Hi both again xxx

I see you have both been busy making soup. A sure sign the weather has cooled down. It has here too, been raining all day.

Emptybox

pity you have lost a customer, but hopefully the new people will take you on. And as you say, at least you gained one recently .

Hope you enjoyed your cooked brekkie. Do you have one on Sat and Sundays or just Saturday? I think it is about time we went out for a brekkie. My fave place is the garden centre one.

That is good you enjoyed your new recipe of spicy tomatoe soup.

I see you still have a few seasons of Game of thrones to go yet. That will keep you busy.

Hicky

Hope your wasps stay away for good now. They are a damn nuisance.

Interesting you say your fruit and veg is ready early. I noticed that many wild blackberries are ripe already and look huge too.

Hope the marmalade is ok in the freezer. I bet your home made one is delicious.

I have noticed that backward arrow on the humax but haven't used it yet. I guess maybe because not much of interest has been on tv lately. But it could come in handy when the new autumn series starts.

Enjoy your brekkie out tomorrow and OH's day off.

Good luck to your OH if she has to get her bmi down, not easy to go on a diet, especially when you are no longer a spring chicken! I have to be so much more carefull what I eat now, as the weight goes on so easy. Oh dear, I worked out my bmi and it is 33, so a whole 10 bigger than Emptybox! Back to the diet I think! I think I put a lot on during the hot spell this year, with not much exercise nor eating fresh veg as it was too hot to cook!

Had a nice couple of days. My aunt who had the fall is still very bruised but is going out dancing again, so doing well for an 86 year old. It was lovely to see our friend from Oz (she was my brother's ex), she is flying back around 8.30pm tonight and doesn't arrive till 5.30am Monday, then goes straight to work!  She treated me and OH to lunch at weatherspoon, which was nice of her. And I took her to see my aunts as she hadn't seen them for years. 

Luckily we had a good journey there and back, a lot quieter than normal on M4 and M5, might of been because it was school hols.

Went to costco again for lunch today as daughter's 2nd pair of glasses were ready to collect. She got 2 pairs as you got 50% off the 2nd pair. Lots of nice free food samples and we still had lunch. I had my usual jacket potato with ice cream and strawberry sauce. (not together though Emptybox!).   ... oh dear, no wonder I am moaning about putting weight on!!

Nothing I want to watch on tv tonight, so will try and find a recording.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi Mollie.
Glad you enjoyed your couple of days away, and had a good journey there and back.
Sounds like you get on better with your Brother's ex than you do with Brother? (or is this a different Brother?)
That's good going for an 86 year old Aunt, to be going out dancing.

No need to lose weight Mollie. Just put on a few inches of height, as I advised Hicky's OH.
(a good joke is always worth repeating.   )
Were these prescription glasses your daughter got from Costco? That's a good bargain getting a second pair at half price.

I only have a cooked brekkie once a week as a rule. Usually on a Saturday, but occasionally on a Sunday instead.
On the other days I either have Porridge, Cornflakes, Muesli or Granola followed by toast and Honey, Jam or Marmalade.
I'm spoilt for choice.

Watched the European Championship athletics followed by Casuality, then I tuned over and watched the last part of the Hobbit film (Battle of the Five Armies).

I still seem to be being asked to log in to the forum every time? I know I'm often on different devices, but it's getting very boring now. I always make sure the 'remember me' box is ticked, but it still keeps asking me.

Bit worrying hearing on the News about the dangers of Glyphosate (Roundup) weedkiller. I have to use that a lot. Usually at least once a week.
Difficult to keep gravel areas etc clear of weeds without it.
My Uncle has always railed against Monsanto (The company that makes it), and said it was very harmful to people and the environment, but I never take him too seriously.

Evening Both.

21c light cloud, warning or thundery showers etc, light winds, had some rain at 6pm, quite heavy.

Had brekkie out, just had toast, sausages, scrambled egg and beans, same as o/h, and tea for 2., got more Madras curry which i love, it really is authentic, and some delicious strawberries, and a piece of Top Side beef as o/h wanted to make a Sunday lunch, probably as my lad in Oz sent her a picture of his roast.

I got a card off the butcher as we often want the bacon bones and Gamon Shanks but best to order them, so thats sorted.

Picked a load of cherry toms so they don't over ripen on the plants.

Found 3 Figs ripe on the tree, much to my surprise, was going to give them to neighbour but she wasn't outside, will leave them n the tree for now.

Picked a few more onions as they had folded which means ready to pull.

I have found out from another Member on another Forum that a new Love Island is to be screened starting tomorrow night, this is the Australian version and i think is using the same or similar villa in Mallorca, it starts tomorrow night on itvBe (26 on freeview) at 11 pm till 12.30 am, i may have to record it, not sure what time on the next day.

Mollie, You must be worn out, hope the trip went well, no need to rush back, we aren't going anywhere.

Emptybox, 

Thats a lot of soup, so easy to over spice it though, have a feeling i'm going to have an awful lot of toms soon, i have 12 plants.

Your BMI is good, that figure comes within the category of Good.

I think O/H need to grow some, not sure how, i could make a stretch machine i suppose.

The wasps must have been settling in for quite a long time, don't think  i saw them last summer though, they might have moved in for the winter last year.

Just realised i have missed your last 2 posts, they must have been on the next page again, as my last one a few minutes ago has overtaken them.

Mollie, O/H has been on diets for quite a long time, from dress size 30 down to 20.

Emptybox, Yes, bad news about the weedkiller, i'll have to see which we have o/h keeps buying it.

Hi both xxx

Emptybox

yes I do love that joke about growing some more, it would be so handy if I could do that.  So I decided to try and last till tea time on one slice of toast. Flippen heck, by teatime I could of eaten 3 meals! So I was still starving after eating my roll and salad for tea, so had a bag of crisps and I am still starving now. I think this is going to have to be a very gradual cut down on food as the starvation diet is not going to work, as I can't stop thinking about food! 

A nice treat for you to have a cooked brekkie once a week.

Your brekkie might not be so varied as Hicky's extrvagent ones, but does sound nice and tasty.

Yes daughter's glasses were prescription ones. Including the lenses, they came to about £150 for 2 pairs but they are extra light weight designer ones.

Yes, I always got on very well with my brother. He used to spend lots of time with me and my family. His ex was lovely, and she too enjoyed spending time with me and the family. But then along came his now wife, who from the onset had no time for me nor my family, nor even when mum became ill. I probably need to say no more! 

You are right , I think my aunt for 86 is doing well .... still dances, still drives and goes away on holiday. Only in UK now though, as her insurance is too much to go abroad. From what I recall your uncle is getting on , isn't he? But still works on the farm? Do you plan going to see him this year? I know it is a long journey for you though.

That is irritationg how you have to log on here each time you come on. I haven't had to again, but I am only using my lappy.

re the wedkiller, maybe you should consider wearing a mask when using it? Or is there an alternative you could use?

Hicky

sounds like you enjoyed your brekkie out. ... I bet you will enjoy your madras too. I bought some lentil madras curry sachats from costo yesterday. They were sampling them there and I loved it. They will be an easy meal for me as you just microwave the sachats, then I can have it with veg.

well done getting so many cherry tomatoes grown and figs already too.

Thanks for the Love Island info. I will take a look (whilst I am waiting for CBB at least).

Your OH has done so well dieting from a 30 to a 20. Hopefully she will be below the bmi 40 if not now, soon. I like to be a 12/14, (no way could I get to a celeb like 8/10) but am lurking around a 16 now! Think I am quite happy at a 14 as any slimmer, I think I'd get lines and wrinkles in my face now. And no celeb botox for me. I wonder if the doc or  hospital will tell your OH if she is below a bmi40?

I am watching the new series of Fake or Fortune. Very interesting. A woman paid £160,000 for a painting and now they aren't sure if it is a forgery. They don't tell us till the end though.

I heard on the radio we had an inch and half of rain overnight.

It has rained or drizzled all day today.

So didnt do much,.... checked a bit of vat paperwork my son did and did some tidying and washing. And a quick visit to B and M. Have started my Christmas present shopping cupboard now the Christmas stuff has hit the shops. I resisted the tubs of Christmas sweets though.

We followed some of our friends flight via flightradar back to Oz last night and today. She landed  half an hour early. It was only 9 degrees there, so will feel cold to her, especially as she will be so tired.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi both.
Rainy here most of the day and only into the high teens.
Was intending to cut my own grass, but it was far too wet.
Just went out to get my paper this morning, and Sainsburys this afternoon.

Hicky. Glad you enjoyed your brekkie out.
That was good finding some ripe figs.
Yes, you could be coming down with tomatoes, if you have 12 plants. I only have 4.

Yes I'm lucky in that I always seem to stay at the same weight, give or take a few pounds. And at the same height as well, give or take a few millimetres.

Mollie. No, it's no good starving yourself. Just have normal meals, but slightly less food on the plate, or cut out some of the snacks (like crisps )
£150 for two pairs of designer specs is a really good bargain.

Yes, my Uncle turns 86 this year as well. He's having trouble with his feet at the moment, so not as active physically, but still as sharp as ever.
I'm not going down this year. Every two years is plenty for me, for such a long trip.

I think I'll consider wearing a mask and gloves to apply weedkiller. And next time I buy some I'll see if there's any realistic alternative to Glyphosate.

Christmas shopping already?
That's great that you could track your friend's flight back to Oz. I remember you used to track Hicky's flights around the world.

I watched Fake or fortune as well. Pity the 'expert' couldn't admit they'd been wrong in the end up.

both xxx

Emptybox

hope you got some better weather today than yesterday, so you could get out to do your gardens. It was certainly a lot better here today. Bits of sun, and cloud, but no rain today.

You are right, the starvation method might work on IAC but does not work for me at all! I am going to try the cutting down method. That is lucky you have stayed the same weight, so I guess you have strong will power to not eat rubbish, but I guess your physically active job helps to acheive that too.

Yes I can understand doing your uncle's journey only every 2 years is enough, especially with the condition you have now. And of course the traffic on the roads seems to get worse and worse, which makes long drives tiring. Shame your uncle is not very physically active? Does he have people work for him at the farm becuase of this?

I agree about Fake or Fortune, incredible that Patricia woman would not admit to being wrong. So annoying!

Hicky

hope the weather enabled you to get into your garden today.

Which of your home grown produce did you eat today?

I checked the vat today as my son had done it for me himself, and fortunately he did it all correct, so it is ready to post tomorrow. I did a bit of washing, had a bit of a tidy up and my firend came this morning for coffee so that was nice. She has been unwell, found blood in her urine, so had been put on antibiotics for a urine infection. She had antibiotics a week, the sample was still not right, so has now  had another weeks worth.  Coming to see me was the first time she had been out in nearly 2 weeks, so it was a nice change for her.

Not much on tv, so think I will watch Who Do you Think You are. Roll in Thursday and CBB, hope it is a good one.

Have a good evening both xxx

Hi Mollie.

Raining here off and on all day, so every thing was too wet to go out to do any work.
Plus with all the rain we've had, the grass and weeds have literally shot up, so after weeks of hardly any growth, things are in danger of getting out of hand, if I don't get another dry spell.

That's good that your son's VAT work was up to scratch. 
Nice for you to see your friend, but pity she's having this problem with a urine infection.

I don't think I've got much will power. I eat a lot of biscuits and crisps that I shouldn't, but yes I think my physical job allows me to get away with it.

My Uncle's grandson lives in a mobile home on the farm, and although he has a full time job, he is very interested in the land, and does a lot of work there in his spare time. 
It's only a small holding with 4 or 5 smallish fields, so doesn't take too much looking after. And my Uncle uses a ride-on mower as a sort of mobility scooter to get about, and cultivate crops in his poly tunnels etc.
Hopefully his mobility problems are only temporary, but he's had problems for about 6 months now. He's says it's severe gout, but I'm not too sure.

He and my Aunt bought the place about 60 years ago and built it up from scratch. They converted 4 former railway workers cottages into a lovely house.
It's a wee bit run down now, compared to how I remember it as a child, but still a nice place to visit, and brings back memories every time I do.
One of his son's and daughter in law (the parents of the afore mentioned grandson) live in a house they built themselves on the property. So there's always somebody to pop in and make sure my Aunt and Uncle are OK. They have 3 other children who visit regularly.

I watched Nadiya on BBC2 then some of Police Interceptors on CH5 then 'Saving Poundstretchers' on CH4. I recorded 'Who Do You Think You Are' for later.

Evening Both.

A mainly cloudy day for a Monday, very little sign of the sun, dry though, light winds of 8 rising to 16.

Had my fave brekkie, bacon black pudding and beans, yummy.

Have decided i will dig up the remaining raspberry plants and plant new ones in November, i'll just plant 6 so they will have plenty of room, they are a bit close at the mo, i have removed 2/3rds all ready but they were not Joan J.

Just made a big plate of Nacho's, yummy, o/h had got me 2 kits after i mentioned it one day, i used half the kit which made a good size meal, topped of course with my own grown pickled Jalapeño Chilies, i had loads of cheese to grate and you layer it as it says on the box, it reminded me of what we had when in the Bar in NYC watching the Liverpool football Match, and it was nearly as good, and of course have enough stuff to make another 3 meals, and the kits are pretty cheap as well, i certainly won't be making my own triangle crispy things.

Had a letter from HMRC called "Beat the Deadline - Send your Tax return early" wouldn't it be nice if humans could join HMRC instead of them recruiting robots, then it tells me everything that doesn't apply to me and at the end it says why don't you open a personal tax account.

You would think they could set up a spread sheet per person and use a formula, then a robot could read the spreadsheet and following a prearranged equation could see if a particular leaflet was appropriate for a person, sending out the wrong mail and emails is not really what a government department should be doing.

When i was writing programs with some manufacturers i could use indirect addressing which let me look at conditions in registers, which of course would be a 1 or a 0 but some registers could hold a numerical number say 123 and i could compare this number collected to a number in another store to see if that number was greater or smaller which was one bit in an equation of many parts in order to see if the total of conditions have been met in order for the final bit to be turned on which means the test has been passed.

Mollie, I'm pretty sure if o/h rang the docs she could find out her BMI but will she, no idea.

Those curry sachets from Costco sound a good idea, just keep them handy for when you fancy one.

I was watching the Darts Fri to Sun, it was from Australia, same next #weekend as well, but in a different part, Been watching the Australian Border Force again, amazing.

Yes, a lot of Oz is in thje Winter period now isn't it, a vast array of temperatures with the country being so vast.  

Emptybox, I used to have the same BMI as you, but that was when i was a lot younger, i used to be 11 stone for many many years, but once i started with a belly it all went to pot.

I stopped snacking a long time ago, at night i often have a little tin of Sild in tomato sauce, so yummy.

Evening Both.

Just came back to the thread and my post was still in the post box, i'm sure i posted it yesterday.

I'm a bit confused.

Anyway, 20c here, it's Tuesday cloud all day, winds of 13 as well.

Just had scrambled egg on toast for brekkie, then we went to find the butchers shop, the other half of the butcher that is in the Claremont Farm shop, i thought o/h had an idea were it was, wrong, we searched for an hour os so, even had a street map but pretty hard to follow, could have taken a satnave, or even a route map.

Anyway, we found the place, very nice too, you can tell he does a lot of business, they had the bacon bones, and the gammon hocks, got a couple of lovely fresh hot pies, even are a pork pie in the car straight away, they deliver as well so i'll ring them next week for our meats etc.

Picked 4 Figs as i saw my neighbour in the garden, she isn't very good on her feet but forgets to take the walker with her, gave her some shallots as well.

I noticed more toms ready as well.

O/H is away Thursday with her sister, they are going on a train journey somewhere, i didn't want to go on this trip as it was sightseeing and i don't do that.

We were all supposed to go on a train journey but it was cancelled, the trains serve you 3 course meals etc.

Am just watching my LI recording from last night, and go a loaf baking and a pan of bacon ribs on the stove.

I'll make sure this post is posted.

Hi Hicky.
Day started dry and quite warm, up to about 18c, but the rain came on about 12.30pm.
Got a job done this morning, but the afternoon was more or less a write off.

Glad you enjoyed your home made Nachos.
Yes, Government departments must waste millions sending out useless pamphlets etc.

The BMI figure is a fairly blunt instrument for telling if someone is healthy. There are other factors at play. Someone very muscular would have a fairly high BMI, but would still be healthy.
But I guess for the ordinary person it is a fairly good indicator as to whether they are a healthy weight or not.

That's good that you eventually found the good Butcher that you were looking for.
Your neighbour would be pleased with the figs and shallots, i would think.
Trains are OK if there's plenty of room. But if they are packed they are a nightmare.

Watched 'Inside the factory' then 'A passage to Britain'. Both on BBC2.

both xxx

Forgot to post yesterday as I had a busy day.

Went to collect this weeks purchases from the auction. I had a box of new Costco jumpers, so me and the family are set up for autumn.

OH bought a brass sexton with compass that he fancied....., very useful for when we go out on the highseas. But he reckons he likes it as a brass/wooden decorative piece.   The lot came with a massager which has a piece missing, an iron (that surprisingly works, but we didn't need!), a jet flosser for clean teeth (there was just a hole in the box), and a trail camera for watching animals (daughter says the only animals we are likely to see on it here are cats though!).   So a nice bit of junk for £46 inclusive.

Emptybox

pity you got rained off yesterday afternoon. Weather doesn't look too reliable today at all either.

Talking of BMI, my high one must of course be due to muscle build up, rather than fat! (can't understand why this "muscle" wobbles so much though!).

Handy your uncle's ride on mower is such a help in keeping him going and lucky too the grandson is there and other family around who can help out.

Very interesting how they built it up from scratch over the years, and nice how you have such good memories from years ago when you go back.

Hicky

your nachos sound delicious. I love nachos but my simple doritos and melted cheese with a bit of salsa from a jar I bet are not as good as yours.

I think HMRC are living in the stoneage! It is about time they spent money on updating their systems instead of wasting so much money using the methods they have now. eg in my case, they send mum a cheque for a refund, then 2 months later a bill with no explainatiion. (the solicitor said he'd contact them about it forutnatly for me).

That was a bit annoying it took you an hour to find the butchers. As you say, sat navs have their use at times. Handy for you that they can do deliveries though.

How nice your OH is away on a train journey. I love trains. Do you know where they are going? Is it one of those old steam trains? I fancy one of those, especially one where you get a meal.

Dull and bit drizzle here today, and like your gardens Emptybox, our grass and weeds have grown like mad, but it is now too wet to cut it.

Last night we went to see Summer Holiday as a musical play. It was based on the old Cliff Richard film from 1963. Ray Quinn (remember the scouser who was in Brookside as a teenager, then came 2nd to Leona in x factor, and won Dancing on Ice), took the lead. He was fantastic. Wonderful voice and great dancer. Don't know how he managed to do all the singing he did, whilst dancing too. Extrememly physically fit he must be. The theatre was full, ,and it is a big theatre. It is here all week so it is very popular.

My neighbour has asked me over for coffee soon, so will go there, then catch up with tidying and bit of washing. Daughter has an appointment with hospital manager about a work placement today, so hope they can sort her something of interest that is relevant to her studies.

Have a good day.

Looking forward to CBB tomorrow night. Hope it is a good one.

Evening Both.

1 sleep then CBB.

22c today, cloudy with brisk winds of 13 to 19, rain about now and overnight.

Had black pudding and sreaky bacon for brekkie with toast.

Gave my neighbour a bag of cherry toms, have got a bag for SIL tomorrow with a bag of Figs and a bag of Shallots.

Cooked the Ham Shanks this afternoon, half boiled then roasted but needed more boiling as they were a bit salty, the crackling was lovely though, ideal

Watch my second recording of Oz Love Island, loving it.

CBB starting tomorrow, great.

Going to try making some Marmalade tomorrow in the Breadmaker.

Mollie, I was amazed that the Nacho could be that good if i made them myself, so pleased.

That was a random box of stuff you got from the auction, interesting.

Fat converts to muscle doesn't it, mine is just taking too long to convert.

the biggest problem in finding the butchers was that 99% of the roads we couldn't find a road name so had no idea where we are, also so many roads change name as you go down them because they have been joined since they were built.

O/H an sister will end up in Edinburgh, o/h will drive to her place, about an hours drive, then they will go to the station, they start on a Diesel then later they transfer to a Steam Train, they will get a tour coach to the place as o/h's leg too bad to walk.

That musical play sounds good, Ray Quinn is so talented isn't he, he has done well for himself, but talent will always go far.

It will be lovely if your daughter can get a placement in the hospital. 

Emptybox, Yes, i have wanted a plate of Nacho since the one i shared in NYC with my lad and his o/h, they loved the Jalapeño Chili's as well, didn't realise it was possible to make it so easy, at first i tried to make the Nacho chips which proved a challenge, but on getting the kit all the problems disappeared.

I am hoping that HMRC will let me know what i need to pay, i suppose i could find what i owe and pay it ealy, this next payment is for 2017/18 isn't it, i might look where they say.

I saw one of the Inside the Factory, they are good.

Hi both.
Sunny and warm today, but very windy. Blow your hat across the field windy.
Made everything twice as difficult as it needed to be.
However I got a couple of jobs done, including my new customer for the first time.

Mollie. As Hicky says, that's a strange collection from the Auction house. But I guess if they are good jumpers and the sextant is in good condition, then that's not too bad a price. 
(I presume you meant sextant, as a "sexton" is some kind of church official )

Glad you enjoyed the musical play.
Pity you got the drizzly weather though.
Hope you enjoyed coffee with your neighbour. My new customer treated me with coffee and biscuits.

Hicky. More provisions for your neighbour and SiL.
I'm sure HMRC will be very quick to tell you if you owe them something.

That's interesting that your OH will end up in Edinburgh on the train.
There are regularly steam trains on the Border railway near me (as special runs), but doubt that's what they'll be on, as it only runs from Edinburgh to Tweedbank in the Borders and back.

The Inside the Factory things are quite good, but Gregg Wallace acts a bit of a fool, and pretends he doesn't know anything.
For instance last night's prog was on curry making, and at the beginning he said he didn't really know what went into curry, which is daft as he was a Masterchef judge.

Tonight I watched 'Britain's parking Hell' then 'The Real marigold Hotel', then 24 Hrs in A&E on +1.
Looking forward to CBB tomorrow, but means I'll have to record 'Keeping Faith', as i like that.

Evening Emptybox.

19c today, sunny intervals, brisk winds of 16 to 19.

O/H left at 4.30 so it's been pretty quiet today, had bacon and tomato for brekkie as i had too many toms in the fridge and it's shopping list tonight.

Think there more Figs ready as well, they go dark Brown and become soft, which is a hint.

Might have a couple tomorrow with Honey over them and baked.

Made Seville marmalade using half the tin, made it in the breadmaker it saves standing over a boiling buckets for a long time, i left the top open though as the water has to evaporate and it won't if the lid is closed, i put it on the basic setting for 10 minutes then removed the paddles and set the machine to bake, i set the heat to 150c, it took a couple of hours as it doesn't seem to get that hot, next time i will try the Jam setting.

It made 5 x 0.25ml jars anyway, pretty simple really, have got the labels to go on the jars.

for tea i had a bit of the marmalade on cracker thingies with smoked salmon and Mango pickle.

Hope what you did for your new customer passed the test.

That wind was annoying for you.

Not sure if o/h will be back tonight as they don't get back to Parbold till 9.30pm and it will be dark, she might stay at her sisters, she's not working tomorrow anyway as she's off till Sunday.

Greg Wallace is a Butcher isn't he?

Saw some of the Marigold, some of A&E, there is so many repeats i never know what i've seen or not.

Watched my recording of Oz Love Island this afternoon, i enjoy that.

Big night tonight with CBB starting.

Hi both xxx

Emptybox

glad you got some work done but pity it was made awkward with the wind. HOpe it had died down today. Hope your new customer is pleased with your work but what a good start if they treated you to coffee and biscuits.

Well we certainly didn't buy a church official from the auction, so I guess your word is the correct one I was looking for.

I believe the steam trains close to you are very nice in Scotland.

Hicky

I hope your OH is having a lovely time. She did have an early start! She will of passed by close to where Emptybox is. It sounds a lovely trip. And Edinburgh is a lovely city. Hope you are behaving whilst she is away.

Now that is being imaginative, using your breadmaker for marmalade. Glad you enjoyed it.

Nice day today, quite windy and bit cloudy at times, but some sun too, so a good day to dry my washing. Daughter and I met with mum's old carer for coffee in Sainsburys so that was nice. Then this evening we went to costco to get a few things and had our tea in the cafe there. The dog enjoys the cooked chicken we buy from there. She even shares a bit with OH, as he also enjoys it.

So looking forward to launch night now.

It has been a long, long wait this year.

Hope you both enjoy the show. xxx

Hi guys.
Not bad day today. Not as warm as yesterday but much lighter wind, so better for work.
It did come on rain at 4pm though, but didn't last very long.

Hicky. That was an early start for your OH? Hope she enjoyed her trip on a steam train.
Sounds like your marmalade was a success.

I think Gregg Wallace was a baker, at least that's what his wiki says.
I think he started out on a market stall.

I think the new customer was satisfied with what I did, but she has difficulty walking, so didn't go out into the garden while I was there, so i guess I'll find out next time. I cut her hedge and mowed her lawn, but there's some more tidying up that needs doing.

Mollie. Yes, it's always nice to see steam trains. They sometimes run on the Borders line near me, and also on the Highland line further north.

That was nice, meeting up with one of the carers at Sainsburys.
I can just imagine your OH competing with the dog for a piece of her chicken.

The CBB launch night was OK. A lot of people that I didn't recognise though.
Think Roxanne Pallet is my favourite so far, although I like Kirstie Alley as well.

Evening Both.

Didn't do a lot today, 18c here with cloud, rain expected this evening, winds of 15 to 19.

Had a burger with hash browns and beans for brekkie.

Pruned the trees to take 60% off the new growth.

Have list all the fruit trees in order of type and dates so i can see what ripens in what month, this way i can start to test to see what is ripening.

O/H came home last night as she was worn out, when she arrived back she had been out 18 hours, she brought back a cap, biscuits and fudge for me, nice, she enjoyed her day anyway.

Got my shopping, and o/h brought a ham shank in ready cooked, very nice, just had a baked spud with cheese over it for tea.

Watched my recording of love island, nice.

My 0.5L jars are supposed to be delivered today, nothing yet.

Mollie, doing the Marmalade the way i did might not have been the easiest way, next time i'll use the jam setting and take the paddles out at the end, it's all trial and error.

Thats nice having a coffee with the carer, and very nice of the dog to share chicken with your o/h.

Enjoyed the CBB launch even if it is boring, we saw more of Emma.

Emptybox, Was Gregg a Baker, oh had a feeling he was a Butcher, never mind.

I'm sure your new customer will be pleased with what you have done, you can always ask her, like they do when you are eating in a restaurant.

I think i recognised about 4 going into CBB but i don't need to know them do i, i like Roxanne.

Hi Hicky.
Very autumnal again today. Cold, windy and drizzly, only up to 13c.
I did get a couple of small jobs done, but it wasn't very pleasant working.

Well done getting your fruit trees pruned. And also very methodical of you to keep a record of all the trees and when they ripen.
Glad your OH enjoyed her day, even if it was a very long one.

I see the Stormy Daniels one has pulled out of doing CBB, and they'd built the 'Stormy' theme and the President task all around her as well.  
It was obviously supposed to be her going in first instead of Kirstie Alley.
Ah well! Kirstie will probably be a better HM anyway.

Evening Emptybox.

22c today, cloudy all day, quite a breeze of 16 to 11.

Had soft boiled eggs for brekkie as o/h wanted the same and we have loads of eggs.

Gave my neighbour another bag of cherry toms, and 5 more Figs as she loves them.

Saw a creeper climbing the Fig tree then i realised it was the Kiwi Vine, it had crossed a few feet on the Kiwi trellis got onto a branch and then crossed to the Scarecrow, i had to unwind it to get it off the tree.

Had a cold chicken leg for tea with pickle and a meal of cauli cheese.

Tested a couple of apples, need a couple of weeks i think, thats for the August ones.

My 0.5L jars came so i can make pickled beetroot next week.

SIL enjoyed her figs and toms anyway, so pleased with that.

The Darts is on this weekend, from Oz, watched my recording of Love Island.

I prune the fruit trees in August every year, any branch pruning for apples and pears is done when they are dormant, but other fruit trees have to be pruned in summer.

Didn't know the CBB White-house was for someone else.

both xxx

Emptybox

How was the weather today or was it a day off work today?

Have you ever been on the steam trains that run near you?

Enjoy your sphag bol and beer tonight.

Hicky

your fruit tree list sounds very organised.

That was a very long day out for your OH, but it was good she enjoyed it, and how nice you got a few pressies too.

Hope your mamalade making is less complicated next time, but as you say, it is all trial and error.

Glad to hear your neighbour is enjoying the produce you give her. She is certainly lucky to have you as a neighbour.

Sounds like your kiwi fruit is going to do well if it is growning like that.

I too enjoyed CBB, as you say HIcky, it doesn't really matter if we don't recognise them all, being intresting HM's is what matters. And I think these lot are going to be interesting.

Was too busy to post yesterday as I wanted to get everything done so I could sit and enjoy CBB, which I did.

We spent the afternoon viewing at the auction, fancy bidding on a few things, but we will see how much others bid for the stuff.

Today we went to my friend in Barry and she lent us a lovely piano that her daughter no longer uses. It is a lovely wooden one, the make is Yamaha Clavinova. My lads had piano lessons as kids, and one has started playing again, and the other one said he can use it for composing with his laptop as part of his Uni course next year.

Me, OH, and son went for brekkie in the Weatherpoon, and we treated my friend to brekkie too. Such nice pentifiull food. We had2  lattes, half pint apple juice, 4 cooked brekkies, (with avodocdo on 2 of them), and marmalade and toast, and still had change from £20!

Well I have gone and registered for aqua fit class on Tuesday, I am nervous as I don't do any sport and am unfit. But mum's old carer said she was going to hydro therepy class, so I said I'd do this aqua fit one when she does it, then we will have coffee after. (I can't do the hydro one as that is gp referral).

Would something like hydro therapy help your OH Hicky? This lady has bad arthritus in her knees, so was referred by the GP to do this. The cost for referrals  is subsisdised by nhs, so she only pays £2 a sesson.

Looking forward to CBB.

Not much else on tonight.

Goodnight both xxx

Evening both.
Warmer today, but dull drizzly and windy with it.
I tidied my own garden instead of going out to work. My grass hadn't been cut for 3 weeks, so needed it badly.

Hicky. That was a naughty kiwi vine, trying to climb up your fig tree. Hope you gave it a good talking to?

Mollie. Don't think I've ever been on a steam traim. Not that i can remember anyway.
Hope you get a chance to bid on what you are after at the auction.

That was good of your friend lending you a piano for your lad.
Sounds like a nice Wetherspoons brekkie.

Aqua fit? That's exercises in a pool isn't it? That should do you some good without putting too much strain on you.

CBB was good. I liked seeing Roxanne singing the US anthem.

Evening Both.

Had a busy day really, forgot to have brekkie, made a loaf first then made a lamb roast dinner, then made an apple crumble with the apples i took off the Bramley tree to thin them out a bit.

Tonight i can watch the last night of the darts masters from Oz, Brisbane and also CBB as Oz LI isn't on the weekend.

Found about 6 juicy slugs in a patch of raised bed that had the peas, put the slug killer down the other day, one of the slugs was so big i thought it was a log, wow.

Have ordered a couple of GU10 LED that have built in dusk/dawn sensor, the porch and hall have an LED light that is controlled by a dusk to dawn sensor fitted in the porch but in the dining room i use an LED standard lamp on a timer to light up as it goes dark till it's light again but setting times is continuous, a pain.

Mollie, Going to leave the marmalade making for now, got to sort out the beetroot pickling.

The Kiwi vine could have taken off with me moving the vine into a new larger tub, also into one with a built in water tank, it seems that most trees.vines learn to take the water they need and no more, unlike toms, they take it even if they don't want it, never seen growth like this before, it will be very exciting if the fruit ripens.

How will you get the piano home, noth the type of thing you can push down the road is it.

Yes, Wetherspoons always serves good food at a good price, 4 for £20 is very good.

I would think hydro therapy would help, probably why she wanted a Jacuzzi in the garden but she changed her mind.

Emptybox, I hadn't noticed the Kiwi Vine had roamed away from it's support structure, there are high tom plants and it went between them onto the Fig tree, there is quite a lot of growth elsewhere and it's shoots are everywhere, i stopped some.

the weather still isn't being too kind to you is it, but if your garden needed some TLC then it was worth it.

Hi Hicky.
Very heavy rain here overnight, and drizzly this morning, but not too bad an afternoon.
No sign of any sunshine, but it got up to about 21c.
Just went to Lidl this afternoon.

I can't imagine being so busy that you forget breakfast.
But you've certainly been making a lot of food today.
Pity you are getting loads of big slugs. Hope the slug killer does the trick.
Your outside lighting arrangements sound complicated.

CBB clashes with Fake or Fortune tonight, so I might need to record one.

both xxx

Emptybox

I bet that overnight rain will mean quite a few lawns to mow next week.

I had to record Fake or Fortune, and Forgotten on plus 1. I like to watch CBB live as that is my fave.

yes the aqua fit is in the swimming pool, but don't know much else.

Hicky

you have been busy cooking today, but not like you to not get time to eat brekkie!

We sometimes get slugs in the kitchen, I read they don't like white vinegar so I dilute some and spray round the door, then they disappear for while again. But don't think they are as big as yours sound!

Hope you can sort the beetroot pickling out ok.

Yes it will be lovely if the kiwi fruit ripens for you.

The top part of the piano came off, and OH has a 7 seater that the seats folds down, so son and OH were able to squeeze the 3 of us and the piano in.

I think the trouble with a back garden jacuzzi would be time and money maintaining it. So not surprised your OH changed her mind.

Daughter made my mum's ex carer's hubby a birthday cake today and we took it over their house and sang Happy birthday and shared it with them and her kiddies. Daughter made it in the shape of an artists palate with a brush in it. Very nice it was.

Do you like Irish soda bread Hicky?

I bought a brown one from tescos today and it is delicious toasted. It is a very small obling shaped loaf.

Enjoyed CBB. Not sure who my fave is yet.

Goodnight both xxx

Mollie.
Yes I should be busy this coming week.
I've got to take Tuesday morning off for a dentist appointment, and my Brother and SiL are probably coming on Saturday, so I won't be able to work then either.

That was handy that you were able to get the piano home in your car with minimal dismantling.
Nice of your daughter to make carer's OH a cake.

Evening Both.

A dull day today, 20c just cloud and spots of rain, no wind really.

O/H took some Marmalade to her mum and sister who came down to her mums place, also a bag of 4 Figs.

Then we went to the Butchers again, got some oz tongue, pork pies, beef curry triangles, bacon ribs, smoked bacon and stewing steak for my curries.

Brought some cherry toms in for o/h, going to have an awful lot of toms soon, got loads of trusses of toms full and just about to colour.

Looked on the HMRC web site as they suggested, a waste of time, the page eventually opened after they sent a text message with the code to enter, the page that opened was 2018/19 which is not what i wanted to see as i haven't settled for 2017/18 yet, i opened various pages, pointless couldn't even find what i needed, i found a page when i called up previous years, it said that for 2017/8 my tax hasn't yet been calculated, i've already calculated it so why can't they, i give up, then it said i can give feedback, so i did that, it is a Beta system, just a total mess because 99% of the stuff shown on the page wasn't even relevant to me.

Enjoyed the darts Fri/Sat/Sun it was from Brisbane Ox, CBB was ok, also Oz LI tonight, and a re-coupling which should be interesting.

Mollie, The slug pellets i use kill them straight away, no mess, they go nowhere.

Think i'll sort the beetroot Wednesday, got the toe nails place tomorrow.

That was handy getting the piano in the car, you could have put the notes in your purse, Ha Ha.

That was lovely taking a birthday cake over to your mums ex carer, how sweet.

Don't think i've had Irish Soda bread, might have had it when i was in Ireland on holiday one year.

I like them all in CBB, well up to now anyway.

Emptybox, You still having disappointing weather, it is supposed to be summer.

The new lighting is for inside, i have a table lamp in the dining room which is between the hall and the kitchen, i like the rooms lit at night, but it is controlled by a time switch which i have to keep changing of course because of the lighting up times changing, i'm hoping this dusk to dawn LED lamp will solve the problem.

All the outside lights have movement sensors on them around the building, the porch and hall have dusk to dawn sensors so they are lit when the sun drops, i don't like dark rooms.

I record Oz Love Island, and watch the next day, but watch CBB, if it clashes i just record the program.

Hi both xxx

Emptybox

hope the weather was ok today for you to get some work done. Pity you have to lose Tuesday am and the weekend. Good luck at the dentist and good luck doing the housework ready for your visitors. Have you decided on the weekend menu yet?

Hicky

I bet your inlaws were pleased with the marmalade and figs.

I hope you told HMRC in your feedback exactly how bad they have been the way they have been dealing with you. What a mess they are in.

Piano in the car...notes in my purse! lol...

Hope the toe nail visit goes ok tomorrow. Do you have a lift there, or is it close enough to walk?

Sounds like you have the light system worked well out.

Damp and drizzly all day here, so have washing hanging round the house. It is warm, in the 20's though.

Did a bit of paperwork today and a quick tidy up.

Watching Corrie, then looking forward to CBB, am enjoying this series. Too early for me to decide on a favourite yet. 

Goodnight both xxx

Evening both.
Not bad day here. Quite warm (up to 20c), and not much wind. No sign of any sunshine though.
It stayed dry until about 5pm, so I was able to get quite a bit done. The grass was still damp from yesterday's rain though.

Hicky. That was quite a haul of meat from the Butchers.
Hope your OH's family liked your produce.

My tomatoes are a bit disappointing this year. I've plenty of them, and they are big, but almost all of them are splitting and have tough skins.
It's almost certainly down to the watering, but I've been giving them water most days. Perhaps I've been giving them too much?

Yes, the HMRC site is difficult because it's a mixture of old design pages and 'beta' new pages. But it's been in beta for years.

Ah it's inside lighting you were talking about. I suppose it saves a bit of time having them on a timer system. But I just turn on the switch when I want the light on, and then turn off the switch when I leave the room. Works for me.

Mollie. Pity it was drizzly for you, but at least you got a bit of paperwork done.
I've still got last month's accounts to do, but I'm waiting for a rainy day too.

Might not have much time for housework either, unless it's rainy. I never like to do housework after dark, as it's much more difficult to see if things are clean in artificial light. That's my excuse anyway.

Bit difficult deciding on a menu for my visitors as, if it's a nice day they are going to come on motor bike, and in that case they'll want to get back home before dark, so will be leaving about 6pm.
If they come by car they'll stay till about 9pm, so will need dinner.
My thoughts are that I'll give them my home made spicy tomato soup for lunch and then maybe fish and chips at 5pm, if they are on the bike.
I haven't bought anything special in, as I didn't find out they were coming till Sunday night, and if it's dry all week I might not get the chance to go shopping before they come.
I'll play it by ear.

Really disliking Natalie and Sally. They seem to be targetting Hardeep for no good reason.
I think Natalie thinks that if she stirs things up the public will keep her in.

Evening Both. :

Not a bad day really, 22c mainly cloud early on but sun this afternoon, no wind.

Had some of the new bacon, it is pretty thick cut but very nice.

O/H took me to the docs for my toe nails, put the bacon ribs in, set the timer for an hour so the stove would turn off in case we were late.

Making a new loaf, trying the recipe with the machine for the 1kg loaf using the strong white bread flour.

Think i'll pick a few Figs for my pudding, bake them with honey, if i have some in stock.

Will start making pickled beetroot tomorrow, the bees are all over what is left of the raspberry canes.

Grapes and Kiwi Berries doing fine.

Mollie, Had an email from MIL, she enjoyed the Marmalade and the Figs.

I'll leave HMRC unless they contact me about the feedback.

Yes, loving CBB, loving Ozy LI as well, so good.

Emptybox, Yes, thick skins will split if over-watered, toms have no brain so drink till the toms burst, one of the biggest problems.

I go to the loo in the night and sometimes the kitchen, i don't like turning on lights, i like the lights on so instead of leaving the main lights on i can leave a table lamp on, just want it to turn off when it's daytime, i can tell if a storm is coming as the porch and one of the hall lights comes on.

I have enough options on food to live for months without buying from the shops, between what i can make and what is already made i am fine, the hardest part is deciding what to make the next day.

both xxx

Emptybox

that is good it stayed dry so you could get on work wise.

Pity your tomatoes have not done so well this year. As this summer was so exceptionally hot, it was a hard one to work out how much more water than normal was needed.

I love your housework excuse. If it is a dull day, hopefully your SIL won't notice a bit of dust anyway.

I can see why your menu planning is difficult as there is such a time difference as to when they leave. It must take them a fair while on the motorbike. Does your brother's wife sit on the back of his bike or does he have one of those little house things on the side of the bike for her?

Hicky

that is good you got a lift for the toe nails.

Hope you enjoy your new recipe loaf.

Good luck with your figgie pudding. Pity the bees are after the raspberries.

Glad to hear MIL appreciated your produce.

Not a bad day here today, a bit of drizzle but not much.

I went to aqua fit today, I was nervous but daughter came to help me and my friend with lockers etc, as my friend (mums ex carer) has bad arthritis so uses crutches. I managed ok but feel done in and achy now.

CBB time, am enjoying the show.

I can see why Hardup is annoying some of the women on the show, I find him annoying too. But Natalie is a bit OTT with her annoyance towards him.

So funny with Ryan talking in his sleep and the snoring story.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi both.
Similar day to yesterday. Quite warm and calm, but cloudy all day. No rain though.
They now seem to be saying that it's going to get colder now. What happened to the warm spell they were promising for the end of August??

Went to the dentist this morning. Didn't need anything done so didn't take too long, I was back home around noon.
Then went out and did a couple of jobs. Strimming mowing and pruning roses.
I'm on track with work, but the forecast for the next couple of days isn't too good. I just hope the rain holds off, so I can get my jobs finished before Saturday.

Hicky. That was good that your OH was able to take you to your foot appointment.
I hope your new loaf turns out well.
Your figgy pudding idea sounds good.
I would have thought it was a bit of a waste of electricity to leave your lights on overnight?

Yes, I've probably given the toms too much water. In the hot spell the soil in their pots was always dry on the top, so I was watering every day.
I'm not watering as much now, so maybe some of the late toms will be better.

Mollie. Well done doing your first Aqua fit session. It'll probably get easier in future sessions.
I should think they will be quicker on the bike than the car. It's a powerful bike (900cc), and can weave through the traffic. SiL rides pillion on the back.
They definitely don't have a house on the side of the bike.

So it's Hardeep against Natalie.
I definitely want Natalie to go. She's far too loud for me.

Evening Both.

21c today light cloud and rain, wind of 16 dropping all day/night.

Didn't do much, picked a few toms, had black pudding and bacon for brekkie.

Took some of the smaller apples off the Ellison's Orange apple tree as they won't catch up and it has far too many anyway.

Removing the contents of the old tubs in the greenhouse, as they become vacant i will put the compost onto the raised beds with some feed pellets like growmore and chicken manure.

Going to make some pickled beetroot tomorrow while o/h is out.

Edit: forgot to say, had a curry beef triangle from the butchers, cooked it and had 4 of my spring rolls with it.

Mollie, You are so funny, the bees are pollinating the raspberries, not eating them. Ha Ha.

Enjoying CBB, Hardeep spends most of his time with the girls, i don't really like him, i like Natalie though.

Enjoying my recording of the Ozy Love Island, it gives me 2 shows a day with CBB.

That was nice having your daughter come to the aqua fit to help you and the carer. 

Emptybox,  I'm wondering what happened to summer, this weather for the last month has been dreadful, ask my grape vine.

The new loaf seemed ok but it does seem a bit dense, not what i had hoped for.

The lights that stay on all night are LED, the cost of each to run for a year is £2.70 which is about £0.06p a week.

If the compost in pots or tubs dries out you can't wet it by watering from the top, it has to be immersed in water and allowed to draw it up, if you water from the top when the plant is in a water trough the water will flow back up into the plant when you stop watering it, it uses capillary action when possible, but when you water dry compost from the top it runs straight through to the bottom because it has to be moist to start with to retain water.

I think you need a moisture probe to tell you how dry/wet the compost if, they are so good and last for ever.

I think mine is similar to this one.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/BESTO...J7KWFVFRGE5N431T6BA6

both xxx

Emptybox

glad you didn't need anything doing at the dentist.

Good job you are up to date workwise, especially with visitors due the weekend. HOpe the congenial weather lasts the rest of the week.

Now the weather is cooler, hopefully you won't have the same watering problems as you had with the early ones.

Has your brother always been a motorbike fan? Looks good in the country but not so good when there is lots of traffic around. I thought your SIL would go on the back, but I think those little house things on the side look lovely and comfy for a nice ride out. (you rarely see them though).

Hicky

hope the beetroot turns out ok.

Oh heck I really did think you meant the bees were eating the raspberries, but then again,  I never did overthink things. (especially at school...I preferred thinking about clothes, make up, boyfriends and nghtclubs!).

Glad to hear you are enjoying Oz Love Island and CBB. I only seem to have time for CBB, but am really enjoying it.

Like your grapevine, my dog does not like the loss of summer. She hates going out in the rain.

Shame your loaf does seem a bit dense, I am sure you wil be able to rectify that with practice.

Not too bad weather wise today, but drizzly on and off.

Nearly got the 5 washloads dry I did, but had to bring it in and hang it round the house to finish the drying process.

Luckily the aches from the aqua fit eased as the day went on.

I ordered some water shoes as it is hard to do the movements as your feet slip on bottom of pool without water shoes.

Had a busy day, ,went to my friends house as she had a meeting about getting a blue disabled parking badge. She needs one as her mobiiltiy is so bad, but they turned her down the first time.

My neighbour had to take her husband for a hospital appointment a long way away, so I went over a couple of times to put her dog out and also to feed hm. I like doing that though, as he is so cute.

Looking forward to CBB.

Have a good evening both xxx

Evening both.
Raining this morning, so I was able to get some housework done. I cleaned the kitchen and bathroom and did the dusting.
So at least the house will be partly clean for my visitors.
Hopefully I'll find time to run the hoover round before the weekend.

I also went into town to do some banking and get some extra provisions such as some dairy milk, as Bro and SiL like it in their tea.
The afternoon was actually sunny and quite warm. Haven't seen the sun for ages.
I did one job even though the grass was soaking wet, because I've got to get on.

Hicky. Glad you were able to get on despite the rain.
Didn't know what a curry beef triangle was, but I googled it.

With the tomatoes I go out first thing every morning and feel the top of the pots, and if they are damp I don't water, but if they are dry I do. So they never get the chance to dry out fully.
Thanks for the moisture probe link.

Mollie. My Brother has only become a bike fan in the last few years.
My Dad was a bike fan all his life, but my Brother didn't seem too bothered till he was over 50.
Yeah, you don't really see sidecars on modern bikes. They were more a thing in the 1950's and 60's, when people couldn't afford cars, so had a motorbike and sidecar instead. So when you see them now they are usually on vintage bikes.

Not surprised your doggie doesn't like the rain.
That's good that you've almost recovered from your Aqua Fit session. Those water shoes sound like they would be useful.
That was nice of you to look in on neighbour's dog.

Evening Both.

Cool today, 17c light cloud and rain, some breeze though, just had some black pudding for brekkie as i ran out of bacon.

Pulled some beets for a trial making of pickled beetroot, they are all different colours, not sure what but i made 2 x 0.5L and 1 x 0.25L, think you need to leave it a few weeks absorb the spices.

Just had a chicken curry from the inside fridge for tea, was going to make Nacho when i saw the curry, have got 3 more Nacho meals in stock.

A couple of pears have fell off in the last couple of days so think they are the Williams a bit early, it got damaged of course falling but it tasted fine, couldn't see any problem with it that cause it to fall, think the tree is easing it's load, but of course the Williams is part of a triple branch tree, sharing the branches with Conference and Comice.

Sent another bag of 5 Figs round to MIL along with a bag of cherry toms, only 2 Figs left now, pleased this year though, there are loads of new Figs but they will not ripen this year because of our climate.

Was woken the other morning by the Crows having a row in the front, o/h said they were breaking twigs off the trees that she didn't water so she had to keep banging on the window to get them to leave, it was probably about first light.

I fitted the new LED dusk/dawn lamp but because it is a darkish room and we shut the blinds and the weather is so cloudy the light wants to stay on for longer periods so i checked the sunset/sunrise times for the year in this area  and have put the timer back and set the timer to 4pm to 5am but with these times i shouldn't need to alter them again.

Mollie, Yes, Ozy LI is very similar to ours, it just gives me a good program to watch in the afternoon.

If you bring the washing into the house to dry you really need it in one room which need lots of ventilation, any water form clothes that dry will stay in the house unless you can force it outside by having windows and doors open, if you can't get rid of the water it will condense on the inside of glass or metal or anything cold.

We have one of those pulley drying frames in the bathroom and we can leave the bathroom ceiling fan on.

One of these. https://www.lakeland.co.uk/252...Dx0:20180823182825:s

Emptybox, I have changed from cows milk to Goats milk, pretty expensive though but has many benefits.

With the toms you need to know how wet the compost if about 4" down, thats what a moisture probe does, the top compost really should be dry, thats why all my watering is done in the morning to let the compost dry during the day and night.

The meter shows dry and wet, the compost should be neither, it should be around the middle.

both xxx

Emptybox

well done getting most of your housework done in preparation for your visitors.

Do you mean they like Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate in their tea? If so, I have never heard of that before. Or do you just mean cow's milk from the local dairy?

The gardens here too seemed to suddenly go from extra dry to very overgrown and wet. As you say, it is so wet now, it is hard to cut. Ours looks awful, so overgrown and full of weeds! And it rained again this afternoon.

Sidecars, that was the word I was looking for! (a car, not house word!)....I always think of Olive from On the Buses when I think of a sidecar.

That is nice your brother developed an interest in motorbikes in his 50's. Our local seafront cafe is one where all the motorbikers meet and they all look over 50.

Hicky

didn't realise you had to leave beetroot a couple of weeks to pickle. But makes sense I guess, as it needs to be full of flavour.

I ddin't realise you could grow 3 different types of pears on the same tree. I bet all of yours are very tasty.

I bet your MIL enjoyed getting her bag of produce. When I buy cherries and tomatoes from costco I share them with my neighbour but of course that is nowhere near as good as you sharing your home grown produce.

Those crows are so cheeky disturbing your peace fighting!

Yes I always leave a window open whilst drying clothes at the moment, so we don't get any condensation and it is still very warm in the house so it dries quickly. In winter it also dries quickly because the heating is on, so it is warm and dry. Your drying frame looks dead handy.   I have 3 different driers around the house because of the sheer volume of washing

Today daughter and I went swimming whilst son was at the gym. Even though my muscles in general are still achy after it, I think the pool is helping my painfull knees. I could still feel the fluid around my one knee whilst swimming though, but at least it was not painfull. I am still waiting for a date for the scan on it. My friend has heard she has been successful in being awarded a blue disablility badge, so that will make things a lot easier for her when we go to the pool or meet for coffee. Wonder if your OH could get one Hicky?

Looking forward to CBB tonight. Wonder when the eviction is? Hope the American lady stays, as I am not keen on Hardlyup. (?)... not sure of his name...

Not a bad day, about 18c and cloudy, just a bit of drizzle.

Have a good evening both xxx

Hi both.
Raining most of the day here. Useless. And it wasn't forecast either.
I did go out and start one job, when it looked like it was brightening up, but it started to rain heavily again, so I had to give up.

I did get the rest of my housework done. I did the hoovering and even cleaned some of my windows.
Also I put the Autumn duvet on my bed, because it was getting a bit chilly overnight with just the Summer one on.
Plus I finally got July's accounts done.

Hicky. That must be interesting, growing different coloured beetroots? Hope the pickled ones turn out good.
The pears must be ripe if you are able to eat them. Unripe pears are inedible.
Would think your OH banging on the window at daybreak would be more likely to wake you up than the crows.
That's interesting that you are trying Goat's milk. What benefits is it supposed to have?

Mollie.  No I just mean ordinary Cow's milk from the supermarket, rather than the Almond or Soya milk that I have.
Yes, I think a lot of men start being interested in motorbikes as a sort of mid-life crisis, after 50.
Hope the swimming and Aqua-fit helps your knee. Didn't relise you were waiting on a scan.
That's good that your friend has been granted a blue badge.

Can't stand Natalie. She's far too loud, so hope she goes instead of Hardeep.
Not that I'm that fond of him either. Kirstie is probably the best of a mediocre bunch.

Evening Both.

A stormy night last night, could here the rain hammering down.

Had some showers today as well, cool at 15c rain and cloud all the time, strong winds at 21 dropping to 12.

Didn't do much outside because of the rain.

Had bacon and beans for brekkie, for tea decided on Nacho for tea, a big plate, very nice it was too.

It has brightened up a bit, my new dusk to dawn lamp came on earlier thats how dull it went.

Mollie, If you graft cutting of the same species you can grow as many types as you want, i have an apple tree with 3 types on it as well, the most i have heard of is 40, they were apples, mine ripen at different times as well.

I found another 4 Figs ready to eat, they hide under the big leaves.

O/H bought a jell type of stuff for her leg, you put it in the freezer then wrap around the knee then fit a cover that fastens with Velcro.

Well they get the dogs to do swimming to strengthen the muscles so it must work for you.

Glad your friend got her blue badge, makes life easier.

Yes eviction night, his name is Hardeep Singh something.

Emptybox, Yes, crows fighting over the twigs from the tree, what next.

Goats milk is twice the price of cows milk, part because they have to be milked by hand, the benefits are too numerous to mention here, i will get a link.

https://www.sthelensfarm.co.uk/health-benefits but many more sites with info/

Yes, the Pears can't be far off ready but the pips are usually brown when the fruit is ripe, will start taking some off now though.

both xxx

Emptybox

how annoying you got nowhere work wise yesterday, especially as you can't get work done this weekend with visitors coming. Hope the weather was kinder to you today, and you got a bit done.

Wow I am impressed with the housework you have done now, and the fact it even included the windows! And you even did the accounts too.

Don't blame you upgrading to the warmer quilt, it felt chillier last night here too.

Oh yes I forgot you had almond or soya milk, so good idea to get some of your visitor's normal milk in for them.

Must of forgot to say I am due a scan on my knee/leg. It is where I had a fall over a year ago and still doesn't look right and looks odd, like its still bruised. It gets like it has fluid in it too.

Hope you enjoy the visit tomorrow. Weather is a bit on and off, so wonder if they will go for the motorbike?

Hicky

you sound well organised with the grafting, didn't know how it worked till you said.

Has the jelly stuff helped your OH's knee at all? Hope so.

Oh yes,now you say, I do seem to recall, that supervet gets dogs to swim to help their muscles. So definitely worth a try for me then.

I bet your pears will be delicious when they are ready. Are they earlier this year?

Thanks for the goats milk link,that is the one I buy. Don't have it all the time as it is more difficult to find in some supermarkets. I too had heard goats milk is much better for you, is and easier to digest. Our of the 3 choices, I prefer the blue top one. I also love goasts cheese, especially on pizza.

Weather was ok this morning , so pegged my washing out.

However whilst shopping in tescos, the heavens opened, so the washing is wetter than when I put it out now!

Am watching and enjoying CBB.

Don't like either of the 2 up for eviction.

I am with you Emptybox and think that Kirstie is best of a bad bunch.

Goodnight both xxx