What are you all up to
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As in a calm domestic rather than wild sort of way 😗😄
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The most recent post I could find for " Wotsername " was in 2021 on the subject of a good CL she had used so still hope for you Rocky, to meet your Head Teacher
P.S. Found that by going back to the earliest postings of folks saying Hello I'm a Newbie or some such !!
Believe me I'll have to take a long nap later just to stop my jaw bouncing on the floor, ooh ~~ some of the names on there
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It looked lovely, as did the little grips for bridesmaids. I made some stuff for other family members as well to match their outfits. OH’s sister, (brides Mum) looked absolutely stunning. They are a lovely looking family anyway, never seem to age any of them, but she looked fabulous, all in Powder Blue.
Bride having a quiet moment. She did look beautiful.
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New CH boiler being fitted today/tomorrow, so chaos here with WM and TD evicted from utility room, along with various cupboard doors. I have taken the chance, while the system is drained down, to change out a radiator, so I will need to get all my tools tidied away soon.
The new boiler is not as tall as the old one, but is fatter, and the pipework different, so I can see there will be yet another job for me......new, removable boxing-in needed both above and below the boiler to cover the pipes etc.
I think that will have to wait a few months though, I have our bathroom still to finish, then DD's study woodwork to complete, then we will be away on holiday, and after that will need a deep clean of the house, all the building work has generated a lot of dust, as we are expecting visitors from Norway in August.
We have not gone for anything too high tech for the boiler controls, keeping the relatively new time clock etc, but we will need to learn about the boiler itself, seems these modern ones have a mind of their own when it comes to speed of heating up.
Still to see if a new electric immersion element can be fitted in our HW tank. If the old one is so seized up that it cannot be removed, we will need a complete new tank, which will be expensive.
The new flue is not too different from the old in size, so major surgery on the house wall was not needed, and as we already had the now required 22mm gas pipe, that will hopefully save a little too.
Will be interesting to see how much gas this boiler will use compared to the old one. Judging by the comparative figures on efficiency, we could get a 25% saving.
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At last a few holiday photos the Chateau is Brissac-Quince near Angers very interesting inside and gardens and the second is the local campsite not far from the Chateau the next two are at Heligan Cornwall and the other is a local beach Pendower which was our warmest day in Cornwall 20C.
Have put a photo on what have you seen of a young fox and its two siblings on top of the wall they all had lovely tails.
Back to diy today getting stuff ready for the work on our above ground pool, did manage some gardening and washing a bit more gardening tomorrow then housework before our friends arrive around lunchtime. Did say to OH alarm at 7am what that is a bit early he said yes we have a lot to do, might have to get the large crowbar out to get him out of bed ha ha.
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A pleasant morning as we had a lie in (after going back to sleep after the Dawn Chorus had finished) and arose at just gone 9 am. Not in any rush as we packed up as we couldn't get in until after 1 pm and it's only 35 miles down the road. So we left after an early lunch/late breakfast.
Rolled up at a lovely site where the long stayers haven't seen a non Dutch caravanner since Adam was a lad. Either that or our hair didn't quite dry the right way after the shower. It's quite a big site but definitively built for a staying seasonal audience although the tourist pitches are in amongst them and none the worse for that as there are 8 pitches to a block delineated by hedges or small bushes with trees everywhere but yet still has an open feel. Very comfortable for 3 nights and right on the edge of a wood where we've already been regaled by more woodpeckers than we've heard all holiday.
Did some food shopping this afternoon at the small town 4 miles up the road and actually found a GF Pizza for me. A treat. Exploring by bike tomorrow as there are several Hunebedden en route.
Wedding seems to have gone well Ttda. Glad the effort was worth it. Nice photos RK
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....well those few pages of reading brought back some memories of folk who no longer post on CT.... and all those coloured stars!! 😀😀
The caravan has been in for its annual service today. Apart from a rocker switch on a internal reading light and the need to replace the 5 year old tyres (which I was aware of), all went well. No damp (it can only really effect my floor anyway as it's alutech). All set for the next 12 months (well almost).... unless, of course, we decide to swap the van for a new model!! 😃😃....
David
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OH and I have put up a lot of flags and bunting for the Jubilee this morning, whilst chatting to neighbours also doing the same. A few arguments about which way up certain flags should go and a few mistakes getting them up in the right order and realising that a monkey puzzle tree that has shot up was going to get in the way a bit. All done now, no wind so can't test out the flying capabilities....
Whatsapp photo from son in hospital arrived late so he's home now and all ok. Slight panic about that too, children, whatever age, always spring things on you!!
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Glad the wedding went well Ttda the bride looked beautiful.
Week so far has been pretty uneventful, fairly busy at work but all now done so just a couple of hours tomorrow hopefully and then we are off in the van for a few days away. 🙂
Youngest son and his girlfriend are off to America tomorrow, flight and delays permitting, both had negative Covid tests today, which are still required.
Brue Glad all the bunting went up OK, hope all goes well with the celebrations, and pleased your son is now ok.
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Well that was a day well spent. And really isn't that all that one asks for when on holiday?
Had a pleasant bike ride through some different type of countryside today and came across our hunebedden (dolmens) erected to bury the dead of the Funnel Beaker tribe of farmers over 5,000 years ago. The rocks were brought down int he Ice Age from Sweden and used like dolmens were in homeland Wales. I'm enclosing a photo of what would appear to be an uninspiring few pieces of rock but then you wouldn't have much imagination if you left it at that.
Anyway our ride also took us past a couple of "Ice Barns" situated next to an area the size of 2 football pitches but slightly lower than the barn. The field area had quite a lot of floodlights in the middle and one of the barns had a sculpture of an ice skater next to it. The fields are frozen in winter and become local ice skating rinks, the barns are the changing rooms and store. They were in the middle of nowhere really.
We also passed through a couple of lovely villages and stopped for coffee at one where we were served by a young man from India who decided to practice his English on us and tell us of the place sin the UK he wanted to visit. At the end of our coffee break we paid up and went to get back on our bikes when he cam out and presented us with 4 cakes from the bakery/coffee shop. Not willing to burst his balloon or seem ungrateful we accepted his gift and gave them to an unsuspecting Dutchman on site as they contained Gluten. Really lovely gesture by this young man. I hope he gets to travel to the UK as he hoped.
To cap it all we had a lovely meal with a rather nice red wine.
Plus I get to spend some of my downtime on here. What could be better?😁
Hope your day was as good as ours.
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I did intend to include photos with the previous post but some reason this useless forum mechanics won't allow it even though both photos are under 500kb. If I reduce them any more they would be miniatures. Might try later.
What a website!!!
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At last. Was it worth it? Probably not but stubborn is.....
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Thanks WN, I looked the stones up....I'm always interested in things slightly older than me and often wonder why our ancestors spent so much time moving such large stones around! I presume these were the Beaker folk who finally came over here and did much the same....
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Another one interested in the stones as well😁 And the ice rinks. The Dutch are as formidable at ice racing as they are at cycle racing. Lovely story about the cakes.
We are back home after a really lovely extended weekend away. Managed to get out on bikes yesterday from CL. OH dropped down onto TPT for a couple of hours, then I decided to tackle a bit of off road stuff adjacent to the Hall. Quite brave of me, as there was a lot of gravel, but I did ok, it’s a surface I loathe, but need to get used to riding. We had a lovely meal last night as well in the Hall itself. Had the FBU bar all to ourselves, then enjoyed having a look around the place. Managed to dodge this mornings downpour, and we arrived home 20 minutes after leaving Estate, so a good drive home🤣 All unpacked now, washing done and drying, it’s a place we shall revisit, although not sure if we can stay on CL again before it finally closes in November. The food throughout has been very nice.
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Meant to mention about the Dutch cyclists we encountered today on the way around.
The cycle path was actually big enough for two way traffic if a little tight, no wobbles allowed. We had just stopped to have a look at the iceskater sculpture when we saw a crowd of about 20-30 cyclists approaching so we stayed stationary and let them past. It looked like an outing of the local Geriatric Care Home as I swear that not a single on of them was under 80 y.o. and all on bikes except for one frail looking gentleman who was on a large 3 wheeler trike. The leader was younger so I assume the carer. We waved and said hellos as they passed at a fair lick.
2 hours later we were returning by a circuitous route and met them coming back much to their obvious amusement. I am assuming that they had all been to a lunch somewhere but nevertheless it must have been some miles covered by them.
We've noticed that the over 70s do seem to have kept their condition, as a general observation, better than folks at home and am sure that the cycling and regular exercise must have had something to do with it along with a straightforward diet, which doesn't seem to have changed much in 50 years.
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New CH boiler now installed and tested, but we will unfortunately need the new HW cylinder as the fixing point for the immersion element disintegrated when the old one was removed.
The new cylinder has to be ordered, so it will be Monday before it will be fitted. Our new bathroom is still several days away from being finished, so no hurry for hot water. We will continue to stay upstairs in the "granny flat", as we have been doing since last October, it has its own heating system.
However, I am getting close to running out of time now as the next 2 days we are at DD's house, Friday will be only a half day at home as I need to meet with my fellow wood-turners in the afternoon, and all of Saturday will be lost as we wood-turners are demonstrating at a local agricultural show.
Sunday we are home, Monday the plumber returns, and we have the caravan to clean for our next trip. Tuesday is DD's birthday and we are going out for lunch, Wednesday we are probably back at her house, unless we can negotiate a "day off", and Thursday we need to do all our packing for leaving on Friday.
On our return, I have 12 days to finish anything still to be finished, including helping OH clean up the whole house, move back into our own bedroom, and prepare beds etc to receive 4 visitors from Norway.
I will need another holiday after all that!
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Well that's us back from our few days in Co Durham for the funeral of OH's aunt (Monday) and memorial for his uncle (yesterday) plus the burial of their ashes. They both lived to be 94 forso a good life well lived. Despite the occasion it was so lovely to be back there again and spend time with the family, most of whom are now scattered around various part of the UK. We stayed in Barnard Castle and yes they do have a Specsavers! And also some beautiful decorations for the Jubilee.
TDA So pleased your wedding went well. The bride looked lovely. And glad to hear your handiwork was a success.
WN lovely photos again. I loved your description of the pensioner cyclists.
AD pleased to hear you got your puncture sorted. We always found the Dutch very friendly and helpful when we toured France.
brue Your Jubilee decorations sound wonderful.Can we have some photos please. I shall try to find the energy to put up our modest contribution tomorrow.
H&T I hope you have a great few days away.
Photos to follow.
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I like to be organised, so even though it's eight days away I'm starting to gather stuff up for our holiday.
First things first - and there's some of my favourite wine on order.
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I've bought a bottle of Chapel Down English sparkling wine for our street party, enjoy your purchases Goldie, and your trip away.
Just been told by middle child that she is going to look at a rescue terrier tomorrow...
Millie, good to hear your family gathering and farewells went well.
Our Jubilee flags are a bit droopy at the moment, we have put up two poles, some look better hanging on house fronts. Ours aren't very photogenic.
Horrible long session at the dentist this morning using equipment that was new to me. Previously it was one filling at a time, today it was three together! Sounds as though my teeth are awful but lockdown has caused me problems and I was only expecting one filling. "I wish I'd looked after me teeth" by Pam Ayres floated into the hour plus session.
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Glad to hear all went well Millie. I think you will find that AD is in Spain but I agree with your observation about the Dutch. Wonderfully open, friendly and inquisitive people. Fantastic canal builders!!
We spent some time trying to avoid thunderstorms and heavy showers today and mange don't to get wet but only by not straying too far from the car. On a heathland nature reserve near the border with Germany. The reserves are just basically open to walkers and cyclists, no charge or no car parking fee. Had a smashing few hours. Found that all the way around the Netherlands.
We are obviously away for the Jubbly (🤣, thinking of those commemorative mugs made with this on them) so I hope all goes well for those partaking of the celebrations. It will be a national public holiday this weekend over here but for Pentecost and I think Dutch school holidays are next week as well. Wish us luck.
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OH now discharged from hospital to rehab centre (was village hospital) nice ambulance crew took me home ,after we saw OH was settled ,less than two miles from home, ,so less travel for me especially as I now have treated myself to an electric assist cycle,,to make journey hilly at both ends
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My Sisis making the Jubilee Trifle from scratch for the four of us. Trial run went well, except Mum ate all the Amaretti biscuits🤣
We are confined to barracks now for the next week, got to isolate ready for OH’s op which has go ahead for next week. Plenty to do in garden, and around the house, will only venture out for dog walking purposes.
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Good news about your OH JVB. It sounds as though life will be easier for you know she is closer to home. I hope all goes well.
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Good to read that your OH has been moved, at last, JVB, and that it is much nearer home for you to visit.
Hope all goes well for your OH's op next week, tda. We are in a similar situation as my minor op is next Monday, which we found out when we got home two days ago. However after worrying about when I'd hear about to go for a PCR test and then isolate, I discovered that there is not needed for a test now!!😊 We will just do our normal walks with Flyte and avoid contact with all and sundry till after the op.
Sounds like a good day out, WN, but looking at the forecast it would appear that your area is detailed for more rain over the weekend.
Glad to hear that your trip away went well, millie,and that you met up with lots of family members.
We have been busy since we got home from our latest trip. I've fitted a replacement blind/fly screen in the caravan toilet compartment, was able to get the car washed between showers yesterday, and we cleared out the front loft this morning, which we had to postpone when I hurt my back. So another trip to the recycling centre will need to be made this week or next.
All those that are having street parties or get togethers with family, friends &/or on site have an enjoyable 4 days.
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Don't go lifting too much Nellie. Get the OH to do that.
We are moving tomorrow further south around the Arnhem area and forecast not too bad at least for a few days and then it just seems a few showers but I never believe anything further than 48 hours.
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Delighted for You and Yours, JVB !!
Thinking of your bike I watched Jubilee Repair Shop tonight { June 1 } and saw a two seater bike, originally made from two bikes, being rebuilt & sprayed to be fit for the road again including R, W & B spokes even !! The Mind Boggles
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Reading the small print on those front bottles, Goldie, seems like you are going to get at least four of your five (5) a day. Who's a good girl then
!!Just opened my mail from my old company's Benevolent Fund to tell me how they are trying to keep up with the suffering Members of the Fund, and that their Christmas Cards are now available and will be ready for despatch this very month { so get ordering please ABM !! }
Darn it, not a single number on tonight's lottery, so it will have to come from my ' small change bottle '
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Thanks. for good wishes for OH ,it was exactly four weeks from initial accident it will be much easier than the 40 mins each way bus journey everyday many of which many of the drivers thought they were Lewis Hamilton wannabees
One thing I forgot to say which shows how much of a problem our East of England ambulance service is in, the Ambulance and crew that did OHs transfer were on hire from a private company from Bristol
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