Evening Mollie & Baz.

9c today with light rain to start then cloud/sun with a moderate breeze.

Had black pudding and eggs on toast for brekkie.

Did more jobs in the garden, finalised the changes to the outside bine, it now has 5 x *ft lengths of vine, 4 of the 5 raised beds are now surrounded by a 1m high plastic net to keep creatures from digging etc in the soil.

For tea i had thawed out 2 Lamb leg steaks, using a recipe i saw online i added some salad potatoes, a sliced onion, some oil, salt, pepper and Oregano, with a gravy from granules with the salt, pepper and Oregano added again, cooked for 40 minutes, very pleased and the salad potatoes stayed firm but cooked so was pleased, got the salad spuds from the farm shop, it made 2 meals so will freeze the rest, the leg steaks are pretty big of course.

O/H bought a large Duck for Sunday and i'm having one for Christmas as well, Sunday is a test.

Mollie, Leveling the kitchen cupboard doors with the right instructions was easy so it didn't take long at all, knowing what the adjusting screws do makes life so much easier.

You don't know what alami is, well try adding an S in front, like Salami.

Yes, i'll have to remember about time limits when parking, mind you we have never stayed anywhere for 3 hours.

If you remember where my waterworks problem started, i was having a few problems similar to Emptybox before i went in hospital for my replacement hip, but the general anesthetic caused my prostrate to pack in completely which started off a chain reaction with catheters which didn't work as i had a problem in the bladder as the surface was giving off flaking skin which blocked the catheter so they had to do the TURP op which solved the problem but before they did the op they found a 15mm stone which had to be chopped up in order to get rid of it.

Pleased about this weekend, F1, Strictly and IAC with the aftershow, brill. 

Baz, Hope you are sleeping ok, and taking things easy, make each day so you have lots of time to do something that can make you happy.

Hope Sammy is keeping you amused, each cat is so different, my mother used to have a Persian one but it wouldn't let you pick her up, mind you she was very big.

Have a good evening.

both xxx

Baz

hope you are well today and managed to get into town today.

Hicky

that's good it as dry enough today for you to do your garden.

That's good your recipe turned out so well.

Oh I get it now...adding the S to alarmi makes all the difference...  I even googled "alarmi" as I didn't want to show my ignorance in not knowing what it was.

When I meet my disabled friends, and we take the 5 year old twins with us, we usually do go over 3 hours, as we have to shop, (the twins spend ages looking at the toys) and then we have a meal if we are in costco, then they both need the toilet (at different times of course!).  Or sometimes we chat so long over coffee like we did that time in Sainsburys, we can do go over 3 hours.

Yes I recall what awful problems you had around the time Emptybox's were ongoing. You did well to get it all sorted in the end though.

Those Persian cats are beautiful looking cats.

Did lots of washing, but not much else.

Have been sorting my things out and wrapping my mum's sister Christmas gifts because we are going away for the weekend tomorrow to see them.

We hope to visit the Birmingham christmas markets tomorrow morning as it is so pretty.

So have  a good weekend both and I will return when we get home.

Goodnight both xxx

Afternoon Mollie and Hicky Hope you are both having a good Saturday . It’s cold and dank here, but I did pop to town cos I needed to put something in the mail . I also went down yesterday cos a library book .....the latest James Patterson ....I had ordered was in Apart from that it’s just been the usual housework . Tomorrow my daughter is popping over to try and mend my kitchen cabinet door ....and I’m at the spa .....then on Monday it’s counselling ....so it’s been a busy few days Sammy , is nothing as posh as a Persian ....shes  just a short haired torbie 

Wow Mollie , you are very organised...I thought I was good getting my Xmas cards and a couple of gifts Hope you’re having a lovely time and enjoy the Xmas market Hicky , my sleeping isn’t great , but I think in your 70s it’s probably to be expected......even without the grief angle . I thought the got rid of the wrong person in Masterchef ....mainly because I find looking at the one contestants sullen face annoying 

Anyway, it’s Strictly tonight and I’m a Celeb tomorrow , so enjoy your weekend both . Take care 

Evening Mollie & Baz.

Only 9c today heavy thick and a gentle breeze.

Had scrambled egg with toast for brekkie.

Did some more jobs in the garden, still more things to do but some can wait till the sun is out.

For tea i was going to make chili can carni but i realised i should use more of the meals i have made that are in the garage freezer, so took out a leek soup and a lamb leg masala, added some extra's to the soup, like green chilies, spring onions.

Then booled some rice, put some Turmeric in with the rice so i can see it easier on the plate.

Enjoyed Strictly from Blackpool, big productions weren't they?

Mollie, I usually get a pack or two of salami, love it.

I see what you mean with the 3 hour parking, i'll have to watch that, the problem is i have no visible disabilities so noone would no of mine.

Yes, had a few nasty months with the catheter use, it would have been ok if it didn't get blocked up but it was agonising waiting for them to come and change it, i used to take the old one to bits to see what blocked it, and it was skin, my body generate excess skin which flakes in places on my body, that was what happens with my elbows as well so an operation was the only answer, i just take a tablet for it now.

Enjoy your Birmingham trip taking presents, hope the trip goes well, see you when you return.

Baz, It's good to go to town if the weather is reasonable and it's without risk.

Hope your daughter can fix your cupboard door tomorrow for you.

Enjoy the Spa, i know you do, and counselling Monday, 

I sometimes get up once or twice in the night, if i wake then i go to the loo whether i need to or not, it just lets me cool off and get comfy again, of course the central heating will stop me getting cold and the automatic lighting (dusk/dawn) is on anyway so the hall and porch is lit and the dining/lounge are is lit as i have a table lamp with a dusk to dawn bulb in which will be on, i don't like dark rooms, and the outside lights in the fascia around the building are on hidden proximity sensors so they go on if anyone approaches the building.

I went to Blackpool many times when i was young, it's a big place but can be very windy on the front.

Have a good evening and Sunday..

Evening Mollie & Baz.

8c here today with light rain on and off and a gentle breeze.

Watched my normal Sunday morning tv show, Sunday Brunch, also my family inOz called us up on video using Facebook Messenger so we had a half hour viseo link with them.

Put the Duck in the oven to cook as pwe recipe, o/h was going to do the veg etc.

Didn't do much outside, set the Trail camera up again to see what it can find when i go in.

Had a look at some of the files on the house window dash cam, i have ordered bigger micro sd cars, i need 128gb as the 64 one only stores about 4 hours of recordings and if i connect a rear window camera add on to it for the side window which means i will get 4 files a minute, a high and a low res file for front and rear camera.

Mollie, Hope all is going well with the Birmingham trip, tell us about your trip when you return.

Baz, Hope you are well, hope you had the spa and hope your daughter managed to sort your cupboard door out.

Have a good evening, see who goes tonight on Strictly and who arrives into the Jungle.

Afternoon Mollie and Hicky  Hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday . I thought I had posted in here earlier ...I certainly typed out a long blurb ....I must have forgotten to press send  Anyway, I’ve been for my usual spa hour .....and my daughter popped over.....took me to M&S and fixed my kitchen cabinet door Now I’m eating my dinner and looking forward to a good nights viewing ....Strictly Results ....Escape to the Chateau ...and I’m a Celeb launch 

Mollie ...I hope you are having a lovely weekend Hicky , what did you think of Strictly last night ? I like my bedroom really dark ....but I also  have no trouble getting to sleep , but wake up several times a night 

Well I am going to press send now ....before I get sidetracked again Have a good evening both . Take care 

Evening Baz and Mollie when she returns.

Pretty chilly today with a high of 7c with sun and light wind.

Had sausages for brekkie then went in the back picking up leaves with my spiked cane. not as easy now the leaves are Oak but if they are deeper then it's easier to get them.

My Blue Badge came qat last and my new payment slip from HMRC but still waiting for the cheque book now.

For tea i decided on making batter for crispy deep fried prawns and sliced strips of Barramundi Fish.

You had a busy Sunday, hope the Councelling goes ok as well.

At this stage of Strictly there always going to be a shock as they are all so good.

I enjoyed the Jungle, wow, what a scary start, walking the plank in that wind is no joke.

I see they can't have a camp fire to cook, not sure if they have one at all, all over the Oz fires.

O/H says she can't sleep with lights on, i said well just shut your eyes, if i shut my eyes the place is a blackout.

Looking forward to IAC then the aftershow, thats 155 minutes, yippeeeeeeeeeeee.

Have a good evening.

Afternoon Mollie and Hicky  Sunny but frosty and  very cold here today .....but it looked very pretty when I pulled the curtains this morning I’ve not done a lot today ....had to wait in for a parcel ....so just some housework and washing Hope you are all having a good day and staying warm 

Mollie , hope you are home safe and sound now Hicky , counselling went ok ....but is quite draining ....and only two more sessions to go I think the Jungle is shaping up nicely....I’ve already got my grrrrrr contestants  I don’t watch the after show though cos I don’t like the presenters . ‘And Masterchef too tonight ....so it looks like being a good nights viewing 

Anyway , hope you both have a good evening .Take care 

both

I am back again after our few days away.

how lucky were we with not a drop of rain at all. (don't mind the cold as long as it is dry).

Baz

pity you lost your post, I hate it when I do that!

Well done to your daughter fixing your kitchen cabinet door, she sounds as handy as our Hicky.

Good for you not doing too much on such a cold day. It was very pretty here too today with the early morning frost. (much better than being a milder but wet day we can get this time of year).

You poor thing, I can understand your counselling is quite draining, but I do admire you for going there and also for regularly going to the spa. I think it takes a lot more guts when you have had a hard time to get out and about, than it does to hang around doing nothing. (which of course would make you feel even worse).

Yes IAC off to to a good start, I too don't watch the after show.

Hicky

that's nice you had another half hour call with your Oz family.

Don't forget to use your blue badge now, I expect it will take you awhile to get used to looking for disabled spaces when you go out. Many people have hidden disabliities, so don't worry yours isn't obvious. Have you heard of the hidden disability sunflower lanyard here.

https://www.hiddendisabilities...cts-20/products.html

They gave me one of these in Edibnurgh airport beause my arthritis was too bad for all the walking/stairs.queing at the airport. They are recognised in a lot of places now. Even Sainsburys are promoting them.

Yes  I can remember how ill you felt around the time of the catheter. Good job that eventually got sorted out ok for you. Do you take your tablet to help stop the excess skin? That must be an unusual condition, I haven't heard of it before.

We had a nice weekend in Birmingham.

We went to the German Christmas market first, I had German style mayo and pommes frittes. Son had German sausage and I bought a couple of nice little decorations for my neighbour's mum to take back to India when she returns tomorrow.

Then we stayed with my mum's sisters and my cousin and wife and looked at old photos and exchanged Christmas pressies.( I am not organised really Baz, but I have to get these pressies early as I probably won't see them before Christmas as they are over 2 hours drive away. )

Then son went to Comic Con and me and OH sat and watched lots in fancy cartoon based dress. I took a photo with some of them, they were so clever costumes.

Today I had to go to podiatrist. She said I had a damaged ligament in my ankle and that added to arthritis, was making me walk odd, and giving muscle degeneration, ,so she has given me a lot of exercises to do to help it. She is also getting me a special thing made to go in my shoe. She said it will be more painful at first, but she hopes it helps eventually. It is real painful today.

Enjoyed IAC again....eeeekkk at those horrible helmets!

Goodnight both xxx

Evening Baz.

Cold this morning, 0c when i got up, 7c at 2pm, sunny intervals with a gentle breeze.

Was up at 7am today and had to get composed before going to the Podiatry clinic for my usual nail clipping, had an appointment for 08.45 so ordered a taxi as although it's not far, maybe half a mile my breathing  isn't so good, o/h was going to work soon and the car was iced up and it would have messed her schedule up, got a taki back.

Had 4 soft boiled eggs for brekkie.

Picked up some more leaves from the garden. just to keep on top of them, a lot more to go yet.

For tea i decided to have a cod loin, and had some salad potatoes so cliced and boiled them, then while the fish was frying i made a half pint of hot chip chop curry sauce, so easy, then fried some of the spuds, it was delish.

I just happened to bump into a Japanese Tempura Batter recipes which looks worth a try, only a cup flour, an egg and a cup of iced water, but the food to be cooked and the oil has to be at 190c before you make the batter, the method is having the flour measured out ahead of cooking and the egg in a dish with a quick scramble, using chop sticks, the cold water is added to the eggs and stired then the flour is sieved over the eggs/water and stirred quick with the chop sticks, mustn't be over mixed, the food is then dipped into the batter and straight into the hot oil.

The fish strips and prawns i did last night in batter was lovely, but always after a better batter.

Will be going to the Farm shop in the morning for a few goodies.

If you don't need to go out, have a lazy day, no-one is marking you, if the coulcilling is helping then it's worth going through with it, the councelling will  have a fixed amount of sessions, but you maybe able to enrole for a second set if you think it would help.

I don't really like the after show presenter either, i never did think he was funny, as a comedian.

The presenters and guests always want those in the jungle have rows, otherwise they say the camp is boring, it's a shame really when they need rows to keep viewers. 

Just seen the post from Mollie, you were posting while a i was, so will add another post in reply.

Have a good evening.

Evening Mollie.

The sunflower idea seems ok, if anyone else knew what it meant, not convinced.

No, the tablet i take after the prostate op is just to stop it bleeding i think and to stop it getting larger as it grew some blood vessels which could bleed now and again.

The skid was shed in the bladder because i have a condition on the bladder wall can't remember what it is now, like some sort of blisters.

Glad you had a good weekend, the German market soulds interesting, nice to see the old photos as well, 

Hope the addition to your shoe helps, i was at the podiatry place as well today.

Enjoyed IAC again, i always do though.

both xxx

Baz

hope you feel ok today and have had a good day. Did you go out?

Hicky

that was an early appointment for you at the podiatrist. A shame you can't manage to walk like you used to and had to get a taxi.

We had an iced up car too, have had a few already this autumn. Although it has been very cold here, at least its better than all that rain we had awhile back.

At tis time of year picking up those leaves are going to keep you busy for awhile. 

Its good they have medication to prevent that condition coming back again.

Nothing nicer than a delicous batter, glad you seem to have perfected it.

Very cold here today.

I was over neighbour's house at 7.15am toay as daughter and I looked after her dog whilst she took her mum to Heathrow. She is going back to India after staying with her daughter for 6 months. She is 89, so does well travelling so far. She did have her daughter's friend with her to help her travel though.

My friend is moving, so OH and son helped her move some stuff, then this afternoon I picked her 2 kiddies up from school. They are so sweet, aged 8 and 10. They wanted fish, chips and beans for tea, which other son and  I made and they enjoyed. Daughter did some gaming with the boys, so they said they had a great time and wanted to come back. Which is great for their mum, as it is a big thing moving a family of 6 and pets, and her hubby works long hours.

I too am really enjoying IAC. Ant and Dec so funny.

Watching Paul Ogrady with the dogs now at Battersea. Poor things these abandoned dogs are. Good job Battersea looks after them so well.

Supposed to be milder today, doesn't feel it though, the wind is freezing!

Have a good evenign both xxx

Evening Mollie & Baz.

Weather cool at 9c with light cloud and a moderate breeze.

Went to the main shop for the butchers to rder meats for MIL for Christmas and some for ourselves then went to the farm shop for some bits, then went to Halfords to get a rear view cam to go with my one in the house.

Got the new cam working and connected to the window cam.

Swapped the micro sd card in the window cam and the dash cam in the car so i can check things working as i expect, also took the cards out of the greenhouse camera and the trail camera so i had 4 lots of videos to check.

Had a cold beef and gravy pie with a cup of tea.

Didn't buy any meat from the butchers as i have so much in stock, but couldn't resist 3 lamb heats they had, they don't seem to have them often, probably sold by the time i get there.

For tea decided on some bits from the fridge and freezer in the house, a type of burger, a red onion, some left over sliced salad potatoes and some bacon, had some pickled beetroot with it, also some ketchup.

My new 128gb cards for the house camera should arrive Friday, i have also had to put the house camera onto a time clock as it's pointless recording all night in the dark as we don't have a street lamp outside the house.

Going to record the jungle shows with the Apprentice being on tonight.

Have a good evening both, hope you are both keeping well.

Evening Mollie.

Just seen the post, we posted together again.

I might have been able to walk to the medical centre but with it being so cold it might have been worse for me and there nowhere to sit down to have a minutes rest.

That was nice looking after the 2 children, such a help keeping them out of the way.

89 is a good age to be doing all that travelling, well done her.

And the Winter doesn't start till 22nd December what is going on, not a good sign really is it.

Afternoon Mollie and Hicky Cold and damp here , so I’ve not been out ....except to feed the birds and empty the bin I have caught up with some housework , changed the bed and done some washing and ironing ....so quite productive chez Baz As for Sammy , she is getting far to big for her paws I’ve had to put a door stop in front of the cupboard where her food is cos she keeps rattling the door 

Glad you are both enjoying Im a Celeb ....I am too.....it will be interesting to see how the newbies change the dynamic tonight I think my faves are Roman and the rugby guy ....the ones I don’t like are Ian Wright and Adele What did you think of the Apprentice ? I would rather they got rid of darn Lottie ....no redeeming features imo ....but out of the losing team I think Ryan Mark was the right one to sack . My favourite is the cockney guy Yesterdays Masterchef contestants weren’t up to much in the skills test  ...but what’s up with Monica this week ....she’s definitely got her narky knickers on !

Mollie , glad you had a good weekend break ....the German Market sounds lovely Hicky , glad your blue badge came and I hope your eye is a bit better Anyway , enjoy tonight’s viewing 

Evening Baz.

Cool again today at 6c with thick cloud and a moderate breeze.

Had bacon and beans for brekkie.

Something is pinching the peanuts from the animal traps, don't understand, it can't be squirells as they start to shell the nuts and eat them, there is no shell around and all the nuts had gone from 2 traps, very strange, have refilled 3 times, and the camera has caught nothing, maybe it's not picking things up in the dark.

My new 128gb micro sd cards came for the house front dash cam as i need more time recorded before it gets overwritten, when recording 4 files at a time, 1 high res and 1 low res each of the front and the back camera, which is 240 files an hour.

For tea i had a bowl of tomato soup with toast then 2 corn on the cob, so yummy.

Enjoyed the Jungle, i don't like to see them going so hungry, it must be torture, i would have walked out if i was hungry and if i won a treat and then it was lost.

It will be awkward for the newbies going in late, good luck to them.

I(f your cat can get at the food supply it sure will.

I was telling Mollie once about me feeding a cat in a car plant in Belgium, i used to give it some of my packed lunch the hotel gave me in the morning, cheese or ham, i fed it at 10am every morning, i had the food in my work bag, like a toolbox only it was a canvas bag.

The bag was was kept in an electrical cabinet to keep it hidden, one day i was late getting to the cabinet and the cat had been and ether opened the door or found it open, it had got the sandwiches out of my bag and taken the filling, clever these cats.

On the apprentice, i think they are all hopeless to be honest, it's good for a laugh but i feel sorry for LS.

Have a good evening.

PS. forgot to mention, sent the cheque to hmrc, you have to put a stamp on now as the freepost stopped some time ago, also didn't realise that they had lost the banking details and business details of 25m people, no wonder they seem to be out on a limb.

both xxx

Baz

cheeky little Sammie rattling the door for her food. She obvously has a good appetite and is going to be a smart cookie.

Don't blame you staying in as it was cold and damp.

Apprentice....Yes Lottie was extremely annoying last night! I too like the Cockney guy. He is certainly a good salesman but a friendly funny chap too, and he certainly enjoys dressing up.

Hicky

you are organised ordering your Christmas food already, and you also sound organised with your techy camera things.

IAC...Yes I can imagine you would not manage without your food, I know how much you enjoy it.

Yes I am sure walking in the cold air would not be good for your breathing problems, so very wise to go for a taxi, no matter how close it is you need to go. The cough I had recently (only just gone, lasted 3 weeks!) always started again when I went out in the cold. As you say, it is not even winter yet, I believe this thing about the Global Solar Minimum and lack of sunpsots causing it, but it doesn't suit the powers that be to promote the fact the planet is getting colder, not warmer. Appartently it causes a few real hot days in summer too, but generally longer colder winters.

Your phampton nut nicker is a bit of a mystery. Could it be small mice? bats?

I love that cat story of yours. Amazing for such a smal brain how they can work food out. Our rabbit is similiar, can't believe how he can get the message across to us when he wants to remind us it is food time.

HMRC lost 25m bank details, they are absolutely useless!

Today I met an old friend who I only see a couple of times a year as she has to travel 2 hours each way by train to meet me. But she fancied seeing the play "Nativity" I dig out my Christmas jumper and off we went to see it and my daughter came too. It was lovely, humourus and lots of cute kiddies, even a little fluffy dog. Then I met the rest of my family in town and we went to an Italian that had a shoppers special offer on. 3 of us had pizza and 2 had pasta. Very nice it was. We had meant to go round Winterwondland fair and see the ice skating rink but it was raining so we postponed that.

I have met one of the new IAC contestants, and he is absolutely lovely. Could be our winner as he is so pleasant. He is Andy off Coronation Street. He came to a Corrie party I went to that the Canadian fans asked me and my family to come to in Manchester a few years ago and he came too, chatted to us all and sang at our party.

Have a good evening both xxx

Evening Mollie and Baz.

8c today with cloud and rain this afternoon with a gentle breeze.

O/H brought my shopping, don't you just love those little packs of maltesers, yummy.

Decided on making a big casserole with 3 stuffed hearts and a Jacobs Ladder with the gravy concoction and a load of salad potatoes, added a few extra spicesto the recipe, had 1 portion for tea as i didn't bother with brekkie, it will make another 3 meals when it cools.

Renewed my Merseyrail travel pass, always handy to have.

Ordered a new trail camera to further cover the raised beds to find out what is happening.

I've got Championship darts live form Minehead this weekend so i'm all right.

The thing about the world temperatures, it has been changing for millions of uears, some changes lasted thousands of years, the earth split into thousands of pieces trapping animals in the wrong area, amny swam to an island, people have been lighting fires for thousands of years to keep warm, now they say the animals are creating gasses, the earth used to be covered by millions of massive animals, far more than we have now, the earth is moving, it never stops, Venis is sinking, and lately it has been flooded out, places are running out of water because others have diverted the river, they build houses on land below sea level then seem surprised when the land gets flooded, the rivers are all silted up, the drains were built so many years ago they can't cope and certainly can''t move the amount of water needed, whatever the uk did to help would do nothing, if China, India, USA and many other countries do little or nothing then we will have done it for no gain at all, we as an Island country would not alter the condition by 1 iota, tbh it's asif we don't exist in the global size of things.

The peanuts disappeard again, caught a rat.

That was nice giving your Christmas jumper a day out to see the play, Italian food, nice, not had a lot of that.

I wouldn't fancy watching ice skating in the rain either.

I'll have to see  Andy off Coronation Street, i don't watch Corry so know very few of those in the Jungle, they all seem a good bunch though.

Baz, Hope all is well with you and you've had a good day, you can put your feet up now and enjoy the weekend

Hope Sammy knows you secured the door to the food, give her a chance and she'll have it.

Have a good night and weekend both.

both xxx

Baz

hope you are having a good day. Have you been out today?

Hicky

Agree....maltesers, yum, yum

Handy to make a big casserole so you have some left for another day.

Sounds like you are going to enjoy this weekends darts viewing. I know Minehead well, we often used to go there when the children were small. 

Gosh a rat! I thought it might be that or a mouse, I have heard there are now endless numbers of rats in this country.

Even though we do our bit to minimise pollution in this country now, yes we are small fry in our contribution to pollution (air and plastic) compared to the likes of India and China.

Busy day today, did a bit of washing/tidying, then off to neighbours to watch her dog as she had to take hubby to hospital appointment. Then went to school to collect friends kiddies again as their parents are still busy moving. We took them to costco for tea. they loved it there. They were thrilled with the 9 different food samples on offer and the nice big portions in the cafe. (both of them love their food!).

We had heavy rain this afternoon, stopped for awhile, now started again. Looks like a wet day to come tomorrow now too.

Gogglebox time. Am recording IAC.

Goodnight both xxx

Afternoon Mollie and Hicky  Hope everyone is having a good day . It’s wet and miserable here ...so I’ve taken a leaf out of Sammy book....hunkered down and done naff all  

Hicky , a ratRather you than me Strictly tonight ....sadly I think Chris will go this week ....if he is in the dance off . Mollie , I am glad Andy is as nice as he seems .....I think he is my winner ...he had me in stitches when he was laughing at Minty doing the task  I’m enjoying Celeb ....but Ian and Jaqueline are driving me nuts   

Anyway , I’m off to make a cuppa and some toast ....it’s that sort of day Enjoy your evening . Take care 

Evening Mollie & Baz.

Only 9c today, cloudy with a moderate breeze.

We went out for brekkie to a garden center and to order some manure and compost for delivery Monday, i had 2 sausages, black pudding beans and toast, the sausages where so big and thick i asked the girl if she had a saddle for it, it was about 45mm diameter.

One of our grandsons works there in one of the departments.

The peanuts had been taken again, some animals must be opening a store i think.

Decided to have chicken satay for tea as i had a box in the freezer, got a recipe from my book to make some sauce to have it with, should be good will have it after this post.

Mollie, We knew there were rats around as next door puts food out for the birds, i told her not too, but.

Yes, Costco is ideal for little ones as there is plenty of free stuff around, plus a good meal anyway.

The stuff i used to buy from Costco like loo rolls, kitchen rolls, bin bags, zipper bags etc i order through Amazon but it's all the Costco stuff, the best.

Baz, I don't blame you having a restful day, why not.

Rats or any animals don't bother me really, will pick anything up really.

Loving IAC, so good, Ian is a bit stressed out.

Just going to sort my Satay out as Dats start at 7pm.

Have a good evening.

both

Baz

don't blame you staying in on such a stinkingly bad weather day.

iAC...Yes Andy was just charming and fun to be with, his dad came with him to our party too and he was lovely as well. They stayed with us for hours. Some of my fave family photos are me and the family taken with Andy on that night in Manchester.

Hicky

hope you are enjoying your darts.

I too am really enjoying IAC. Its so good to have this to watch each evening.

Nice treat for you to go to garden centre for brekkie. I am sure you didn't mind having extra big sausages too. That sounds like a nice little job for your grandson. I bet he was pleased to see you there.

Oh dear, your silly neighbour, no wonder rats are around, they soon accumulate when there is easy food to be got and are sure to get at it before the birds get a chance.

We too buy stuff like that from Costco, as well as food. We bought a ready meal yesterday that we just had to heat in the oven at home of pasta, ricotta and tomato sauce today. It was delicous.

Today we looked after my friends children again whilst she moved and sorted more things. We picked them up at 10 and they stayed with us till 6. We went to a cafe for breakfast first.It was pouring down with rain and one lad had come out in his slippers without his mum noticing, so he had to borrow a pair off my son... that were about 3 sizes too big. He looked so funny, but he loved them.  Then they helped daughter bake a cake, had tea with us and played some games that my daughter taught them. So they enjoyed themselves, whilst it made it easier for their mum to get on with their house move.

Enjoyed x factor and watching IAC now.

have a good evening both xxx

Evening Mollie & Baz.

It was a little warmer today at 10c with thick cloud and a light wind.

Didn't have much for brekkie, just a slice of my big loaf i thawed out with sliced tomato on.

The peanuts have disappeared again, nothing on the trail video so have altered the setting to timelapse mode with 5 minute intervals, for a change.

For tea i peeled and boiled some of my spuds to make mash, and cooked the cauliflower, put the Jacobs Ladder meat with the spuds and gravy etc into the shallow casserole thingly and heated in oven for half an hour, but it made 2 meals so have kept a portion for a rainy day.

The relative i stayed with in Suffolk is coming down next week visiting his relatives in the area before Christmas, he will be calling in here as well, we will probably be going to his place in the Spring as well.

On my list for the veg i want next year i have got Potatoes, onion, corn on the cob, tomato, carrots, peas, beetroot and probably more to come.

Mollie, The darts has been great, watching it now, My grandson just works friday, Sat, Sun to get some money towards his car upkeep, holidays etc as he works during the week.

I did enjoy going to Costco but when theres only 2 of you a bit of a waste so i just get what i need from them via Amazon.

Ah, fancy going out in slippers, and worse still in the rain, oh well, he must have had a problem walking in the wrong size shoes though, they sure enjoyed themselves anyway.

Baz, Hope you had a nice Sunday, i bet Sammy keeps you amused, has she got toys that she plays with on the floor, i have seen cats playing with stuff, i suppose they are play acting toying with small animals.

Have a good evening, am recording Strictly results and IAC for tomorrow.

both xxx

Baz

hope you are having a good day. Been out or unwinding in the warm at home with Sammie by your side?

Hicky

that will be nice to see your relative from Suffolk again. And nice for you too to go and visit them again in the spring.

That sounds like a nice list of veg to come for next year. Very healthy too.

Glad you are enjoying your darts. Did you used to play darts yourself?

Yes indeed, it is not worth paying the members fee for costco when it is just for 2 people, nor worth the travelling you would need to do now. Also not worth it as  you can get the costco things you need from amazon as well.

How come you are not watching IAC tonight? Is it because you are watching the darts? I am watching Dark Materials, then IAC.

Had the children all day again today. We took them to the Christmas parade in a close by little town. It was lovely, lots of floats, elves, huge dogs pulling little sleighs, Father Christmas sleigh pulled by reindeer. So lucky the weather was mild and dry for it.The children loved it, and so did we.

After we enjoyed a hot cheese and onlon pasty fromGregs. They are just delicous.

Have a good evening both xxx

Afternoon Mollie and Hicky  How are you both  today ? I’ve not done a lot ..weather has been lousy ....so , just some washing and housework ....and lazing around with Sammy I went to the spa yesterday , but my usual therapist was on holiday , so I just had my nails done ....therefore it wasn’t quite as relaxing as normal .....but at least I got out of the house for an hour or so.

Mollie ....nice of you to look after your friends children ....I bet they had a good time ....and lol at the wellies How are your joints now ? Hicky , I bet you are looking forward to seeing your friends ....and yes , Sammy has some toys .....the one she likes best is a feather and bell on the end of a long stick which I wave about She runs around like a mad thing chasing it and boy , she can’t half jump high  

 I’m still enjoying I'm a Celeb ....although Jacqueline is driving me nuts...talk about drama queen  Do either of you watch DOI ? Anyway , have a good evening ....enjoy the Jungle 

Evening Mollie & Baz.

A lot warmer here today, 12c with lots of cloud, rain was forecast but didn't see any, a gentle breeze.

Had a video chat with my Oz family, didn't have one yesterday as little one was having teething problems but she was ok today, he did say he woke up early one morning smelling smoke and burning, scary, it was from the out of control fires, he is thinking of moving apartments as well as he has been waiting for them to put air con in but it keeps getting held up.

The delivery came with the manure and compost, 2 bags and 6 of compost.

Had bacon sausage and eggs for brekkie, for tea got a meal from my food store in the garage, the freezer, had beef curry, made some rice.

I go to the eye clinic tomorrow, i'll see if i can find out whats up with my left eye, hopeless since the cataract op.

Mollie, Yes, looking forward to seeing o/h's BIL, he is down Thursday, not sure when he will come to see us, he's down for 4 days.

Still compiling the veg list for next year, might use mostly seeds to cut down the cost.

I was always playing darts when young, not too bad really, only in the bars as they all had dart boards.

I recorded IAC as the darts was on for so long, i recorded Strictly as well, no problem.

The darts is on for 4 hrs at a time, 5 sessions in all 20 hrs, love it.

Glad the children enjoyed their day out with you, and a Greggs pasty.

Baz, That was nice having the Spa yesterday, pity the therapist was on holiday, but at least you got your nails done.

I can just imagine Sammy with the feather and bell on the end of the stick, it's funny how they go for it, it's like they see something we don't, oh yes, don't under estiamte how high they can jump, not always so good at getting down again though.

I don't mind drama queens, i get annoyed when the hosts etc are hoping for more rows in camp, it could be so they have more to chat about.

I love DOI, never miss that.

Have a good Evening.

Evening All.

13c today with light rain and a moderate breeze.

Had fried eggs on toast for brekkie.

My new camera arrived for me to play with, very nice it is too.

My four stainless 17cm Balti dishes came, wanted them to serve the curry and serce to my guest when he arrives, did i mention iwas going to make a beef Rendang curry.

Went to the eye clinic, just tested reading letters from the board and then gave me eye drops the stung like heck. then had black and white and colour pictures taken and went home, o/h was with me, doc will look at results and send my next appointment.

For tea decided to test the new rice recipe, it was very nice and to go with that i cooked some king prawns and made a portion of hot chip shop curry sauce.

I can hardly see the screen as it looks so pale and the text hardly sticks out for me, they might still be under the influence of the eye drops.

Have a good evening, enjoy the jungle, loving it.

both xxx

Baz

Pity your usual therapist was off, but as you say, its good you at least got out for awhile.

Sounds like Sammie is a good influence on you if she is encouraging you to relax and laze around now and again.

at Sammy having fun running around after the feather and the bell.

Yes I do watch DOI, I love it, I think it is hard to walk on ice, let along dance! 

I too am enjoying IAC but agree about Jacqualine. She is such an annoying whinger. She should of given someone else a chance to go in there who really wanted to.

Hicky

its been milder here too today, but some real heavy rain too. Think I prefer the colder but drier weather.

Don't blame your son thinking of moving if the air con has not been done yet. It will be awful mid summer for them and the baby without it. Do you know how close they are to the fires? My cousin was about 30 miles away and she said the smoke smell was horrible , so bad they had to cover their mouths. Have they asked your lad to pack a bag? My aunt tells me my cousin was asked to pack a bag and to water their roof twice a day. Lets hope they get some substantial rain soon. We are due too much rain yet again here in Wales! Wish we could share it out with them.

Hope the eye clinic can help find out what is going on with your eye after the op. Good luck for tomorrow.

You will have a lot of tv to catch up with, as the darts last 4 hours a time. Which is a good thing this time of year, as you can't spend much time outdoors.

Had to go out to shops in pouring rain and had a headache all day today, so not a very good day. Son made a roast dinner, so had a bit of that as the bad head put me off my usual good appetite. Think it might be to do with allergies/blocked nose left over from the cold I had not long ago.

Looking forward to a bit of tv now.

have a good evening both xxx

Afternoon Mollie and Hicky  Wet , cold and miserable so I’ve hunkered down and done a bit of housework ....and not much else Sammy  has done the same ...minus the housework ...but plus a lot of sleeping on her bed by the radiator Hope everyone else is having a good day and staying warm 

Mollie , hope your headache is better today Could it have been a migraine ?Those fires sound horrendous Hicky , hope your eye is a bit better today ...and like Mollie I hope the pics can show consultant what’s going on  I think they took the wrong person through on MC last night ....I think it should have been the girl who did such an amazing skills test ! Who do you think will be the new camp leader in I’m a Celeb ? I think it might be Caitlin 

Anyway , full evenings viewing tonight ...MC , Apprentice and Celeb ( on plus 1 ) So , hope you both have a good evening . Take care 

Evening Mollie & Baz.

Late tonight, thought i had posted, but it was last night.

Didn't have brekkie, weather was ok, 10c with light rain showers ans a gentle breeze.

O/H went to her sisters so we went to the farm shop later, this afternoon, got the usual stuff plus Sirloin steak for the Rendang curry i will be making for BIL.

I ordered a rice cooker yesterday, should come tomorrow as boiling rice isn't really the way to do it.

the rain should move away by Friday so the weekend and next week look dry.

Midday had eggs on toast, for tea had baked chicken wings as we got them today.

Mollie, My Lad is a long way from the fires in Oz, it's just the wind bring stuff over from the fires.

No idea where i go now with my eyes, it depends what the consultants think, will wait for a letter.

I've got F1 this weekend as well, not sure what time or what day yet.

Sorry to hear about your headache, thats no good at all, even worse when it puts you off food, that was nice, your some making a roast dinner, well done him, well trained.

Baz, I don't blame you hunkering down this weather, also Sammy doing the same, cats will always find the warmest spot to sleep, they don't like rain or the cold, very fussy creatures.

You were right about the jungle camp leader it was Caitlin.

I forgot The Apprentice was on till 9.55pm so changed channels and pressed to restart, so am now watching it, i also went to ITV2 to record the aftershow.

It's so complicated all these stations when the programs all come together.

Have a good evening.

Evening Both.

Didn't have brekkie till midday, just eggs on toast.

9c today with rain all day and a moderate breeze.

My new rice cooker came, so thought i would weigh the sirloin steak etc to make the Rendang curry as not sure when visitor will arrive, can't take a chance, so thought i better test the rice cooker, well, tried everything couldn't get it to work so got onto Amazon as i thought it might have to go back, while i was looking at the pages it said i could ring them at 9am so cancelled the return page.

then went to kitchen and removed the rice and water from the rice cooker and cooked it in a pan.

Later as i was getting all the parts together for it to go back i was looking at the base to see how easy it would come to bits, pretty easy really, then i notice a swith by the cable entry, omg, it has a switch at the side that isn't in the instruction manual so straight away sent the makers an email about it, obviously the switch has been added for safety after the manuals hav been printed, the unit is made in China like everything else in the world.

At least i can make some decent rice for a mchange.

Have a good evening watching the jungle antics Both.

Afternoon Mollie and Hicky  Sunny today , but very cold...I’ve just turned the heating up another notch  Still, I got to town ....went to the library and bank ...and did some chores ....it was nice to do them in the dry Apart from that I’ve done a laid of washing , and run around after Sammy Cat Hope you’re all having a good Friday , and managing to stay warm 

Hicky ....lol at the rice cooker ....but glad you got it sorted Think the right ones went on Masterchef ...especially the young girl, who I don’t think should have made it that far! I think the first person leaves the jungle tonight ....I would like to think it would be Ian, or Jossa ....but I doubt I will be that lucky .....I think it will be either James , or Nadine . Mollie , hope everything is ok and enjoy Gogglebox tonight I’m looking forward to SCD Musical evening  tomorrow . 

Anyway , hope you both enjoy your evening. Take care 

Evening Baz.

Weather ok today, 7c today but sunny all day with a light wind.

Didn't have any brekkie as i'm eating far too much.

My knee seemed to sieze up last night while on the computer, very painful to bend or straighten and i was walking with the lim[, strange, i know i have arthritis in my knees.

But today it is fine, how the heck can that happen?

I decided to test the rice cooker tonight, got all the rice/water etc measured out, put the cooker on, the light came on and when hot was steaming good o, put the ketchen timer on so i could see what time it turned off the heat and went into warm mode, the cook light went off after 18 minutes, but the warm light didn't come on, it says wait for 15 minutes before opening to get at the rice, after this time i opened it up, omg, it was burnt, ruined, now i can't get the light to come on and it wont heat up, a disaster as i needed it for tomorrow night, might have to try and get one from Asda or Argos.

So for the second night running i had to boil the rice, and i cut up the Amazon box today and put it into the recycle bin.

At least you managed to get out while the weather wasn't too bad, 

Not sure who might go from the jungle, the public are rather unpredictable who they like or not so i wouldn't like to guess.

Yes, also looking forward to SCD, and i have the last of the 2019 F1 races this weekend from Abu Dhabi.

Hope Sammy isn't getting into too much trouble.

Have a good Evening.

Oh, and this is the Jungle Hotel, wow, i fancy staying there, expensive though, 200 rooms, 70 condominiums, 4 restaurants, amazing.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/trave...-stay-leave-11661294

both

Gosh can't believe my last post was on 26th Nov....Oooppss, seems I have been doing something wrong and forgetting to press "post reply" button ater typing my posts, this update, restart your pc must of put me off.

Baz

your Sammy is one smart cat, avoiding housework and just sleeping on her bed by a warm radiator.

That's good you got to town despite the cold weather.

I bet that was fun running around after Sammy cat.

Hicky

Oh dear at all that messing about with the rice cooker, what a nuisance you thought you had worked it out, then it goes wrong again. Seems odd, must be something wrong with it, as you are so good working out techy stuff and how things work in general. 

Yes arthritis is indeed such a puzzling thing, how it varies so much and you can't work out why. I get it in my knees and sometimes they just click and give way, so have to be very careful how I walk. Good job it is ok now though.

Wow that hotel looks great and that is our fave area we ever went in Oz. I think we could all do with a bit of a break there right now. I am sure they would have a nice spa for Baz too. I would be happy lying round the pool sunbathing.

Today we went to see the Christmas lights switch on, we had some freshly made hot crisps on a stick. Yummy. Then after went to theatre to see Only Men Aloud, very good singing, and nice Christmas songs.

Very cold here too, minus 2 and a frost expected. We saw 2 gritters out today. Been too busy to watch tv tonight but recorded Gogglebox and IAC.

Goodnight both xxx

both xxx

Baz

hope you had a good day , did you get out today despite the cold?

How is Sammy?

Hicky

Hope your knees are behaving today.

Did you get into your garden today?

It was very cold here today, OH and son have started putting up our outdoor decorations,  and of course there is the odd bulb here and there that doesn't work!

Me, son and OH went for brekkie in a nice local cafe. I enjoy their fried bread  (very naughty, but yummy).

Thinking of Emptybox, as we would of said this to him today.....

Did you both enjoy the dancing? I chose to watch X factor tonight  and IAC. Enjoyed both.

at Pussycat girls outfits, Nicole especially certainly did not leave much to the imagination. They gave a good performatance, I bet they will be good live on their tour.

Goodnight both xxx

Evening Mollie.

7c today sunny with light winds, very icy when o/h went to work at 6am though.

I have ordered some rat traps as they are roaming round after food, not sure if next door still puts food out for the birds, but woudn't be surprised.

Didn't have brekkie with BIL coming at 4pm, decided to use boil in the bag rice as no rice cooker, have boxed up the old one and ordered a small one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/VonSh...575158077&sr=8-4

I cooked a bit more sirloin steak as it didn't seem a lot what i had, i made a starter of Korean noodle seafood soup, that went down well, the beef Rendang was very nice, in the rice water i put some Turmeric to colour it and some beef stock cube for a bit of flavour.

We had a good chat and will probably be going down to visit him in the spring.

Watched Strictly on the big tv in the lounge and recorded IAC both programs, just watching the after show now.

Not sure how these rice cookers know when the water has gone but the one i had certainly didn't turn the heat off, i heard some funny noises, now i think about it, the stat was probably trying to turn the power switch off but failed, but the power light went off, strange.

That was strange the other night when i couldn't bend or straighten my left knee without awful pain, but the next day it was fine, also today, but that day i had noticed the knee seemed tight.

That Palazzo Versace Hotel is something special, pretty expensive to stay but very expensive to eat there, it would be like in a dream staying there for a couple of weeks.

Never heard of crisps on a stick, wow, the lights would be good, i used to go to the ones in Blackpool but it doesn't do anything for me as i can't appreciate the colours so i don't see what everyone else does.

I didn't get into the garden, ended up cleaning the dishwasher out with o/h, of course i can't see the dirt like she can.

I think o/h might put a few christmas type lights in the front, we can run the wire through the top window, we don't have lower opening windows in the building, only in the kitchen.

I had to record the F1 pole race as well, Mercedes Lewis on pole again. 

Yes, no Emptybox here this year to see your post.

Hope all is well Baz and Sammy behaving.

Afternoon Mollie and Hicky  Been to the spa and ordered a couple more Xmas presents ....so not a totally wasted day Hope you are all enjoying your Sunday  What did you think of Strictly and Celeb ? I’m hoping that James gets evicted tonight ....what a horrible man As for Strictly , I’m sorry but I can’t stand Karim....I find him arrogant , no matter how well he can dance 

Mollie , count me in for the posh hotel and spa ....I guess Hicky is paying I didn’t realise Emptybox was Scottish I know you must both still miss him a lot Hicky , hope your knee is ok today ....and how is  your eye ?  

Well it’s a full nights viewing tonight ....scd results , Escape to the Chateau and Celeb Hope you both have a good evening too 

Evening Baz.

Apart from a frosty start it turned out not too bad, 6c today with sun all day and a slight wind.

Just had 2 eggs on toast for brekkie as o/h was going to make a roast lamb dinner, stayed in today as no point in being out in the cold.

Got to do some recordings as i have F1 race from Abu Dhabi, Strictly, Iac, wow, busy night.

Glad you got out today, the Spa was good for you, and some more christmas shopping.

Didn't realise you didn#t like James, he must be suffering terrible from lack of food, think thats whats causing his attitude, he should be eating 3 times what they are getting for a person that size.

I never noticed Karim being arrogant.

If i had the money i sure would treat you both to the luxury hotel, it would be fantastic, you might have to eat a few grubs though, oh, i mean some grub.

Isn't it strange, my knee has been fine ever since that bad night, how is that possible.

I remember many years ago, my jaw locked up, went to doc, to hospital, had xray, they said i had some bones missing, what rubbish, it cleared on it's own, it used to happen sometimes when i moved my jaw in a certain way, it was just that it had stuck.

When i was at the eye clinic, the one testing my reading the board said it had improved, had the normal pictures, had a letter yesterday, next check is the 31st of December so nothing urgent is going to take place.

I am always thinking of Emptybox, always will, we always told aone and other what we where buying or doing every day, it was part of our life, with Molly of course.

I record Escape to the Chateau anyway, just watching American pickers.

Have a good evenings viewing.

both xxx

Baz

glad to see you got out, I am sure it takes some effort for you to get out and about at times, but a spa is a nice thing for you to go to.

Yes James has not been very pleasant at all. I can understand what Hicky means though, hunger must be hardest for a man of his stature. I think the right person left first.

Emptybox was originally from and grew up in, Norfolk, but moved years ago to the Scottish borders. His funeral was in Edinburgh, that is why I had to fly to get all that way up North for it. His brother had a Scots accent, but even though we felt so close to him, neither HIcky nor I had ever spoken to him, but I am guessing he spoke similiar to his brother. I do like the Scots accent.

Glad to see you have plenty of tv you like to enjoy tonight.

I have similiar viewing to you, but watch the Philip Pullman thing on bbc1, my kids used to read his books. It was filmed in Wales too, so quite a few places look familiar to us.

Hicky

let's hope you have better luck with the new rice cooker.

That's nice you enjoyed a chat with your BIL this afternoon.

Very odd that your knee did that, but good job it is behaving now. How weird they said you had a bone missing, but it was ok. Lucky it was too. And its good news your eyes had improved on the last test, let's hope the improvement continues.

We went out in the wilds today to choose our Christmas tree. The guy used an electric saw thing to cut it , then OH wheeled it on their wheelbarrow to the car. Our lounge now smells lovely. Daughter will decorate it tomorrow.

But oh dear I slipped in the mud and fell right on my bum! This was despite me taking my stick and the family warning me. Luckily I didn't hurt myself much, just a bit achy. My trousers and coat were all muddy though.

Didn't sleep much last night as this cough seems worse again. I have now had it 5 weeks! Perhaps time to go to docs to see if I can get anything to help? But I do suspect he will send me away with a flea in my ear, as they keep saying you can't have antibiotics for colds. (even though it is not really a cold). It starts every time I eat and when I go to bed.

Really cold here again today, but just lovely in the sun.

Enjoy your tv both xxx

Evening Mollie.

7c today, light cloud and a gentle breeze.

Didn't bother with brekkkie as i was making scones, then i made mushroom soup.

My rat traps came, i set a trail camera to watch the area by the cage, i could see rats robbing the bait, they won't rob it from these new traps though.

Glad Lewis won the F1 grand prix again, what a driver.

Midday i had a scone, tonight i had 2 bowls of the mushroom soup, had to put some spice in and some slice Jalopeno chilli.

Have a feeling the eue that had the cataract op is improving since the last injection, so there could be hope, some things take time, but i am impatient of course.

Oh dear, you must be more careful, a fall could be extremely serious, yes, a fresh tree can smell very nice, not sure what we are doing this year, a lot of the christmas stuff is in the loft.

I don't think the cough you have is anything to do with a cold or virus, no way, viruses don't work like that, it needs checking out properly, you probably don't need antibiotics either.

It's warmer this week than last.

O/H got me some new clothes but 1 item is the wrong size so we will take it back tomorrow, will look for the seeds i want as well, save ordering online.

Hope Baz is well and keeping warm, and Sammy is behaving.

Wasn't expecting who left last night, but when it's the public anything can happen.

Have a good evening both.