up and take us to where we where going and they got paid on account.

You are correct when making a curry, but a Biryani has the rice added to the curry before it is served so the flavour is induced into the rice, i was watching a video of some people making a chicken and mutton biryani for 500 people, interesting.

They have had snow in the desert, never even had rain for 40 years.

both xxx

Emptybox

better luck next time at the auction.

Glad it was milder yesterday to save on your bills from not having the heater on overnight.

Is it still milder there today?

Hicky

hope you get on well with your new inhaler, handy it is only once a day now.

Good luck sorting HMRC, they are a blooming disaster they are! I still have the accounts stuff to sort, but as the accountant does it, I shouldn't have too much to do other than send the right stuff back to her, then do a payment for HMRC.

the price of a meal on your hols was off the scale! We are lucky we can eat out so cheap here. We have just been for a carvary at Toby, and it was £5 each for all you can eat, and with a soft drink too!  

When my daughter went to New York, she said the students would just grab food from a corner deli to take away, eg she had a lovely mac cheese, or go to mcdonalds. Did you find eating out expensive in Oz? From what I recall we didn't go out for meals other than Macdonalds, or we just used to get take aways, our fave was the chicken and mash shop.  

On Monday night I heard someone on the radio saying he was due to get that Norwegian flight back to UK, and it was supposed to leave the Friday before, and it was only just leaving!! It was so lucky you missed that bad weather and delays.

Good job your lad has a uber account, too else it would of been hot and too much walking involved for you in Sydney.

Hope you enjoyed your satay for tea.

Meeting went ok , it took about an hour, so I got son to do food shopping, so he did well with that, just a couple of things wrong, (he got a couple of more expensive branded stuff instead of supermarkets own for a couple of things). But being a big family, with mum's food to get too, we have a huge shop, so he did well. Lots of forms to fill in at meeting, social worker filled them all in, we are after a new wheelchair for mum. And we had to sign forms for them to allow them to send her to the new sensory room. Gosh it was lovely, real high tech music, lighting, big bean bags etc. Think she will find it calming.

CBB....So glad that awful India is up for nomination, not sure why the fella is up, as don't think he has done much wrong. But I guess someone else had to be.

Looking forward to CBB, hope awful India doesn't dominate the show as she seem to every night!

Have a good evening both xxxx

Hi both.

Mildish again, but drizzly all day. I went out in the van to look at a few customer's gardens (when they weren't there), just to check there was no winter damage, or any work needing doing. I t was more an excuse to give the van a run TBH.

Hicky. Does the fact that the nurse sent the sample off suggest she thought there was something in it, or was it just routine? Hope the new inhalers are an improvement on the old ones.

Glad your satay jars came. I didn't realise biryani was different to other curries. Don't think I've used a biryani sauce anyway.

I knew the US had huge portion sizes, but didn't realise they were so expensive, but I guess the poor state of the pound against the dollar makes it more expensive?

Mollie. Glad the meeting went well. Hope they approve the new wheelchair.

That's handy that you can send your son off to do the supermarket shop.

Yes, not sure why they all seemed to nominate that 'Jonny' on CBB? TBH I can hardly tell the difference between him and the Andrew one.

both xxx

Hicky

hope the new inhaler is doing the job well, and hope the sample test results come back problem free.

Was the weather ok for you to get into the garden today, hope so.

Emptybox

glad it is still mild for you, a good idea to give the van a bit of a run and have a quick check of your gardens whilst you do so. Did any of them look like they needed work doing? Do you approach them if they do, or do you usually wait for them to request you come to them?

CBB... funny you should say that about Johny and Andrew, I too find it hard working out which one is which. I am not keen on the comedian guy.

India still annoying me, but hopefully she is off Friday and it will give us chance to see more of the other HM's.

Been catching up with accounts stuff today, paid accountant's bill ....... £1000 for the annual accounts this year!   Plus £100 for sorting the vat. But no way could I do all this, running a limited is just too complicated to do on our own, just doing the book keeping is bad enough. She has put her fees up because the HMRC regulations are more complicated now, and her allowances less.

A lovely sunny day so lots of washing went on the line, it only half dried but at least that is a start. Definately getting lighter now, didn't go dark till about 4.45pm today as it had been sunny.

I made some colyflower cheese for tea and had it with veg.

Have a good evening both. xxx

Evening Both.

Cool here today, 6c cloud and sun, winds 5.

Didn't do anything much, walked the garden, thinking what to do next.

Had sausage and tomato's for brekkie, o/h got me some Sirloin steak to make beef Satay, i sliced marinated it and cooked some, very nice to.

Mollie, The food was ok in Oz, in Hawaii the best place was McDonalds, that was cheap as well.

Yes, we got out of the US in time, plenty of problems followed.

Didn't like the Toilets in Hawaii and the US, they are almost plat pans full of water, dreadful, it's almost impossible to keep out of the water, ok for females though i suppose.

I used to use my own toilet paper i took with me as the stuff they supply everywhere is a joke.

I tried the new inhalers last night, they seem the same as all the others, but it's better to take them once a day rather than twice.

I might scrap the 3 gooseberry plants and more the 3 plum tree, then i can move the cherry trees so i can install the fruit cage better.

Emptybox, Yes, the water sample wasn't that good so she sent it off, could be infection but also some white and red cells in it.

You don't need a Biryani sauce, it's just that after you make the curry and the rice is cooked you drain the rice and add it to the curry and mix it in, that makes a Biryani or similar.

Evening.
Another drizzly mild day here.

Mollie. That's an expensive accountant's bill. But I guess it saves you a lot of hassle.
Glad you got the sunshine. Yes, I was just thinking that it was starting to get a bit lighter in the evenings. It's still a bit darker here, but I pulled the curtains at about 4.30pm today.

It just depends with my customers. Some I look after the whole garden, so if there was something needed I would just do it. But there are other places that would need to ask for some jobs that they normally do themselves. I didn't see anything that needed doing just now anyway.
No I don't like the comedian guy on CBB at all either.

Hicky. Hope you haven't got another water infection anyway. That wouldn't be good.
Nice food for you today as usual.
Didn't realise that US toilets were different. Wonder why they have more water in them? Did you bring toilet paper all the way from the UK?
I might try making a Biryani style curry some time.
I had a Balti tonight. (well...used a Balti sauce with King Prawns and rice).

Evening Emptybox.

Cool again here, 5c cloud and sun, 12 winds.

Didn't do a lot, cut the branches off the gooseberry bushes so i can take them out of the tubs, will see if anyone wants them.

Have worked out how to make the move of the 3 plum trees and the 3 cherry trees.

Pruned the outside vine, had a nice brekkie, sausages, bacon, egg, tomato, mushroom and toast.

got half a duck in the oven for tea, going to make a sweet sauce and heat some veg rice up.

Can't pay the hmrc bill yet as i have toi wait for the cheque to clear.

Rang about the water results, have to wait till next Tuesday or Wednesday.

Looking forward to the eviction tonight, hope India goes so i can watch the show again.

both xxx

Emptybox

that is good you are still up to date work wise. 

Yes the accountant is expensive, but she also saves us money as she knows what we can and can't claim for and of course as you say, saves so much hastle for us.

Still mild up there today?

Hicky

hope you enjoyed the duck you are making for tea.

Have you got over that jet lag yet and are eating/sleeping at more normal times now?

That is good you have worked out how to move the cherry/plum trees.

Shame you have to wait for the water results.

A nice day here again today, a frost to start then nice sunny day after.

A day of washing, which dried a little on the line outside. I at last managed to send the accouts off to the accountant. So got son to drive us to post office and he took doggie a little walk whilst I was in there.

Looking forward to tv and a rest tonight.

Fingers crossed that awful India goes tonight.

We need to see more of all the other HM;s. I reckon Wayne would be quite funny if we got to see a bit more of him.

I loved last nights episode. Those 50's dresses with white trainers looked so good, I really like that style. Ashley and the other young girl especially looked real pretty in them.  A lot of women round here wear them when it is the Elvis festival.

Have a good evening both

Enjoy the eviction xxx

Hello folks.
Drier today with a little sunshine. Still mild though. No frost here.

Hicky. That's good that you've worked out how to move the trees around to accomodate the fruit cage..
I'm sure you enjoyed your duck and sauce.
Pity you have to wait a while for your results.

Mollie. Glad you managed to get the accounts off to the Accountant.
Strangely I agree with you about those 50's style dresses. They definitely suited them. Didn't notice the trainers though.
TBH although I don't like India, I'd rather that Jonny had gone. Can't see that he brings anything?

Evening Both.

Only 6c here max today, just cloud, winds of 17, quite annoying.

Made a nice brekkie, was thinking while in bed what i could do for brekkie and came up with an idea, peeled some spuds and chopped fairly small, par boiled for 10 minutes then fried them, also fried 5 rashers of streaky bacon then cut in into small pieces and heated a microwave tub of beans, put them all together on one of my soup plates and added Brown sauce, wow, very tasty.

Just had one of the curry tubs from my homemade curry store, added some fried spuds, onions and mushrooms, another nice meal.

Might be having Turkey tomorrow as O/H defrosted a Turkey crown.

Was in the garden for a while, just pruned the Vine a bit more then started to release the 6 trees that are going to be moved.

Can't pay the hmrc yet as the cheque has to clear.

Oh, made some more potted shrimps as o'h got me 4 tubs as they only had those left.

I'm changing the inhalers over to morning instead of at night because i think leaving the powder in my throat might be detrimental so if i take it in the morning i have all day to wash any residue away raher than sleeping on it.

Mollie, Thank heaven India went, i recorded it as i hate adverts, i went to bed at 8.30pm as didn't want to see CBB, i watched it today.

I don't think i'm back to normal sleep wise as on holiday i went to bed at 9pm as we didn't use the tv at all and i was up at 7.30am and o/h wanted to sleep in till 10am so that was a problem as when we went anywhere the breakfasts had finished, not that they were much good, some of the strangest breakfasts i could ever imagine.

So glad India went, can watch the show again now, couldn't stand her.

Emptybox, I might be able to move the trees on my own if i can't get the gardener, but i don't want to get him while the weather is pretty grim so i'll keep on working on what i can do to make it easier.

The duck was ok but next time i'll not cook it so long as eating it sliced is better that pulled duck.

Yes, having to wait for the results is a pain but they have a certain procedure to follow.

Got the Voice tonight and CBB then DOI tomorrow at 6pm.

Hi Hicky.
Dry here and still mild.

That was an unusual breakfast, but that's not unusual for you.
Hope you enjoy the turkey tomorrow, presuming that's for you.
Good idea to change your inhaler to the morning.
Sounds like you are still getting used to UK time, if you are going to bed that early?
Probably better to wait for the gardener to help move those trees if you can.

Watched The Voice then Hard Sun on BBC1, then CBB.

Evening Emptybox.

Cool today, 5c sunny intervals though, winds of 14 annoying.

Just had a round of toast for brekkie as didn't know what o/h was going to do after she got in from work at 10.30 but she started dinner so i didn't do any more food as it would put me off, anyway, she did the Turkey crown and a Christmas dinner complete with sprouts etc, very nice but not sure why she gives me 3 times more than i can eat.

Was in the garden a couple of times, a bit impatient, moved the 3 plum trees out of the way and then moved the 3 cherry into their places, have to do after moving each to get my breath back, it's ok if i just do a bit at a time, when my feet got cold i went in the house for a warm, the manshed is ok but it's only at 10c.

Will ring the gardener tomorrow to see if he's working during winter.

Watching the Darts for now, will turn over for DOI at 6pm.

Hi Hicky.
Mixed day here. No frost, but started out quite sunny, with a cold wind, then turned dull and drizzly this afternoon. High of 3 degrees.

Had a bit of a disaster at the supermarket. I bought a bottle of red wine, and I had it in a basket in the back of the van, on top of another basket. But as I drove home I heard a bang from the back, and at home I discovered the top basket had fallen off and the bottle of wine was broken.
So not only have I wasted £4.65 on the wine, but the back of my van will smell of wine for ages.

Luckily nothing else was broken, and the wine ran out into the van rather than soaking other stuff. But my language would have turned the air blue.
My own fault I suppose. I should have either put the wine in the bottom basket (they fit into each other), or put them both on the floor of the van.

Also they've now got a section blocked off, so it was just as difficult as last week to find anything.
Think they're doing work in that section, so hopefully the supermarket will be back to normal soon, because there's not enough room for everything in the rest of the space, so they had less choice than usual.
Perhaps I'll need to start frequenting Lidl more?

Have now bought a Freeview HD box on Ebay for £18.50 (inc p&p)
Ebay listing(scroll down) It's a reasonable make, so should be OK. Probably come by the end of the week.

Hicky. Wonder why your OH treated you to a Christmas dinner? Is that because you missed out on a cosy meal for two, when you were on your adventures? I remember you had a family Xmas meal in Oz.

Hope you didn't tire yourself out moving those trees, but at least you are ready for the gardener, if he can come. Are you going to get him to help you build the fruit cage?

Think I'll watch Vera tonight, then CBB on +1.

both xxx

Hicky

Yes I think it is certainly a good idea to take the inhaler in the mornings so you can get plenty of water down you to clear the powder during the day. I remember when I had them it is incredible how they dry your throat up.

that was a nice treat that OH made you a Christmasy type dinner today. Best to get 3 times the amount you can eat than not enough I guess though.

You certainly don't want to stay in the garden too long till you get cold. And 10 degree in your man shed is too cold for you for long too.

Hope you can manage to get hold of your gardener soon.

I agree about India, I couldn't stand her, she was a nasty piece of work, they must of told the CBB audience not to boo her when she came out, because if anyone deserved the boos she did, but not one boo at all!  She was horible to the HM's. (not that I am keen on booing but why shelter her, when others who didn't deserve them have got them in the past?). She was not even questioned about why she was so rude to eg Amanda after Amanda apologised to her about 5 times just for slipping up calling her a "he". She also had no respect for her elders when she deliberately took Ann's bed and wouldn't give it back until told to by BB.

Emptybox

oh dear that is a bit of a blow losing your bottle of wine, good job you are not working right now else your customers might get a whiff of wine when you opened your van and think you were on the bottle!   And good job you didn't have your new fleece by it, else it would of got stained.

And how annoying they are still messing around with your supermarket, hope it is back to normal next time you go. I do recommend Lidl though, good produce and a lot cheaper than other places.

Hope you are pleased with your freeview when it comes, looks like a bargain.

I am watching Vera too tonight, then CBB.

My mum has a cold, I had got carers to look after her today, as I had a lot of paperwork to do for carers pay and end of year accounts, plus son was in rehearsals all day with his drama group, so no lift with him.

So I had to take her shopping and carers wages over to her flat with son last night and I checked on her and could hear her cough a couple of times. Carer said she was real bad first thing (coughing reflex not good in dementia),.... carer and mum in a panic, but it calmed down later.
I had to deliver a wheelchair letter to her surgery and it was 8pm by then, so dark, son pulled up to drop me off and I stumbled over small kerb I couldn't see,   so the already not healed knee is worse and the other one so bad it kept me awake last night!  Thankfully it has eased a bit as day has gone on, so hope I don't have problems with both knees now!

I have had to get care in place tomorrow in case she doesn't go to day centre, dont' want to send her in with a cold. I hate these winter colds!

Not sure if to record 2nd half of Vera and watch CBB, should be better now India gone.

Been a lovely sunny day here today, so got my washing nearly dry.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi Mollie.
Oh no, not your knee again? Hope it eases soon.
Not good that your Mum has a cold. Yes, probably better for her not to go to the day care centre with it.
Glad it was a nice sunny day for you anyway.

It never occurred to me about the customers thinking I was on the wine.

Evening Both.

Warmer today at 9c but lots of cloud and rain, some sunny spells but winds of 17.

Did a bit more work in the garden, gardener said if weather ok he will come in the morning.

Made another one of those fried spuds with bacon and beans, yummy,Then midday had Crab on toast, tonight had Cauliflower cheese.

Cheque not cleared yet so can't pay hmrc.

Emptybox, Bad news about the wine, good job it wasn't worth thousands.

No idea why o/h even bought a Turkey Crown, i find Turkey so dry and i wouldn't even bother buying it when you can get a good piece of beef cheaper.

I could probably sort the fruit cage out myself as it's only really hammering 7 posts into the ground 18".

Mollie, My throat was better last night, got up twice but thats good, and my tongue wasn't so dry as well, when i wake i drink water to keep the system working.

I was sp pleased that India left, the place is better for it now, i am recording the shows as the adverts last so long i can skip them.

Sorry to hear you hurt your knee, as if you don't have enough to worry about.

both

Hicky

hope the weather was ok for you to go in the garden today?

Heard anything from the gardener yet?

I think you said you wouldn't get the water test result till after Tuesday? Is that right? Hope it is ok when you hear back.

Emptybox

has it gone cold there again?

Forecast is getting colder here. Never seems that cold though. But cold enough to have the heating on.

Thankfully the knee I hurt the other day is a lot better today, so it was just a twist rather than a nasty bang which I did to the other one when I fell last March.

I have been taking these as they are supposed to be so good for aches and pains...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Avail...psules+with+curcumin

They really do seem to be helping my knee and feet aches.

Not nice today, quite cold and showery.

Carers were so concerned about mum they told me to ring day centre to say she wasnt' going today and to get the doctor out too. Doctor wasn't keen on coming out to see her, but I said she never usually has docs and carers were concerned. So she agreed. She said her lungs were clear which is good and she just had a nasty virus. Carers to give her paracetomol and fluids. Damn viruses!

I thought CBB was brilliaint last night it was like the good old days with the blackboard and chalk, and funny tasks. Aaww how gullible was Jess!

So much better without that awful India.

I caught site of her on the Wright stuff today, and she was so horrid. Rachel's dad (Stan of IAC) was on, and I thought she was horrible with him. She blamed Rachel for stripping off! Said it was Rachel;s fault as Rachel led her on! Damn liar, ok Rachel did ask to see her boobs in the bedroom but Rachel had nothing at all to do with her sitting in front of the mirrors (cameras) blow drying her hair whilst topless!   When Stan tried to say that Rachel had tried to be nice to her, India waa abrassive and was having none of it. India could at least of tried to be a bit more tactful to Stan even though she made it plain she can't stand Rachel.

Gosh Ann is making me laugh on that show. I never thought I'd like her but she is so funny at times.

Did not find it funny when Shane pulled Andrew's undies off though. That went too far.

Looking forward to CBB tonight, no one really annoys me now India has gone.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi both.
A bit of sun this morning but heavy rain this afternoon.
No frost yet, but I'm supposed to get snow tomorrow and a frost tomorrow night.
We'll just have to see.

Hicky. Glad you could get a bit done in the garden, and might get the gardener's help tomorrow.
The fried potatoes, bacon and beans sound delicious.
Also glad your throat is better with your new inhaler.

The wine was expensive enough thank you.
They usually have a nice own brand one called 'Penguin Sands' at £3.95, but with the reorganisation of the store it wasn't to be found on the shelf, so I had to go with a more expensive one, so i was doubly peeved when it smashed.
I only have half a glass 2 or 3 of times a week, so a bottle usually lasts me a fortnight.

Mollie. Glad your knee is getting better.
Those Turmeric tablets look good. They are supposed to be anti-cancer as well, so good all round.
Pity your Mum has got a virus. But not a lot the doctors can do apart from advise painkillers and fluid. At least she hasn't got a chest infection anyway.
They do say that one of the strains of flu that is going around isn't covered by the flu jab this year, so maybe she has got that?

I didn't see India on The Wright Stuff, but I heard all about it. She really has it in for Rachel, and as you say, most of it is made up.
Was Stanley supporting Rachel?
Two to go on Friday, so i think Rachel is very much in danger.

I watched CBB then 'Next of Kin' on ITV +1.
Didn't like it when the leading actress (Archie Panjabi) got shot at the end though.

Evening Both.

A rotten day here, a gale blowing and raining on and off, was expecting the gardener at 10am but weather bad, he came at about 11.30 though, we moved the 3 gooseberry tubs out of the way and moved the 3 plum trees down to replace them, we used the 4 wheel trolley i converted from the one with a seat on to a wooden top with wood to lift to turn it but with nice big blow up tyres it can carry the heavy tubs, we also planted 2 maiden fig trees to where the rhubarb used to be, then he moved took the 2 bags of manure i got last summer and put 1 on the raspberry bed and the other on the Asparagus bed.

Had 3 fried eggs on toast for brekkie and got a tub of Bolognese from the freezer and boiled some Tagletelle, very nice too.

The cheque cleared at last so will try and pay hmrc tomorrow.

Phoned the docs, have a telephone appointment tomorrow after surgery about the results.

Mollie,  Yes, a blessing the gardener managing to get here, we were both wrapped up so didn't feel the cold and i have the heater on in the shed/summerhouse so we can sit and chat over a cup of tea, he os off on another cruise Sunday, he loves his cruises, he must have at least 3 a year.

I see you are saying India was not very nice on the Wright Show, she isn't doing herself any favours, thats dreadful being like that.

Emptybox, Yes, you should try that potato/bacon/baked beans brekkie, i slice the spuds in half long ways then in half again longways then slice them across in 6mm  slices, then boil for 10 minutes and drain, cook the bacon then slice into 2cm pieces, fry the spuds on a high heat with some oil, when well fried add the bacon and stir, heat the beans, put the spuds/bacon onto the plate and pour over the beans, add sauce of choice, then enjoy.

You shouldn't cry over spilt milk or wine, unless it's very expensive, at least it was only one bottle, i think i saw a book, it was called 'How to load a bottle of wine in a van so it doesn't get broken going round bends'.

I think thats usually the case, the Flu jab only covers some of the viruses as the viruses change after the jab one has been made up.

both xx

Emptybox

did you get snow after all?

Pity you had splashed out the extra £ on your posh wine, then lost it.  You do well making a bottle last for  2 weeks, but I am roughly the same. I drink rose though.

Yes I heard that pretty lady GP on This Morning say she took tumeric every day, not to treat anything but because it had so many benefits. Wonder if it would do you good as you are on medication?

The doc did say my mum could have a dose of the flu. I heard a scientist saying they think the vaccine may of only been 20% effective this year. Roll on the summer I say!

Stanley did try and stand up for Rachel but he hardly got a word in as he was silenced by horrible India. He was just so polite too.

I too fear for Rachel being evicted now, I think that would be a shame as she is one of the most interesting ones there. 

Shame you didn't like the ending of Next of Kin, I am glad I didn't get round to watching it now.

Hicky

that is lucky you managed to get the gardener before he heads off on another holiday. Sounds like you got a lot done despite the bad weather.

Glad to see you are still enjoying your brekkie menu.

I have never heard of that book ... 'How to load a bottle of wine in a van so it doesn't get broken going round bends'. But maybe Emptybox can order it via Amazon?

Gosh I loved last nights episdode of CBB...those little kiddies were just the cutest.       And how shallow are littlies, they decided their fave person was simply based on the one who wore the unicorn suit?  

Mum still has a bad cough, so stayed home again. My carers put her to bed this afternoon as it was so tiring for her. I took some manuka honey over to her as that is supposed to be quite good for colds. Shoud be as it is £20 a jar for the proper stuff.

Cold here today and we had a couple of hail showers.

Goodnight both xxx

Evening both.
A lot of snow here today. There's 6 inches lying tonight and it's still snowing.
Could prove problematic for going anywhere in the next few days.
Also I've lost my satellite TV reception as there's is snow on the LNB and arm.
Lucky the Freeview is still working.

Hicky. That's good the gardener was able to help you despite the weather. :cool;
Good job you were wrapped up warm. Lucky him, off on another cruise.
That cheque took a long time to clear? But at least you can pay HMRC now.
Hope your results tomorrow are good.
I doubt I need a whole book about how to load wine. I just need to keep it near the floor, and pack softer things around it.

Mollie. I think I might well try turmeric (curcumin) tablets. I've been reading up and they are supposed to be good for the prostate. Plus they don't have any side effects and are easy on the stomach, so should be safe to take with my other stuff.
I might see if my local health food shop has any if I'm not snow bound for the foreseeable. Or I might order them on your link, if the health food place is too expensive.

Hope your Mum doesn't have the flu. Hope the honey helps her.
Pity Stanley couldn't get his point across because of India. I'm hoping the twist (whatever it is) might save Rachel, but i doubt it.
Yes the kids on CBB were funny.
It was just the end of the second episode of Next of Kin, so there are 4 episodes left. Hopefully she'll survive, as she's the female lead.

Evening Both.

5c here cloud rain, sun and gales of 40+

called the pharmacy so they wouldn't be calling when the Doc was going to call, sorted that, Doc called at around 1pm and said i had a water infection and had sent a prescription through to the pharmacy for me but can't get there yet to pick it up, if o/h doesn't pick it up tomorrow i'll get a taxi.

Did a bit in the garden but annoying with the gales, i've plenty to do now but no hurry, have ordered a 19mm wood drill bit thats 450mm long to see if it can make the hole for the fruit cage tubes as they have to go in 18" and they are 16mm wide and 8ft long so it could be hard to hammer them in direct.

Mollie, I don't think Emptybox has read that book, it's quite hard to find although it's not expensive, a bit cheaper than a bottle of wine i believe.

I must remember to watch that BB episode, i record them all now to skip ads and forgot to watch it.

I don't wonder your mum has a cough, think half the country has, and as it's probably a virus they say you mustn't go to the docs with it.

Emptybox, Didn't realise you had so much snow, now is when the 4 x 4 comes into play, if you had one anyway, pity about the snow losing your reception from the dish.

Yes, it mentions in the book about gravity and that and if you keep heavy items on the floor they won't fall, it also mentions that any items that can fly around in case of an accident can give serious injury so should be enclosed in a box or trunk that is held in place so it can't move in such cases.

I think the cheque too longer to clear as they don't count weekends, not sure why, another con trick.

It seems that you can get Turmeric tablets almost anywhere but here's ome on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Suppl...tality/dp/B00QX666B2