Hi both.

Drizzly again this morning, but drier this afternoon. Up to about 5c.
Did get out this afternoon to one job. Mostly raking up leaves and fallen apples.
This morning I got all my figures ready for doing my tax return online later.

Hicky. Sorry to hear your OH is in so much pain. Sounds like a very long recovery as well. That's good that she's able to get to the table to eat though.
Having an en-suite will be handy.
Yes, this place that i was at today has a big weeping willow type tree, and half the leaves are still on that, so I'll have to go back later for another visit to rake those up. Probably before Christmas.

Mollie. Aw, that's bad luck that the arthritis has got to your feet as well.
You'll just have to endure more exercises and aqua fit classes.
Hope you enjoy the German Christmas Markets. I presume that's in Birmingham rather than Berlin?

Enjoyed IAC there were good trials today, and Holly looked gorgeous.
I think Fleur East is my favourite at the moment, although the banter between Noel and Harry is great.

Evening Mollie.

8c today, cloudy all day, hardly any wind 8.

Had beans on toast for brekkie, o/h had spag on toast.

O/H been doing her exercises, in so much pain, the docs rang last night there are some meds waiting for her, the hospital send a note to them saying she has been discharged and what meds she was having.

She has been walking the hall/rooms with 2 sticks, very painful but she does exactly what she was told at all costs.

At 2,30 we had baked spuds with beans, and i had some grated cheese on as well, very nice, she did some washing in the machine, will start mine tomorrow.

We are having soft boiled eggs for brekkie tomorrow with baked spuds grilled Ribeye steak and fried onions.

O/H does get a bit of sleep in the night, although she doesn't sleep a lot anyway.

She just has the Paracetamol and Codeine, but the Paracetamol are for non nerve pain like headache.

we will have to get a taxi to the hospital when she goes, it will be hard to get in a car for her as well, i'll have to get a taxi Wednesday for the eye clinic as well, and she has to go to the hospital on Dec 3rd i think as well.

Been enjoying F1 today, now got Strictly then IAC later.

Hi Hicky.

Your OH is doing well, keeping active and following her instructions. Hope the meds take away some of her pain.

Yes it'll be annoying having to rely on taxis for everything.

Drizzly here again today. Not particularly cold though.

Had my usual spag bol and a beer for supper.

Enjoyed IAC.

Evening Emptybox.

Late today, had a busy day, 7c cloud and sun, hardly any wind 6.

Had a lie in, sorted a cuppa for o/h, we then had soft boiled eggs, then i did a washing load, put it our but a waste of time so got it back and put it on a thingie to dry.

Got 2 ribeye steaks out for tea to thaw.

Got a call from one of my granddaughters could she come and see us so some good company this afternoon, i was showing her all my spices and food and cookery book, i used to make her and her sister curries when we where at the other place, we had a spare room so they could stay over, she is 16 now, wow they soon grow up.

We are going to arrange a banquet at a Chinese Restaurant in Birkenhead, one we have had many meals at, and we will take the 2 girls, their brother and mother.

O/H has decided now, as well as making her the battered king prawns i could make her Spring roll, she will dictate of course what goes in.

SIL calling here in the morning on her way to MIL's.

It's hard to say how much pain is taken away by the meds, we only know how much is left, and it's a lot.

I won't go hungry any way, well stocked up.

Te steak tonight was nice, i butterflied it as it was very thick, it filled a big pan on it's own.

Hi Hicky.
Raining here most of the day. Not too cold though.
Went to get my paper this morning, then to Lidl this afternoon.

That was nice getting a visit from your grand daughter.
Is that a banquet for when your OH is feeling more her usual self?
Sounds like she's being well catered for at home by you anyway.

Enjoyed Doctor Who earlier, then IAC.
Unfortunately my Brother phoned half way through IAC, so I only saw some of that.

Evening Emptybox,

Where is Mollie? strange, hope she is ok.

7c today, light cloud wind of 4.

Did my trousers wash today, on a clothes maiden now.

Made a loaf to a new recipe idea, it looks ok, not cut it yet.

We had a nice brekkie, o/h managed to get to the dining table, walking is so painful for her, the pain killers just don't take enough pain away so she can even do all the exercises, one exercise is to lift the bad leg up, but she can't as it's too painful, we had bacon egg sausage, tomato and black pud.

For tea she wanted frsh made chips from real spuds, i used the chipper machine i have, so easy peasy and the wok with veg il, parboiled them then pre-cooked them in the wok, then turned the heat up to finish them off, she had them with salt and proper vinegar, she loved them.

Put in a meat order to the butcher for delivery and a fish order online for over £102, you get free delivery at £100, some massive prawns @£28 a kg, jellied eels, tempura prawns, battered squid rings, salt cod and whole raw prawns 6 to 8 per 1kg @ £31 a pack.

We can't get out so might as well enjoy being stuck in.

We go to the hospital tomorrow for o/h to see the physio, we will call in to Sainsbury's on the way back for me to get her meds and a few bits from the shop, it's going to be a problem for her getting in and out of the taxi though, but at Sainsbury's she will stay in the car.

We have told those granddaughters they can come whenever they want, it's always good to see them, i used to pick them up from their place in the Landrover a few years ago, they grow up so quick, they have a brother, think he is a step grandson.

Yes, the banquet has to wait for o/h to be able to walk, not sure when that will be, she is walking with the stick in the bungalow, i would say each day is a bit better, only slight but better.

O/H isn't supposed to fly for 3 months which is a problem, but it looks that way.

Dr Who was ok, i am recording IAC so am behind a couple of days, and with it being on at the weekend it's not easy to catch up, love it though.

got to make a shopping list for Sainsbury's online now.

Going to try my new loaf now, not sure what to have for tea.

Hi both xxx

I am back HIcky.   We didn't get back home from our weekend away till late yesterday and today was rush, rush to get to do my aqua fit class, then a few things to do at home after being away, but at least I did manage to get to aqua fit. 

Emptybox

Did you go out to work today, or are you up to date now ready for the winter break, now the bad weather is here?

Glad you enjoyed Dr Who. Is it a 3 watch or a 2 watch one?

No rain here today, chilly but even a bit of sun and a beautful real orange sun set. They do say the heavy rain is on its way though.

Oh dear, I see your brother has still not computed your tv viewing times.  But I guess if it was something you really needed to watch, you could view on catch up. 

Hicky

Your poor OH being in such pain, but I guess this is normal for such a bit op on a limb. My aunt had it done a couple of years ago, and took awhile to get over it, but when she did, she was back to her dancing club each week. So with each day your OH improves, at least it is a day closer to getting the results she needs. Let's hope the severity of pain starts to ease soon. Does she have to go for a check up on the wound or stiches to come out because they can make pain worse till they come out? I hope she gets on ok with the physio tomorrow, she will be exhausted after though, as the joureny alone will be hard for her. 

She is lucky she has you to look after her so well at home. With you able to cook something she really fancies, when she fancies, such as those fresh chips, it will help cheer her up. Too true, whilst you can't get out, so can't spend anything, you might as well order away and make the most of being stuck in.

Yes it will seem like a long wait if she can't fly for 3 months, but at least you have Christmas inbetween. One good thing is that with that time span, it will take you up to the beginning of autumn in Oz, so the weather then should be much better than mid summer.

That is so sweet how the teenage grandaughter chose to visit you. Is it easy for her to get to your house now you are unable to pick her up?

Hope you enjoyed your loaf.

We had a very nice weekend away and managed to pack a lot in.

On arrival we went round the German Christmas market, so pretty it is and the family enjoyed German sausage and I had my fave mayo and chips. The mayo and chips are delicious, the sort you get in Europe.

We then visited my mum's sisters, who were very pleased to see us. We stayed in a hotel as there were too many of us for aunts to put up. So went for a swim in hotel pool and ate at the hotel.

The next day the family went to the Comic Con exhibition and me and OH went for a swim in the hotel pool again and round the shops.

We were very lucky weather wise. It did pour with rain on the way for awhile, but luckily stopped on time for us to go round the markets and stayed dry the rest of the time.

Was glad to see Dalton and Scarlett made the final of X factor. I think they have been the best 2 singers the whole time. Shame they went and got rid of the only other good singer. (can't remember her name but you liked her Emptybox).

Going to watch IAC now.

Goodnight both xxx

Evening.
Drizzly and dull here today. Everything soaking wet, so didn't go out.

Hicky. Sounds like your OH is making progress? Slow and painful, but progress nonetheless.
I'm sure she'll be able to lift her leg soon.
That's good that you can make her the meals she likes.
Hope she gets on OK at the Physio tomorrow.
Yes, good idea to make good use of those online deliveries.

Mollie. Glad you enjoyed the German Markets in Birmingham, and seeing your Aunts
I see you made good use of the hotel pool while you were there, and straight back into your Aqua Fit when you got back.
I've still got plenty to do if the weather is right. Hoping to get out to a job tomorrow.
Doctor Who was really good. Probably a 3 watch episode.

Yes, glad to see Scarlett make the X Factor final. And Dalton's an OK singer as well, but can't see how that other little fellow got through? I missed the Sunday show, but he was dreadful on Saturday.
Enjoyed IAC tonight.

Evening Both.

Not nice weather today, 8c rain all day, winds of 15.O/H made out the Sainsbury's delivery, i gave her my shopping list, so we'll have 3 online deliveries this week.

O/H had toast and marmalade for brekkie i had bacon, black pud and tomato with toast.

Used a new recipe yesterday for the loaf, it is really good, very pleased, bread a good size and shape, light and easy to cut, i put seed in it, the recipe is one off the back of the flour bag, used my own settings for it not the machines.

Got a taxi for 2.30 to go with o/h to the physio, quite a challenge but we made it, on the way back got another taxi and stopped at a Co-op store for a cucumber and lettuce, milk and bread, o/h wanted a thin sliced for her soft sandwich.

She made her sandwich, i brought the items on a tray, i did a plate of Nacho with sliced green Jalapeño chillies heaven.

Got the hospital in the morning for my eye again, have to get to the docs for a sick note for o/h, have to take it to Sainsbury's and need to pick up meds for her as well.

Mollie, You are so busy these days, I am convinced the knee replacement must be the most painful ever, can't imagine another op disturbing so many main muscles and tendons.

The physio was very pleased with her, the tests they give normally get a score of around 90%, she got 95%.

she goes for a dressing change on Dec 3rd, not sure if they take the stitches out, she also has appointments on the 4th and 11th then the doc in Jan.

We wont go short of food anyway, thats the main thing, and i can make/cook whatever she wants, i do all the carrying because she has 2 sticks and i don't want her top fall.

My lad sent us a picture of the baby at 4.30 this morning in a Sumo pose, he is funny.

She can't drive for 6 weeks because the knee op was on the right leg, if it had been on the left leg she could drive, because we only have automatic cars.

The granddaughters mother brought her, she could walk probably as it's only a few miles, but maybe when a bit older or in the summer.

Yes, Mayo and chips is standard in Europe, i tried t get vinegar in one place and the owner nipped out and came back with a bottle of hot sauce, they don't have salt either.

You had a good trip away then, thats ideal for a good break, and swimming pools as well.

IAC is fantastic, hard to watch some of the challenges i must admit, great group of people this year.

Emptybox, Yes, it's just a matter of time, but watching someone in pain is so hard, you feel so helpless, each day is better, bit by bit, saw a lady today who had the op 3 weeks ago and she was walking pretty good with the sticks, hoping it is a little easier when the staples come out as they must be tightening everything up, the strain on the knee is terrific when you bend it.

The gardener was next door today, was going to talk to him but it was raining and can't stand rain, will see what the weather is like next week, too busy this week.

O/H has ordered the carrots and bean shoots and cabbage, i have the prawns and pork mince so i can make her spring rolls when it arrives, oh she wanted Chop Suey Rolls as well, will have to find a recipe for that.

I've been planning the pruning for the apple trees, the branches grow too long and can't support the fruit, going to prune them soon as it's so frustrating waiting.

Hi both

Emptybox

Pleased to hear this weeks Dr Who was worthy enough for the 3 watches.

Hope the weather was kind enough today for you to get that job done.

X factor...little fella (Anthony) sounded no better on the Sunday than the Saturday, he shouldn't be there imo, that girl the judges chucked out to keep those 2 teenager grils in should of been. Twitter reckon Antony is getting extra votes from 1D fans because Louis is their mentor. ??

Hicky

So pleased to hear the physio said how well your OH is doing. Yes a knee op is quite a thing to get over, as of course, being a joint, you can't just rest it after surgery. Hope the dressing change goes well next week now. Shame she can't drive for 6 weeks, but hopefuly with it being Christmas when most people stay home any way, it will go quickly.It must be exhausting for your OH using 2 sticks. I find it real difficult just using one stick as I lose a side to carry stuff with.

sounds like you will be busy putting away all those online deliveries this next week. But how handy is online for you, no need to struggle to get to shops now.

Glad to hear the seeded loaf turned out well, seeds are real good for you too.

Hope your eye visit goes ok tomorrow, you are going to busy with having to sort the sick note and OH's meds out as well.

Oh yes now you mention it, they don't put vinegar on their chips in Europe, not that I mind though as their mayo is yummy.

Hope the weather dries up so you can prune.

This morning the rain was absolutely torrential! Fortunately it did stop in the afternoon so I could get to Lidl to do some food shopping. My neighbour whatsapped me from India, as it is Thursday I get to go to their house to look after their dog whilst their daughter is away. She said she was glad to be somewhere it was warmer, but wasn't glad to be in the dust and noise they get in the city there!

Nearly time for IAC, I also want to watch that true story of Mrs Wilson on bbc1, sounds interesting. So will record IAC.

Goodnigh both xxx

Hi both.

Dry here today, but cold and windy.

I got that job done, so that's another place finished for the season. It was weeding, forking over beds and cutting back roses etc. As it was only 4c and the wind was strong, my fingers were freezing, despite wearing weeding gloves.

Hicky. My Dad had the knee replacement, and took him quite a while to recover. He stayed with my Brother for the first week after coming out of hospital, so that was probably when the pain was worst, but getting in and out of cars was very difficult for weeks.

Glad your loaf turned out fine.

You'll have a busy day tomorrow with going to your eye clinic and calling in to Sainsburys with your OH's sick note. Hope you don't have to provide one every week do you?

That's good that the Physio was pleased with your OH's results.

Mollie. Don't know about 1D fans, but that Anthony must be getting votes from someone? Yes I agree that it should really be Shan there as well.

Pity you had torrential rain, but good that you could get out to Lidl.

That's good that your neighbour could whatsapp from India. How is her dog doing without her?

Enjoyed IAC. Noel is really good for being almost 70. You'd never know it the way he bounces around.

Evening Both.

15c today, cloud and rain, winds of 14 in the morning and 45 in the afternoon.

Eye clinic went ok, will have some discomfort today but it should go by tomorrow.

Got the taxi at 8.30, o/h wanted tea and shredded wheat, but i had bought the wrong milk, i thought it was a green top 2 pint bottle but it was a red top, and the white small medium loaf i had bought turned out to be brown, so i stopped after the eye clinic in the taxi and got some more bread and milk, couldn't see at all so asked the staff for what i wanted, then made o/h some nice sandwiches.

For tea we had salad with potato wedges i made and fillet steak with onions.

Have got 3 food deliveries over the next 2 days.

Will have to see when the butchers are delivering in the morning as we have to pay over the phone then i can get a taxi to the docs to pick the sick note up then take it to Sainsbury's.

Mollie, O/H is hoping to be able to manage with 1 stick soon, maybe after they take the staples etc out.

Watched my IAC recording before, Anne did well, a great bunch.

Emptybox, Another place finished for the season, can't be much more to do now.

Yes, i imagine your Dad had the same problems as o/h with the knee pain, i think things slowly eas day by day, i can tell, she can get that leg onto the bed now without using the stick, a thing that was out of the question a few days ago.

I've got a few busy days now, hoping i can rest at the weekend, o/h is trying to sort things so i don't have to do so much, i told her it doesn't matter, it's not as if i have somewhere to go.

both xxx

Emptybox

glad you got that job done, pity your hands got so cold though.

Oh yes, Shan! ...that was the name of the girl who was far too good to be chucked out of x factor whilst Antony was kept.

I agree Noel is incredible for 70, wonder how much training/fitness he does?

Hicky

thats good eye clinic went ok, hope the discomfort doesn't last too long.

Pity you made a bit of a mistake with the shopping, easily done though.

That will be much easier if your OH can manage with one stick after she has the staples out.

Hope you don't get too tired out as you are so busy over the next few days.

I had a busy day today, went to aqua fit, then met friends in cafe, but was tied up outside sainsburys for ages sorting a refund owed to mum's estate for overcharge for Attorney papers some years ago. Then neighbours daughter rang me to arrange about me taking over dog today, which I hadn't expected till tomorrow. Luckily so far, so good though, he has eaten his tea, and daughter says she is happy to stay overnight with him. He is so sweet and loves snuggling up to us on the sofa.

IAC and Apprentice tonight, not sure which one to record.

Goodnight both xxx

Evening both.

Drizzly and very windy here today, so I didn't go out. Wasn't as cold though.

Hicky. That's great that your OH is making progress. Hopefully she'll be on to just the one stick soon.

Hope your discomfort from the eye drops has worn off.

Pity you got the milk and bread for brekkie wrong.

Yes, a busy time for you for a few weeks.

Mollie. Sounds like you had a busy day as well? Pity you had to spend so long sorting out that stuff for your Mum's estate.

Ah, so you've only just taken over looking after the neighbour's dog. Does someone have to stay in the house every night?

Watched Apprentice then IAC on +1.

Pity Jackie went on The Apprentice. She was my favourite.

Think there's only one male left now?

Evening Both.

Weather not so good, 12c warm but rain and gales this morning, dying out this afternoon.

Rang the butchers to get a price to pay for the meat this week as they deliver today, paid them and they said they would deliver at 12.30 so i got us brekkie, sausages and tinned toms with toast.

Then got a taxi to the docs, picked the sick note up then went to Sainsbury's to drop the note off and pick up the painkillers from the pharmacy, then came back home.

The meat delivery came, i then bagged as i needed to freeze it, now that is sorted.

For tea we had Pork pies that came from the butchers, and beans, nice too.

Got the Fish delivery tomorrow and the Sainsbury's delivery as well.

Mollie, Eye fine today, so happy with that, o/h has done her exercises which is good, and she did some washing and had a shower again, she is doing well even for early days.

Hope all goes well with the dog, more than i could do, SIL has bought another dog now, one of those miniature things, pretty though.

Loving IAC and looking forward to DOI in Jan as well.

Emptybox, I pruned the apple and pear trees when the gales stopped as it was quite warm, the covers didn't blow off the chair swing because of the bungee cords around it but the concrete clock that was holding the cover on the seat was thrown off.

I found a quiet spot to spend in the garden, so took the opportunity to prune some trees, will have to wait for Spring to do the soft fruit.

I have a couple of things to sort out before long, zapping all the leaves and moving the trees, will see if i can get the gardener next week after Tuesday maybe.

Hi both xxx

Emptybox

pity the weather stopped you going out, but to be expected this time of year I guess.

I did the same and watched Apprentice, then IAC on plus 1. Both good shows.

Yes someone has to stay with the little dog overnight. Last night daughter did. Our own dog is never allowed upstairs, but this one has his basket in the bedroom and daughter said he was crying to sleep on the bed with her, but couldn't jump up as he is elderly with arthtritus, so she picked him up and he slept on the bottom of her bed quietly all night then. My neighbour did tell me he was likely to do this. He is sitting right next to me on the sofa now as he doesn't like to be on his own. I had to leave him whilst I went shopping in Costco this morning, he was ok, but won't go far away from me now.

My neighbour gave me her modem code so I could use internet whilst we were here, but I found out our own one from our house works fine, even though we live across the road.

Hicky

so glad to hear your OH is progressing so well, and even doing her washing, showering and managing her exercises.

You have been busy running around today, sorting the delivery and then out in the garden too. Bet you feel tired now. But at least you have some good tv to look forward to. What a good job your eyes are ok today.

Oh yes, I too am looking forward to Dancing on Ice in January.

Showery here on and off all day, but mild, I prefer to cold and dry to that though!

Need to sort my Christmas cards out for Oz soon as last date for posting looms. OH has got the Christmas decs out of the loft now. We are hoping for a dryish spell so we can go to the fields and choose our Christmas tree soon.

Have a good evening both xxx

Hi both.
Very wet and windy here today. The rain stopped about 2.30pm, but it was far too windy to do anything outside.

Hicky. That's good that you got a mild spell this afternoon to allow you to do some pruning. Must have been a strong wind to dislodge a concrete block?

Busy with deliveries today and tomorrow by the sound of it. Both getting them and going out to collect them.
That's good that your eyes have recovered today, and that your OH is making good progress.

Mollie. Pity the little dog is so dependent. Sounds like he really needs human company.
That's good that your wifi can reach across the road, but a bit worrying as well I suppose. Just as long as you have it secured.

Yes I'm looking forward to DOI as well, but only because Saara is on it.
She's busy in training with Hamish Gaman at the moment.

Good Evening Both.

10c today, sunny intervals, brisk wind of 20.

I just had toast for brekkie, o/h had wheatabix and toast, we are eating too well, so cut back a bit.

The fish delivery came, showed o/h what i had ordered, wow, her eye's lit up, some of the prawns 8 to the kg are the size of a plate, a couple of packs of Tempura prawns, 5 cartons of jellied eels, 2 packs of battered squid rings, salt cod x 2, and king prawns 20 to the kg.

Then the Sainsbury's delivery came, more delish food, it is a strange site because we often find that what she thought she had ordered hadn't been ordered as it wasn't delivered, this week it was carrots and cabbage for the spring rolls and 3 packs of chicken wings.

The meals for tomorrow have been sorted all ready, bacon and egg toasted sandwich and for later lamb loin chops, mash veg and gravy.

Haven't really got any more room in the freezers.

For tea today, o'h had brown shrimp sandwiches and i had chicken madras and rice, from my freezer of course.

Mollie, O/H wants to carry on as if she hasn't had an op, so she does what she can, she gets to where she wants to be then puts down the sticks and does things, i tell her i will do it but i think she's trying to save me doing jobs.

Didn't walk the garden today, had lots to put in the fridge and freezer and make food so garden doesn't need me all the time.

Pleased with my eye, back to normal, not cutting up decs this year or having the tree out, some of the stuff could be in the loft, or in the garage, but it's staying put this year, have got some lights to put in the front raised beds along the dividing wall.

Emptybox, Yes, the wind inflated the tarp cover over the swing, the pressure must have rolled the concrete block off the swing, if i remember right we had to put 2 on last year as it did the same, but they are so heavy, o/h was lifting them but she can't now and i don't really want to either.

O/H gets the dressing changed Monday and the staples/stitches out so hoping her knee etc will be a bit easier as it's all so tight and stretched just now and even her shin etc can't be touched as it's so sore.

both xxx

Emptybox

pity it was too windy to get anything done. Any better today?

It was showery and windy and cold here today.

Yes our wireless is secured. Makes you wonder how far peoples wirelss does extend beyong their own house ?

Hicky

glad to see you and OH are eating well and that her eyes lit up with the fish delivery.

Your OH certainly has the right attitude how she is just carrying on doing what she can. I guess keeping mobile will help her recovery. 

That is good your eye is back to normal now.

Probably a good idea to leave the decs in the loft for this year as your OH has just had a big op. The lights should look nice on their own.

It will be a good job when your OH gets the stiches out on Monday, she should feel a lot more comfy without them pulling on the wound.

Despite the wind, cold and showers we traipsed round a big field choosing our Christmas tree today.

We knew it was just perfect when we saw it. Really full and not too tall to put on a little table in our front window. It is so wide, it fills all the window. The top bit is a bit twisted but gives it character. When we chose it, OH had to find the man with the saw thing to chop it down, then the man put it in a string bag thing and dragged it on his sledge into our car.   Haven't had chance to decorat it yet though.

Enjoyed Gogglebox. Recorded IAC, but why on earth has Noel gone?? I found him one of the most interesting in there.

We are trying to go in relays to sit with neighbours dog as he is so stressed if we leave him alone. So we only left him when we got the tree today, daughter is with him most as she enjoys it, she can watch the cartoons on their sky tv too, and doggie just lies right next to her on the sofa.

Its your crackling advent calendar day 1 tomorrow HIcky. Hooray! Hope you like it.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi both.
Dry here today, but with a stronger wind than yesterday. I was thinking of going out to cut a hedge, but didn't fancy being up a ladder in the high wind. Plus all the cuttings would blow away anyway, so I gave it a miss.
I stayed in and installed an SSD drive into my business computer. Should make it a lot faster.  I got it for £20 in the Black Friday sale, and it was delivered today.
The computer wasn't too bad before, but doing anything on Libre Office was fairly slow.

Hicky. That's good that your OH was pleased with the fish delivery.
It's good that she wants to do things normally, but she mustn't overdo it either.
Pity you had some problems with your Sainsburys delivery.
Why are you not having Xmas decs this year, apart from a few lights? Is it because your OH usually does them, or are you going to have a belated Xmas in Oz later?

Mollie. If I go into my kitchen, which is the furthest place in the house from my wifi router, and the nearest room to my neighbour's house, I can just about still get my own wifi, and just about get my neighbour's wifi. So in my house, it doesn't extend very far at all. I can get it in my front garden, if I don't go too far from the router.

Glad you found a good Xmas tree. At least you are waiting till December before you decorate it.
Yes, I'm very disappointed that Noel is out first. I didn't vote, but thought it would be Rita to go. I liked her at first, but wasn't so keen by the end.
I think I like Emily more now.

Good Evening Both. :

A warmish day, 12c rain showers this morning but a dry afternoon, we had bacon and egg on toast for brekkie.

I got the chops and the Rib beef from the freezer to thaw out, we had the chops for tea with mash peas and gravy.

I walked to the local coop to get some carrots and cabbage for the Spring Rolls, not sure when i will be making them, could be in the morning, i had the inhaler before i went each way, took some Paracetamol to help with the Arthritis which would cause pain on the walk, i stopped twice on each trip (to get my breath back) , might have to do this every day so i can walk further on holiday., and when o/h can walk we will resume the round the cul-de-sack walks.

Didn't bother with the garden today.

Mollie, O/H has done all her exercises, she really is a trouper.

I will go with o/h Monday to the hospital, she is there also Tuesday as well then we get a weeks break, my next eye appointment is Jan 2nd.

Glad you got your tree, i wouldn't bother with real ones myself, can't see the point when one tree can last for ever, and i wasn't impressed having to cut up the tree after it was finished with, but it's a good money spinner for those growing and selling them.

Noel went because the public are voting and he was in last.

I opened the advent window,  we went halves with the 4 little pieces of crackling, lovely.

https://www.snafflingpig.co.uk...riant=12958771937333

Emptybox, Thats cheap £20 for the drive, good idea, did you have to reinstall everything again?

Yes, o/h usually does the tree, and we sometimes put christmas lights around the gutters, but not this year, i don't fancy doing it on my own, and we were away last year so noone will notice, they will think we are away again.

We will, no doubt have a Christmas dinner in Oz as my lad loves them, i am looking forward to getting more Alaskan King Crab Legs, wow.

I am most surprised, O/H has been watching IAC, wow, she knows i only watch Reality shows as i hate acting and people playing parts from scripts.

And it's strange eating with her these days and sitting discussing what to have for the next meal, with her being off work, makes such a difference.

Hi both xx

And at last it is here December 1st so, Advent day picture  1....

Emptybox

I'm relieved to hear you gave the ladder work a miss in the strong winds. Best to be safe than sorry. Sounds like you bagged yourself a Black Friday bargain.

Maybe your house wifi doesn't extend so far because you have thick stone walls? The modern houses us and our neighbour live in have real thin walls.

Hicky

that is good you managed to walk there and back to the Co-op, it must of been tiring for you with the athritis and breathlessness. But as you say, it will help you get used to it ready for your big holiday to come. I know you had your hip replaced, so where is the arthritus pain now? Is it from the other hip?

Are you getting a taxi to the hospital Monday and Tuesday? Is it stiches out one day and physio the next? It is great she is so determined with her exercises. She also has a big incentive in that she is aiming to be fine ready for your holidays.

Glad to hear you enjoyed your advent calendar so much. And how kind of you to share it with your OH.

I had a Disney bauble advent calendar off daughter and today was a shiny blue Mickey ears bauble.   An interent friend sent me a lovely scented candle a day advent calendar too.

It is a nice change for you to spend some extra time with OH whilst she is off work, and nice too that she is watching IAC and eating with you now.

We went to pet shop today to get neighbour's dog an advent calendar, but didn't bother with any other shops as it is so busy on a Saturday afternoon this time of year. The little dog is now attached to my daughter as she has been staying with him. He follows her everywhere, in the hope she won't leave him alone. We sent son over to stay with him when daughter came out with us and he was ok though. It is quite a responsibility looking after someone elses pet, as you don't know their usual daily routine or habits, eg he is biting his paws and they look red, so I had to whatsap New Zealand. His owner said he does this when bored or anxious, so to bathe them in special solution off vet. But he is getting more used to us looking after him now, so am hopefull he will cut back on doing this.

OH went to his painting class at college this morning, I did lots of washing, which is hanging on the 3 airers I have around the house.

Enjoyed x factor, although I think some of the song choices were boring. Wathcing IAC now. Time to do my exercises now.

Goodnight both xxx

Evening all.
Wet here most of the day. Not particularly cold though.
Didn't do much except I made a big batch of Bolognese sauce for my spag bol.

Hicky. That was good exercise for you to walk to the Co-op.
That's an unusual advent calendar.
Busy start to the week for your OH. She should recover quicker once the stiches are out though.

I didn't need to reinstall Windows, I just cloned it over to the new drive, and everything worked fine and it stayed activated.
The only thing was the new drive is only 120 GB, so I had to take some of the data out and shrink the partition on the old drive, so it would fit on the new one.
I'm using the old HDD as the data drive in the PC, so I've put my music and videos onto that drive, to save space on the SSD.

Mollie. Yes, my cottage has very thick stone walls on the outside, so that blocks the wifi signal. The internal walls are fairly thin though.

Thanks for the advent pic. I see you opened the first door on your own ones as well.
An advent calendar for the neighbour's dog??? You really go a bundle on this advent thing, don't you?
Perhaps it might keep his mind off biting at his own paws?
Thought his owner was in India? Or have they moved on to New Zealand now?

Watched some of X Factor, but without much interest. As you say, the choice of songs wasn't very good.
The only one with a hope of a future career is Dalton I think.
Looking forward to Doctor Who tomorrow. It's supposed to be a good one, according to the early reviews.

Evening Both.

Not too bad today, 13c rainy spells winds of about 16.I got up at about 9am, o/h sleeps very little as she can't get comfy and can't get no pain.

We had brekkie then i started to prepare for Dinner, a rib beef roast, pretty darn good at that, we had eaten by 4.30.

Read the label on the jellied eels, oh dear, it says "don't freeze" too late, anyway have taken them out to the fridge.

I'll share the advent crunchies with o/h as she did buy it.

I pruned the Kiwi Berry vine this afternoon as the sun was out and it wasn't raining.

Enjoyed Strictly last night, just going to watch my IAC recording.

Mollie, Thank you for the Christmas tree, very nice.

I think the Arthritis is in all the joints tp be honest but i can't see me getting another hip and 2 new knees anytime soon.

That was nice getting those advent calendars, sorry you can't eat the contents.

If the dog licks or nibbles his paw you need one of those plastic shade things that the Supervet uses, think bathing it is a waste of time, he needs to be stopped, if she breaks the skin she could be in serious trouble from infection.

O/H left her meds too long and was in agony, she was doing her exercises when she realised, too late.

We will be getting Taxi's to the hospital both days, i'll go with her, think Monday is stitches and redressing, Tuesday is Physio but a feller.

Emptybox, That was handy cloning the drive, are they all that small, 120gb is nothing really.

Just as well you can use the HDD to store the data, is in inside the case or do you have a USB case to house it.

Making a big batch of Bol sauce is a good idea, the more the merrier.

Hi both xxx

Advent picture day 2 , and this reminds me we must get round to going to  Cardiff Winter Wonderland with the ice skating rink and big wheel and to look round the fair there. Not that I will be ice skating, but I will have some chips and mayo there though.

Emptybox

did the rain stop today there? It was quite drizzly most of the day here.

Yes the doggie's family have gone from India to New Zealand now for their 30th anniversary treat. Then they go to India again before returning home.

Handy to make a big batch of bolognaise for when you need it.

Yes the shops are full of Advent calendars of all types now. Great fun, I bought another one today as it was half price, a Quality street one,so now like HIcky I do have one with nice stuff to eat in it. Hicky certainly seems to be enjoying his too.

Three viewings or two for tonight's frog Dr Who?

Hicky

Your poor OH, it is horrible if you are in so much pain, you can't sleep. Let's hope she feels more comfy when the stitches come out. And how awful she forgot her meds and was in so much pain doing her exercises.

Pity your arthritus is so widespread. Mine is only just starting and is horrible! They think mine was triggered because of something to do with the original thyroid problem and calcium.

Pity you didn't realise you couldn't freeze the eels. Does that mean you had to dump them?

Yes if the dog does not stop licking paws, that plastic thing might be an idea. Today we have just been shoving a cushion under him. He does seem to be doing a bit less today though, fingers crossed he gets better as he gets used to us though. He is certainly not off his food thankfully.

Hope all goes well for your OH tomorrow.

We went for brekkie at Weatherspoon today, very enjoyable and good value.

OH and son put lights on tree and some outside.

Not surprised by who won X factor.

Watching IAC now.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi both.
Wet all day today, but not cold.
Also had very dense fog when I went to Sainsburys this afternoon. Had to have my lights dipped, as full beam was just bouncing off the fog.

Hicky. Glad you got some sunny weather later to do some pruning.
Hopefully freezing the jellied eels hasn't done them any harm?
Not good having arthritis in all your joints.

You can get SSDs up to 2TB and probably bigger, but they are quite expensive as yet.
As I bought that computer for about £60, I didn't want to spend more than £20 on it. And you can happily fit Windows and all it's programs into 120 GB, so that was the right size.
It's a desktop computer, so plenty of space for the old HDD inside. In fact the SSD is smaller than a laptop hard drive and very light, so doesn't take up much space at all. Just as long as you have a spare SATA connection on the motherboard for it.

Mollie. Thanks for the little skating dog.  
That's quite a long trek for the owners family then?
My Brother's dog had problems with it's paws all it's life, and they were always red and sore from it licking them. My Brother was always having to apply creams to her feet, but it never seemed to completely go away.

That's interesting that they think your arthritis might have been triggered by your thyroid problem.
Glad you enjoyed your Wetherspoons brekkie, and you've now got lights on your tree.

Yes, I wasn't surprised who won X-Factor. After the Liverpool one came third, I knew Dalton would win.
Not surprised who was out of IAC tonight either.
Really enjoyed tonight's Dr Who. Creepy rather than funny this week. I'll definitely watch it again, but I only had time to watch last week's twice, so that's all I'll commit to with this one.

Evening Both.

10c today, heavy rain changing to light rain changing to sunny spells with winds of 7 to 10.

We just had a cuppa before we left for the hospital, it turned out she didn't have staples and the stitches are dis-solvable and any that sticks out comes off with the dressing, they don't put a new dressing on, it's just left.

We had brekkie when we got back, have been making the filling for the Spring Rolls for o/h, going to make them in a minute.

Just had some home made hock soup and some beef stew, o/h had the left over Rib beef from yeasterday and some chips and salad.

Having a full English for brekkie tomorrow before we go to the hospital for Physio.

It seems my lads Mrs in Oz has to go to Brisbane for work, so my lad might go as well so we might be seeing more of Oz then expected.

We get DOI in Jan also the Voice again.

Mollie, It seems strange that Arthritis can be triggered by something happening.

The jellied eel containers have swelled but not burst so pleased about that, have them in the fridge now, will just have to eat them, love them.

The hospital has free tea and coffee, other drinks are 50p there is also a restaurant by the looks of it.

The taxi is £10 each way, including tip.

You can't beat Weatherspoons for a good brekkie, and well done getting your o/h to put the lights up.

Emptybox, Yes, main beam no good in fog, nothing much good in fog, i wish they would make a law against people driving on side lights, they are for parking not driving, how stupid some people are, when pedestrians see side lights they think you are stationary, dipped headlights tell them you are moving.

The jellied eels seem fine, going to eat them all in case.

Yes, cost would come into the size of the SSD you could get, but as long as it's big enough it's fine.

Hi Hicky.
Lovely sunny dry day here, but very cold. A high of only 2c.
Got a job done, pruning roses and tidying up beds etc.

That's good your OH didn't need to have any staples or stitches removed.
Hopefully the physio won't be too painful tomorrow.

You are both eating well anyway.

That'll be good, seeing some more of Australia on your visit. Did you not go to Brisbane the last time? That's near the Gold Coast I think?

Hi both xxx

Advent day 3 piccie.

as it has been so cold up North for Emptybox, we have a nice warming Christmas scene.

Emptybox

glad you got the sun afer such a foggy day yesterday. Gosh it was cold though if it only got up to 2 degrees. Think it was about 12 here.

That is interesting your brother's dog too had the paw licking problem. He is still doing it, but we are just distracting him by putting a cushion over his paws.

Glad you enjoyed Dr Who again, but as you say, it is time consuming trying to fit 3 viewings of it in a week.

Hicky

that is good your OH stiches come out themselves.

That is a good idea for you and OH have English brekkie before she has physio, keep her strength up for her exercises.

Hope your lads move goes well if he goes interstate to Brisbane. We lived there for awhile and it was our fave place in Oz around there. Winter weather is just perfect. So if he does go there, it is a good job you aren't going mid summer with it being so wet and humid there then. Also with everything being up in the air with his move, it is probably good you are not going for a little while yet.

That is good your jellied eel containers are still ok, it would of been a shame for you to throw them.

Handy the hospital has free tea and coffee, we love the hospital canteen. The food is real good, and cheap too. There is a Costco by the main entrance too, but that is expensive compared to the staff canteen, which visitors can use too. It is a shame you have to fork out for taxis today and tomorrow again though.

Went to aqua fit today, the usual guy was on holiday. He is the best but I did enjoy the stand in. She never paused, gosh you lads would of liked her,.... long blond hair, in super tight lycra, fab figure. She never paused for breath, it was hard work but fun as she timed it exactly to the music. I am done in as I had a swim for 20 mins before it started, and have just done my exercises.

Me and daughter met son during his lunch break at tesco cafe. I had brie and cranberry toastie, son had turkey pigs in blanket pannini with cranberry, daughter had sausage, mash and peas.

We took it in turns to sit with neighbour's dog as he howls if left alone. Daughter mainly stays with him and enjoys it. Son spent a long time with him whilst we went to tesco.

Just watched the end of IAC, as I watched the programme about babies on bbc2 with daughter.

Hope the physio visit goes ok tomorrow Hicky.

Goodnight both xxx

Thanks for the warming advent pic Mollie.
Sounds like your Aqua Fit lady kept you going at a relentless pace. Not surprised you were tired afterwards.
You deserved the lunch at Tesco after.

Sad that Sair has left the Jungle. She is a really beautiful girl. Unfortunately she wasn't involved in the action enough though.

Evening Both.

Thanks for the Advent picture, very nice, my turn to have the contents today, will have the crunchy stuff later after a container of jellied eels, i usually have a tine of Sild in tomato sauce before bed, love them so much, but sometimes have a small tin of salmon instead.

Not a bad day really, dry anyway, 9c sunny and no wind really, wind 7.

We had a full English for brekkie before we went to Physio, got a taxi at 12.30, O/H was with him for 30 minutes, she passed the tests with flying colours, he was very pleased, she is far advanced, he put her on a machine that puts her leg through certain exercises, she kept telling him to increase the exercise to max, which he did, then he said you don't need to do any more exercise today.

for afternoon tea we had 2 biscuits and a cuppa, for evening meal we had 2 of my spring rolls / chop suey rolls each as i made some bigger than others as my back was aching and i made 9 and made another 5 later, so i made a total of 14 with the filling.

In the process of making a loaf, using the method on the flour bag, just hoping it will be ok, it has flour sugar, salt, yeast and warm water, knead for 10 minutes, rise at 36c for an hour, in oven with 3 cups of boiling water, then knead 5 times and put back in oven with new water for another hour then bake for 35 minutes at 180c, i will have to bake it in the machine as i don't have a big bread thingie to bake it in.

Mollie, I think my lad in Oz is probably just going to rent a place as his wok is in Sydney when he goes back, but his o/h hasn't got the same time off as her jobs a re contract so she doesn't get the time in.

Glad the exercises went well, and the meals at tesco with your lad, very good.

I watched the recording of IAC, they are doing very well.

Emptybox, It seems a lot colder by you, 2c cool here as well, not that cool.

Yes, she got a shock when the nurse said about the staples, it seems certain surgeons use them.

The last time we went to Oz, both of them were working close to Sydney, we didn't go far as we met up when they gp the train home from work, now my lad is on maternity leave but his o/h has to work as she has no more time off, but she has to do work in Brisbane, she was doing that before the baby as well at times and flew home for the weekend unless my lad flew out there, but if they do that again she won't be able to breast feed the baby, unless the baby wouldn't mind feeding once a week, problem is she can't get a yes or no off the baby yet.

Yes, i liked Sair, certainly a good sport, never heard of her though as i don't watch soaps.

Hi Hicky.
That's really good news that your OH did so well at the Physiotherapist.
Hopefully she's on less pain medication now as well?
Pity your back was aching. Perhaps you need the services of a physio yourself?

Very frosty here this morning. Everything was white until at least noon, and the frost stayed on my lawn all day.
I didn't go out as I prefer not to work if there's frost on the grass. Also when it melts everything stays damp.

I think it's set to get a bit warmer here over the next few days, but maybe back to wind and rain.

That's an unusual thing to have late at night, a tin of fish?
I just have a Camomile tea myself.
Hope your loaf turns out OK.

Yes that's a long commute home to feed the baby, from Brisbane to Sydney?
Makes sense for your son to join her, if she needs to be there for work.

Advent day 4 is a fun dancing piccie, , and I have been writing my Christmas cards, and OH has been putting up the decs.

Emptybox

pity you couldn't go out due to heavy frost. As you say though, the trouble is this time of year, when it gets milder, it usually gets a lot wetter too. I'd prefer dry and cold to mild and damp any time.

Hicky

so glad to hear your OH did excellent at her exercises with the physio. She is certainly detemined.

Hope your loaf came out ok, it certainly sounds rather complicated.

Makes sense for your lad to just rent until they are certain how things are work wise and where. (I don't think the baby would agree to being fed just once a week!).

Went for coffee with mum's ex carer and friend today, which was lovely. Son met us in his lunch break at Toby. they had prawn cocktail, son had cheesy garlic bread and I had cinnamon apple crumble and ice cream as we didn't fancy a full carvary. What we had was very nice.

Was dry most of the day, but rain started about 7pm.

Watched Lego Masters, then School on bbc2.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi Mollie.
Thanks for the dancing snowballs. (not something I ever thought I'd say )
That's nice that you enjoyed coffee and snack with your son and your friends.
Pity Rita is out of IAC. I went backwards and forwards with her, sometimes liking her, sometimes not so much. But she was a good campmate.

Evening Both.

Rather wet today, 11c rain most of the day, wind 11 also.

We stayed in as we had nowhere to go, just had a bacon and egg on 2 slices of my toast.

Midday we just had coffee and 2 biscuits.

For tea we had, well o/h had tomato soup, chicken nuggets, dry round of my toast and a cuppa, i had butter chicken with 4 heated from frozen Chapati's, yummy.

Mollie, Thanks for the dancing advent calendar, lovely, the loaf must be the best yet, it's so light and fluffy, i think i know the secret now and have found a loaf tin on Amazon which i might get as i think a normal oven might give better results but i need the machine for the kneading as it's pretty hard to do manually.

That was nice meeting at Toby, it breaks the day up and nice to see your son.

Emptybox,The pain hasn't really changed a lot so she's still on the same, she has a lot of stinging which is probably part of the healing process, some of the leg is so painful she still can't put a blanket over it.

The small tins of fish are just so tasty in the tomato sauce, don't like to feel hungry in bed.

Yes, it's best for the baby that they are together, don't know how long the contract is for in Brisbane.

both xxx

Emptybox

was it a bit milder there today? Did you manage to get any work done?

Hicky

good idea to stay in today, with the weather being so bad.

That is brilliant you managed to make such a nice light and fluffy loaf.

Not nice if your poor OH still can't put a blanket on it, does her leg feel cold, or is she able to wear trousers over it?

Yes definately best for such a young baby if they can be together as they change so much and so quickly at that age.

Pouring down most of the day today.

I did manage to get to aqua fit though as it helps my knees so much. Went to Gregs with daughter after for their deal, had tomato soup and cheese and onion pasty for £2.25, so not bad at all.

Apprentice time now. Have chosen to watch that instead of IAC tonight.

Goodnight both xxx

advent day 5 and it is time to light our candles.

Hi both.

Another frosty start and then freezing rain. It turned to ordinary rain this afternoon, but only got up to 1 or 2c so no good for work. Supposed to be milder tomorrow though.

Went into town to do some banking.

Hicky. Pity your OH's leg is still so painful.

That's good that you've got the hang of making your bread, and the loaf was your best yet.

Mollie. Pleased you managed to get to Aqua Fit despite the rain, and that it seems to be working for you.

Sounds like a nice snack with your daughter at Greggs afterwards.

Forgot to watch The Apprentice, so am now watching it on iplayer.

IAC was good.

Evening Both.

The site has done it again, tells me to enable cookies, then after i posted it says i need to enable cookies and i have to sign in again, copied the post though.

13c today, rain showers, wind is 14.

We had bacon and egg on toast for brekkie.

O/H went for a wlk around the adjacent Cul-de-sac, at some speed as well, i went with her the second time a bit later.

Istarted the car as it hadn't ran foa a couple of weeks, it was fine, got it up to temperature.

We might go a walk every day if weather permits.

She wants to walk to the post box which is as far as the local coop store.

For tea i made a salad with baked spuds, battered squid rings and prawns and scampi, nice.

Mollie, No, her leg doesn't feel cold, 1 side of the knee seems numb but most is sore to the touch.

She can move the leg fine, the pain just doesn't stop.

At least you got to Gregs for some food after the Aqua session, that is good.

I've stopped watching the apprentice, too boring

Emptybox, It seems a lot colder where you are, not that cold here i don't think.

I'm going to make a loaf a bit smaller, 2/3rd of the size as it won't fit in the toaster.

My new mobile case came i ordered the other day as the last one i got is wearing pretty bad with me keeping it in my pants pocket.

Just eaten my pork scratching, o/h's turn on odd number days.

both xxx

Advent day 6...far too mild here to make any of these, so a piccie of some instead. .

Emptybox

was it mild enough for you to get out today?

It was mild here today, but rain, rain, and more rain.

Not like you to forget the Apprentice, good job we have iplayer now.

Hicky

I too had to accept cookies and sign in, ridiulous the amount of times it does that now. Luckily I didn't lose my post though.

Your OH is doing well going at some speed round the block so soon after the op.

That is lucky the car is still turning over ok.

Hope the weather does enable you both to do your walks.

I wonder if your OH's knee will stay numb, as mine after my fall nearly 2 years ago is still numb. Very odd. Doc and physio didn't seem concerned about that though.

That is very noble of you to take it in turns with your OH with your advent calendar.

We went to Costco today for some food and Christmas shopping. Lots of free food samples which was very nice.

Son has found a gaming shop/cafe place so we called in there. He is going on Tuesday as he is fed up of just playing online and fancies playing in a group surrounding. He said they had lots of expensive machines there for gamers. A new game called Super Smash Brothers is released tomorrow, and it is this one he fancies playing in a group as well as online. Apparently they have tournaments too.

Watching Supervet at Christmas then IAC.

Goodnight both xxx