What are you all up to
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After a cold and frosty start it is a lovely day here weatherwise. Dry, sunny and mild. We started the day at the GP surgery for an injection for OH and then went to the Sue Ryder charity shop. I have been having quite a clear out so some stuff went to charity and I have a couple of bags of good clothes for our DIL to put on Vinted. Wardrobes looking a lot better now.
So sorry to hear about your neighbour @Takethedogalong. So sad to lose a neighbour/friend of such long standing. Your birthday outing sounds wonderful.
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Had a lovely morning today. We had a free morning so as the weather was settled we decided to stay fairly local and go for a walk with some added interest and settled on a walk that would start at Basingwerk Abbey ruins and end up at St.Winefrides Well in Holywell. The walk is now a cycle way as well and tarmac so quite decent underfoot, just as well as there was quite a bit of frost and ice still underfoot. It's about 2 miles between them, uphill along a former railway track that led to a Gunpowder factory (surprisingly in ruins now🤣). It's many a year since we've visited both so I refreshed our memory yesterday by watching an interesting Youtube video about the Well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ifj3e_ftU4s
A few photos from the walk.
Another lovely iron fence en route.
Murals of St.Winefride and St.Bueno
Some colonnades surrounding the Well.
The Well itself
There is an area for immersing yourself outside the Well area as the site is visited to this day by approximately 40,000 Visitors and Pilgrims. St.Winefrides Well reportedly holds the distinction of being the longest continually visited Pilgrimage site in the UK.
The remains of the Franciscan Abbey, Basingwerk Abbey. It is open to the public free of charge should anyone wish to visit it.
Some of the structure is still in good shape.
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Hope you enjoy your trip to Edinburgh @Takethedogalong. Sounds like you are really getting into using your railcards.
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Grand photos @Wherenext I especially like the water wheel depicted In the ironwork. Glad that you had a good morning's walk.
It has been a much better day here, after a light frost over night, !and it stayed dry until about an hour ago. I was able to get into the caravan, after our morning walk, and give the inside a good clean. I think that the outside will have to wait until Saturday by the looks of the forecast.
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Love the photos @Wherenext If I recall correctly, Ellis Peter’s Cadfael novels mention St Winifrede’s Well, ans it crops up every so often in the books. Looks very interesting.
Hope you get back out soon @nelliethehooker
I went round and had an hour with our neighbour yesterday, her two sons live at home, so she isn’t thankfully on her own. Other neighbours had been in earlier as well, some of us have been together for a long time and it helps. They were all doing ok, very practical, he had been ill for a very long time, and being a doctor (anaesthetist) he had a good idea of what his health was like, and what he faced had he got home. No one else in the family drives, so we need to help a bit perhaps with journeys, shopping etc…. Eldest son has just got his provisional license renewed, so hopefully he will now think about learning how to drive.
We managed a walk as well today, a local nature reserve/reservoir called Scout Dyke. It was nice and sunny, but very cold, partially frozen.
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First visit to the dentist for both of us today, probably the first time in over a year. We both have future appointments for the hygienist and I have one filling that needs re-doing. We went by taxi both ways both were quick and easy. I sometimes contrast the availabilty of taxi's in MK compared to some places we have stayed in the UK. services are usually not bad in larger towns but more problematic in smaller places.
David
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That's a nice looking spot @Takethedogalong do they allow dogs on the trails? We have just started to think about where we might go in the Spring.
Like you @DavidKlyne I was at the dentist this morning, firstly having a filling replaced followed by a session preparing the tooth, where I root canal work done, for it's cap, which will be fitted in 2 weeks time. Altogether I was in the surgery for nearly 2hrs, most of that time spent in a dental chair!
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@nelliethehooker yes, Scout Dyke is dog friendly, we pushed Rieves round there in his chariot last year. It’s about two miles round, just a small incline from car park, down then back up. It’s not far from Penistone and Trans Pennine Trail, lots of other great reservoir, woodland, moorland walks in area as well. It’s just off the Sheffield/Huddersfield link road.
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@Oneputt great photo. They are starting to pair up at this time of year, maybe why there are two of them. We live next to a wood in a very rural area and haven’t seen any here for over 20 years. If we want to see foxes we can visit our Son in Watford, often in his garden there. The hunt has a lot to do with us not seeing them locally to us.
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Last weekend MiL made a decision that she definitely wanted her craft room clearing of all items as she didn't want to carry on looking at it and know that she couldn't do it anymore. So OH has spent half a day over 4 days sifting through what can be given to her former crafting set and what was "keeping it just in case" stuff. I've made 2 separate trips to the Recycling centre with a full car and one of her friends from craft class came around this afternoon and took a lot away, some for craft club and some for children in a local primary school that she holds a crafting session in.
It's a shame but we're glad she has made the decision herself. A lot of the stuff is in tip top condition some unused so its very generous of her to just donate it.
I've been tied up with a few medical appointments this week but after a talk with my G.P. this morning we've agreed that the upcoming X-Ray is not needed. Still have more tests but these appear to be a regular ongoing thing from now on.
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@Wherenext so very sad to hear your MIL has given up on her crafts, but what a lovely decision to donate her stuff. It’s a legacy in itself. We are reusing a lot of Mum’s old craft stuff, and it’s great to have access to her treasure trove of things like old knit and sewing patterns, wool, materials, embroidery stuff. I made good use of some vintage buttons at my craft night last night, so much nicer than today’s offerings. There’s not a day goes by where we regret not having Mum’s expertise to help us with something.
Another reservoir walk for us this morning, this time Ulley near Rotherham. It was infamous for breaking its dam wall in 2007 and almost flooding a big electrical sub station. Always a haven for birds, including the odd passing Osprey occasionally. Teeming with birds of all shapes and sizes this morning. We were going to pick up a new gas bottle for MH as well, but an accident shut the M1 and it was traffic bedlam so we just came home. Another triumph for smart motorways, just hope no one badly hurt, we saw two ambulances rushing there.
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Thanks @Takethedogalong that is good to know, I will make a note of it for a possible visit should we ever find a site to suit us in the area!
Grand photo, @Oneputt it has been a while since we last saw a fox around home or on our travels.
It is a shame that your MIL has given up her craftwork @Wherenext, but a fine gesture donating her stuff to the craft club and primary school children.
It was freezing hard last night when I took Flyte for his last walk with all the car windscreens frozen over. However all was gone when I got up, and we have had a dry, and at times sunny, but rather cold day. Instead of waiting till tomorrow I took the opportunity to clean the outside of the caravan, so all is ready for the off, whenever that may be.
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Busy day today had to be up at sons flat at half 8 this morning to meet joiner who is doing some work then had to collect a washing machine and take that up the stairs of his flat hard work but a friend helped out. Then came home and washed the caravan including the roof we do the roof every six months as it gets quite dirty. Caravan now back in it’s space on drive hopefully not long until we are away again possibly next weekend but will need to keep an eye on the weather Plan tonight is take away and telly and maybe a beer or two lol :)
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The caravan is looking good, @Francis I hope you are able to get away as planned, although the forecast for next weekend is not too promising.
Things have certainly been quiet on here of late! We have done a lot at home today apart from changing a damaged light fitting.
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Yes, it has been quiet on here lately @nelliethehooker. Perhaps, like us, everyone is just trying to get through January! We haven’t done a lot ourselves as I have had a virus thing, really shivery and high temperature for a couple of days, I even spent one day in bed half of the day. Luckily for me it only lasted a couple of days. On Friday I had my RSV jab, I was in two minds as I had been unwell earlier in week, but nurse said as long as I felt ok and had no fever it would be fine. Fortunately it has been, apart from an aching arm for 24 hours. Although the nurse went through so many different ‘what could happen after the jab scenarios’ I almost chickened out! Eldest grandson is 21 on Friday, it’s frightening how quickly life goes! He’s just back in London, from HK, as he went home for Christmas and New Year; his last few months at University start this week. We have done a little attic clearing - how have we managed to keep over 24 various size and shape picture frames?!
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I have not been as prolific at completing jigsaws as I was before my stroke. The one pictured below is my first completed one since then. I can't quite remember when I started it but it was probably back in October. It probably wasn't the best of choices as its quite dark but on the other hand maybe good therapy for the eyesight?
David
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@DavidKlyne great jigsaw and glad to hear you are improving as you say good for eye sight, I have one to do lent to me by a friend called a vintage puzzle Celestial of the night sky so must try and do it but have got until May before we stay with them.
Agree with folks it is quiet on here at the moment, we have been busy last week putting a large shelf in our outside building so a lot more organised now and a clear out at same time so trip to skip this week and weather not looking good a lot of rain in the next 10 day forecast but mild, a busy week coming OH blood test early Tuesday morning and then CT (MOT) on Friday for his Toyota RAV as we have had it two years gosh time flies by, then he has Doctors appointment the following week early Monday morning.
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I haven't posted on here for quite a few days now - not much happening really. Van looks great @Francis - I must get round to doing ours - not touched it since we last went away in November and it's starting to look grubby. The roof is really bad but I'm going to have to find someone to do that - I know I can't manage it anymore.
Well done with the jigsaw @DavidKlyne - you must be feeling really pleased with yourself that you've completed it - and rightly so. Time to start another one?😀
You're making me feel guilty @heddlo - our loft desperately needs de-cluttering. Trouble is, it's fully boarded - so it was too easy to dump things up there when we moved in 13 years ago - two sets of bike leathers, radio controlled 1m yacht, christmas tree we never put up - racks of clothing - etc etc etc. And that's before I even think about the garage which is absolutely rammed with tools and machinery I don't / can't use anymore. I really need to get my ruthless head on😯 Pleased to hear you've recovered from your bug.
Dull, grey, misty and raining here - but - has anyone else noticed - the days really have started to get longer - roll on Spring!
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We have a house full of “stuff”. Nearly 30 years ago we moved from a small 3 bedroom house when my father in law died. This a large rambling 5 bedroom, other miscellaneous rooms, house. It was full of furniture and stuff going back generations. The way things were left we didn’t inherit the contents so the furniture all went. We gradually moved 26 years of accumulated possessions the quarter of a mile. Tractor and trailer. Doing the classic thing of playing the piano on the trailer.
I don’t know how (I do really) but this large house is full of things I can’t bear to throw away. Farm archives going back to early 20th Century. Secondhand furniture to suit the house. China and glass etc from my parents and grandparents. A lifetime of books. The list goes on. I think I must do something , then I look at the dresser when we’re eating and know the story behind each piece on it. And it makes me happy.
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@DavidKlyne glad your seem to be making good progress
We to have been emptying stuff from the loft each of the 5 now have their stuff all sorted together ready for them to come and collect and take to their own lofts anything they don’t want they can bin but it was well overdue our loft was full of stuff so we are now making good progress clearing out. Next on the list will be the garage which may prove more difficult as I have a habit of keeping things such as tools etc (just in case) but we will need to be ruthless with that too.
Not a bad day here today quite mild so took the opportunity to give the car a wash as it was filthy due to all the salt etc on the road I doubt it will last long though as the roads are still dirty. So now have a clean car and caravan on the drive
Now watching the snooker John Higgins has always been our favourite right from when he first came on to the scene so hoping he can get over the line tonight
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It really is “loft/attic” time of year🤭 I did a couple of hours sort out last week, lots of stuff going to charities, got rid of some Xmas stuff we never use, and stored a lot of stuff in a much better way to free up space. We have a big attic, in fact it could be used as a big bedroom if required, but it’s OH’s cycling cave at the moment. I am doing some paperwork sorting today, which can be time consuming, as I administer all Mum’s important paperwork as well. It gets dumped in a pile for a few months, then I sort out, categorise and file. After a burglary a good few years ago, (garage area, they were after expensive cycles) we decided to keep a bit more paperwork, particularly for expensive purchases. Our insurance paid out very quickly based on all the evidence I provided to them, and I sometimes keep photo records as well. Insurance can be such a minefield nowadays, so we try and do what we can in terms of evidence.
Awful weather today, thick fog all night and it’s damp, dark and dreary today, hence indoor tasks. Mr Teflon has succumbed to a slight cold as well, so keeping him warm. It will be nine years next week since OH’s first big cancer op, such a frightening time for us all, but he’s still here (he’s done a few other major related ops between then and now, threw in a heart attack just to test my nerves out as well😵💫) and doing great. Daylight hours are drawing out though, Spring is not too far away🌷🥀🪴
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A mucky murky grey day here.
There is not much to report, kitchen refit ongoing. Virtually all downstairs skirtingboards and architraves off. Due back on this week now flooring down in garden room, utility and hall, along with all the plinths in the utility room. Might be straight in 2 rooms by Thursday 🤞apart from decorating.
We HAD to tackle the contents of our loft before our move almost 4 years ago. Although this house has a loft ladder, in keeping with things in this house, it lowers onto the very edge of the landing where the stairs start 🫣😲. We have a large walk-in now shelved cupboard in a bedroom referred to as the loft. I have a very good supply of strong archive boxes from my working days when we rearranged the very heavy contents ones. So very neat, but can be like a rubiks cube 🤣🫣. Actually not many boxes on show....
Car goes for it's MOT tomorrow 🤞. Plus a delivery from the builders merchants of said architrave and skirting boards. So no workmen, as unknown delivery time, tomorrow. Space in the garage only liberated Friday
We're managing quite well with the temporary kitchen nicely aided by meals out. Vintage Inns have been and are again next week, 50% off main courses with the App. It would be rude not to partake! We have 2 in our area and tested them both. Both very nice and lots of folks in them eating so it's certainly boosting footfall.
I think I've finally shaken off my bug, took it's time! But OH seems to still be suffering. Coming up to 7 years since he 'performed' with heart attack, bypass, stroke on the table and pneumonia. Oh and a weekend on end of life care. These men certainly know how to test our nerves @Takethedogalong 🙄
It's certainly been quiet on here, took me much less time than I feared to catch up. Good to read folks news.
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Our 'children' had a discussion amongst themselves a few Christmases ago and decided that Mum and Dad should not be going up and down in the loft anymore (although we do have a loft ladder) so duly arrived one day after Christmas and cleared the loft for us. Many, many old suitcases went to the tip and a lot of other things as well. The suitcases that we do use (2 very small and two medium sized) are stored next to the wardrobe in one the of the spare bedrooms and the Christmas decs are in boxes in the garage, although I had a 'cull' of those when taking them down this year and those we have not used are in a separate bag marked 'charity shop' to be disposed of next November/December. We (ie OH) have kept a box of OH's text books from when he did Mechanical Engineering at University although I think they might be obsolete as it was mostly steam in those days🤣I have this week had a clear out of our wardrobes and it is the understairs cupboard next. Anyone want about 3 dozen plastic coat hangers? 😲
Foggy start here this morning and it is now damp and grey although the sun did make a brief visit at one point.
Well done on completing that jigsaw @DavidKlyne It looks a bit complicated to me.
Lovely clean car and caravan @Francis
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I don't know if any of you have been following the issues on the Shropshire Union Canal where several narrow boats were stranded due to an embankment giving way? If you would like to see some of the progress being made to re-float the boats have a look at this YouTube video, the latest uploads show how it was done.
David
Her is another video which is quite detailed
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When I cleared our kitchen cupboards recently I wondered why on earth I had 6 casserole dishes!
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Apologies for my absence these last few days!! I've ended up in hospital this weekend.. some breathlessness caused by a drop in blood pressure and increase in heart rate. Getting back to normal now, so hoping to be out tomorrow... they're just monitoring now... That's put paid to our few days away in the caravan... ☹️☹️
David
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@DSB take good care of yourself. Foot off the gas for a while. Sending wishes for a speedy recovery
@milliehull I'll be culling when I put stuff back in the kitchen. I was quite ruthless when we moved, but still have lots of duplicates, or more! I wanted to cull Christmas decs but needing to empty kitchen and dining room I just out them away. Also conscious that charity shops won't want them just yet. I expect I'll be too late this year as I don't get them out much,if any, before the weekend before Christmas.. must put a note on the calendar in November. I also like to keep some I'm not worried about loosing as we have a living community Christmas tree in the churchyard. This year it had lights on. We all remove our decorations by 12th night. I've not lost any yet.
@DavidKlyne thanks for the link, interesting. Your jigsaw looks good and not particularly easy. Well done.
@Goldie146 it's good to have heirloom pieces - the wealthy and landed gentry have plenty. Consider yourself among them 🤣. As for your old documents pass them on to your local archives or farming one if you seriously no longer want to keep them, they could go on loan rather than gift.. Great source for future scholars.
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@DSB David take care, hope its nothing too serious and can be sorted, usually by another pill!
David
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