Val's Cafe

applerose

Well that's not fair, is it Toady? Bloods and needles and no shopping. Just as well you enjoy organising. I thought the doodle was good too.

Don't worry about missing me Barbara. I usually try to get to bed by 10 but it usually ends up a little later. I sometimes dream but don't always remember exactly what. I think it's usually because you have something on your mind. The last one I had was that my next door neighbours were just making themselves at home in my garden. I think it was because they have very loud voices so I even hear them talking to each they throw their cigarette ends over the fence in to my garden. :roll: Glad you enjoyed your chicken. Happy cat sitting.

We had rain here too Kath. Not too heavy though. How annoying that they got the appointments mixed up. Wonder if you have the same as the lady on the radio. Whatever it is, I hope you find out soon. The itching must be driving you crackers. No need to mention us all. It's just nice to hear from you.

What a carry on I've been having with my flights and trains. Ry*n*ir's website refused to accept my bank card at first. Eventually it accepted it and all seemed ok but I didn't get an email to confirm for 2 hours so that had me worried. This morning, I had an email from them saying my booking had been cancelled because my bank card had been rejected. I phoned my bank who said it had been paid so I phoned Ry*n*ir, at £1 per minute, to be told that my booking had gone through.

I then had to book trains from here to the airport. I had a voucher so tried to enter the code but it wouldn't accept it. Phoned the train ticket company to be told I had put the code in the wrong place. Once I put it in the right place, it would take 72 hours to be updated so looks like I won't be able to use it. And I'll have to go to the train station on Saturday to collect them. No time to post them now. :roll:

I'm still looking forward to it though.

barbara12

Morning all
Christine I remeber us having the same prob when we went to Spain..my DIL talked me into booking it all myself...I did well really.. but then the confirmation didn't come through and there's did I was panic stricken..but it got sorted..good for you getting through it all...suppose you are getting used to it now..it will be so lovely getting together with them especially the GC hee time to relax ...
The sun is shinning here...so we will carry on getting the garden straight rockery gone now just need to move more soil then put grass seed down or turf..
We have 4 faces at the patio dorr waiting to be fed ...better go...xxxxx

toady

Hi all well that was a funny thursday, won't bore you with the details but it was just 'one of those'.. set off early for bloods because I knew I wouldn't have much time over after.. got there in lovely good time & of course it's the one time I can remember I was late being called :roll: , then I was dragged in for a chronic illness review thing I wasn't expecting, with a rather odd doctor shall we say, in fact it was one of those days where everyone you deal with seems peculiar, if not actually barking mad Mind you they could say the same I expect. Made it back with half an hour to spare to see gardening chap (he wasn't due to do anything, just look & give a quote). Still I managed a dash* round a couple of shops so I bring iced buns & chocolate fingers.
*poetic licence
Quiet day today thankfully, so will sit and take my time over a nice pot of tea.

Barbara yes I dream a lot and remember them mostly. Oddly I have a lot like your one applerose, people in the house & garden that shouldn't be.. and coming in though doors are locked etc.. maybe it's metaphoric for having invading illness.. but I think it's probably straightforward in my case; dread of people having to come in the house & catch everything in all its muddly horror (me included). Also dream a lot about past semi-real events, parents, old jobs, or I dream I go back to my old flat and find I've still got stuff there I have to pack up. All one's stressful stuff coming back to haunt one. :roll: Mind you last night I nearly accidentally caused the Queen to fall over, so make of that what you will.

Sorry your appointments are such a muddle Kath you must be fuming! Perhaps they will fast-track your dermo appt now you've phoned to hurry them. Hope you are not worrying yourself over what you heard on the radio, it is so easy to do, I've had some of my best frights like that.. hope to hear you are getting somewhere soon..

Applerose I skipped your travel news somehow, is it for the whole week.. not sure if you're picking the tickets up Sat but not travelling til Monday, say. Hope it's all straightforward now after the booking hoohah, should be lovely I've just sent for some seeds that are coming from Dublin lol that is probably as near as I will get I will sort out some nice weather for you, I'm very good like that.

You have all your furry friends to cater for barbara, so I will feed Cuddles and we'll sit here in the sun.. see you all.. xx

barbara12

Evening..just has visitors son abd the baby mumis having a break..the baby is obsessed with walking with my stick...
Toady what a day yesterday was for you,....surreal would you call it... :shock: sorry you had to see the crinic illness nurse...bet that made you feel better...
Dreams..I am always lost...trains buses plane I just cant get back...then there thr toilet one...and there is only one with no door... :oops:
Think I might buy abook on them...very intresting...at least you have a quote for the gardening it will be nice when he starts....
I will put the kettle on I smell iced buns...ummm not had one of thoes for years...
Will put the kettle on in case Christine or anyone else pops in xxxxxxx

applerose

Barbara, I've checked in so looks like the flight booking is ok. Phew. Relaxing? With 2 toddlers? I wish. That must be a funny sight seeing the cats at the door. I remember the picture you put on before.

What a strange day you had Toady with mad doctors. And well done on your 'dashing'. I find it quite funny that my dashing is quite different now to what it used to be. I didn't think about my dream being about invading illness. You could be right. And it could be, as with you, about people coming in and seeing the house is far from perfect. The other day, I noticed next door had put a trampoline up right next to the fence and next to the house. One of their daughters, about 12/13 was jumping on it and could see right in to my kitchen/dining room. There was some clutter which I immediately moved as I felt they would tell everyone what they saw. I haven't been in their house but I have been told that it is like a showhouse and she bleaches everywhere every day. :shock: Oh dear, what did you do to the queen? Thank you for ordering good weather for me. I'm travelling on Monday and coming back on Friday.

Still got train tickets to sort out. The company I want to get the tickets from said the voucher I've got will take up to 72 hours to show up so that takes us to Sunday lunch time. My son has just asked if the station cafe (the ticket machine is in there) where I want to pick them up from is open on Sundays. I don't know. Might have to book them without the voucher. Just not sure when I'll be travelling by train again and the voucher runs out in June.

I got 2 weeks wages today. Whoo-hoo. Must remember I still need to pay 2 weeks bills with it though. Think I'll have a cuppa and one of your iced buns Toady. You've posted just before me Barbara so I'll join you with my cuppa. Now we mustn't eat all the iced buns.

toady

Hello people glad to see some customers, expect the kettle will not long have gone off the boil, will ginger it back up again..

Yes barbara surreal is exactly the word for yesterday today much calmer. Gardener rang through with a quote, v. reasonable quite a quirky little chap which is fine with me, finally getting a decent 'stable' of workmen together, all small firms or sole people which is what I like. I was interested to read your types of dreams, you have covered a lot of other sorts I have there :shock: - especially toilets, that same one - it must be universal I think! Not often lost, so much; but yes buses etc, & not got the fare, or (very often) have set off for somewhere and realise it's nearly half 4 or 5 and everything will be shutting, shops etc, logical ones to have really. Or can't make a phone call, get a payphone to work etc.. How do you feel in your dreams? I sometimes, but rarely considering, feel tired - but I don't think I ever can't walk well, etc.

Can quite imagine you tidying things out of view of next-doors daughter applerose, I'm the same with neighbours' windowcleaners - hear them round the back & I'm off to pull the curtains.. Always think a width of one house between 2 is what we all need ideally, but of course so many people don't have what I have, a decent neighbourhood, for one. Sorry about your tickets still, such a nuisance if you have to pass up on your voucher I would be annoyed. Guess you have to do what puts you out the least.

Nothing planned for tomorrow so will see what the weather does.

frogmorton

Hello everyone

I tried reading back and got myself all confused :oops:

KathT is having hospital issues (I get that )

Toady had a bad hair day I had a bad hair 2 months in hospital with Lucy!! I keep mine long and it's straight anyway so easy enough to dry itself. In hospital though my fringe grew so long I could hardly see :shock:

Joan - I hope you and sue are alright after the funeral. I am sorry

Barbara - my kids do answer pretty well, but like you I ignore the 'challenging behaviour' where possible :roll:
Change phone providers asap that's terrible

Where is Christine going?

A weekend at home for us.

lovely

Love to you all

barbara12

Afternoon Late today a bit woolly headed..ok I can hear what you are saying..
Toady thank goodness someone else has the toilet dream... :shock: I though |I might be more odd than usual..it must be a insecure thing I think... :? yes I like to deal with the small firms...one man bands has my hubby say because he is one..so you are now sorted with a gardener...good for you..
Christine more good news you have sorted your flight...hee wish I was coming with you..hope they rake the voucher and you enjoy..yes forgot you wont be relaxing with GC..aww bet they cant wait..
Toni it so lovely to see you posting don't bother about reading back..especially my waffling....
I would change my provider but it has 12 months to go of a two year contract...so they say it will cost me £385... honestly I must warn people of this...pure fraud ...
I hope that Lucy is a little better with her tummy.....and you are getting some rest...
Its pouring down here two GC gota lift off GD to town...heee to be young....my eldest GD has a black eye from a girl at the concert she went to..the singer came off stage to stop her..because he knows my GD...she goes to most concerts and the girl attacked him and his face was bleeding... :shock: crackers some people...right a cuppa it is then anything sweet.... xxxxxx

dachshund

Hello Toni and Lucy
i'm pleased you both have the weekend at home.
I hope next week is a good week for you both.
take care
joan xx

toady

Hello all.. Toni nice to see you in the cafe, sorry there is a lot to read I was going to say what Barbara said about waffling only I'm worse still. Christine is off to Dublin if she can sort her ticket situation out.

Sorry you are a bit woolly barbara hope you brighten as the day goes.. raining here & cold.. no plans to go far. Oh dear that would shake you up having a mad fan go for you at the concert , hope your GD is ok only bruises. A few spoil it for others.. same for a lot of things sadly.. I am on payg phone, contracts can get messy, if yours with TT is typical and I expect it's not uncommon..

Going to do some family tree research; having finally found our great-gran, a friend wants me to help find hers.. think it may prove trickier as she hasn't much to go on. Also thinking what I could buy with what'll be leftover from the gardener being cheaper than I budgeted.. does anyone else do this.. count money like that as 'free' & spend it on what they like even though no doubt there are practical things it could go on.

Hello dachshund have a good weekend; & to all, hope a few more call in soon with an update..

barbara12

Evening Joan and Toady and anyone else that is lurking...
I am sure Joan wont mind me saying her little dog was put down last week...he would have been 14 in May...its so sad when you lose your little friends...thinking about you Joan
Toady I did my family tree on my dads side..its the most enjoyment I have had out of my comp since I got one in the year 2,000..fascinating..I even found out through the birth Deaths and Marriages that my dad had a younger brother that died ages 6 months..and my dad hadn't a clue sadly he had passed away before I could tell him..
now my mums side stopped with my GD her father he was welch and names Davis... :shock: I just wish I had asked more before she died...
Right when does Christine go to Ireland...sorry I am not sure if its this weekend..
Anyone fancy some M&S cardamon cookies they are delicious so you had better be quick...

toady

Oh Joan I am so sorry to read about your little dog I lost my cat at around 16 years a few years ago now (she was mine for around 13 of those) and it's so hard when you lose a dear pet.. I just wanted to send my sympathy really.. sad news deserves a little post of its own.. Best wishes to your sister too. xx

I will be around in the cafe tomorrow, goodnight to everybody. xxx

applerose

Great to see you Toni. Not surprised you got confused. I do when I miss just one day. Can't remember half of it. I'm off to Dublin to stay with my daughter for the week. Her husband is going away with work and she needs help with the babies. Great news that you'll be at home for the weekend and Lucy has her friends coming round.

Yes Barbara, why are you woolly headed? You been at the vodka? I think it's all wrong that you can't change provider when you want to, especially when things go wrong. Oh my goodness. I hope your GD is ok now. How awful. People go to concerts to have a good time. Why do they have to spoil it attacking people?

It's quite exciting when you find some ancestors or family members you didn't know about, isn't it Toady? I'm waiting for a cousin of my dad's I've just found to send me what he has.

Joan, I have just read what Barbara said about your dog. I'm so sorry. I have had 2 dogs put down and found I missed them terribly. (((hugs)))

Today's adventures on the bus - Everything was going normally until I was on the 2nd bus home. Just as it was pulling away from the stop, an old man came slowly walking up on the road on front of the bus, preventing it from moving. The driver let him on. He got his ticket and told the driver god bless you several times then very slowly made his way to the seat in front of me. As the bus pulled away, there was a very strong 'aroma'. Think the poor man had had a little accident, probably a few days ago. I had to get up and move nearer the back of the bus and open a window. The woman opposite made a face at me showing she could smell it too. A short while later, the bus pulled in to the first stop in our little town and a woman with one of those trolleys you can lean on as you walk. As she was collecting her ticket, the man got up, slowly made his way to the front and just stood blocking the way. The woman asked if he was getting off then told him to get out of her way so she can sit down. I then heard the bus driver asking the man if he wanted another town and told him he would get a bus to that town at the next stop but the man insisted on getting off the bus there. Think the man was a bit worse for wear. Hope he found his way home ok.

My voucher came through ok just as I was about to go to bed last night so I picked my train tickets up today so I'm all sorted. They've booked me a seat from the station round the corner from my house to Manchester Piccadilly but not for the last half hour to the airport. They've booked me a seat back home from the airport for half an hour to Piccadilly but not for the 2 1/2 hours the rest of the journey home. Just hope there's a seat for me or I'll be sitting on the floor or someone's knee.

Right I'll have a cuppa and one of the cardamom cookies if there are any left Barbara.

frogmorton

Oh what sad sad news

Joan!! I am so sorry. I will tell Cris what has happened to your beloved dog. She will be so upset for you. How kind of you to worry about us while you must be devastated yourself! Please accept these (((Joan and Sue))) from us here.

Barbara Thank you for letting us know. Joan is always 'there' for us all. You know I agree with you about the phone company - that 'fee' is disgusting and people ought to be warned

I am shocked also to hear about your GD having a black eye due to a girl!!!! Sounded a nasty piece of work :x

Toady Aha Dublin! Oh Christine will love it there
I do do that by the way with money I have 'saved' but my husband says it's not saved really because we hadn't spent it yet :?

Hope the family tree research is fruitful

Christine It's good to see you too Those bus escapades never end do they? :roll: I hope the chap was ok in the end. Wonder if he is ill...confused maybe???

Sounds like your break is all sorted now yippee!!!

Right sleeves up:



my share of washing up.....



a quick mop

and the loos :roll:



love to you all

Toni xxx

barbara12

Morning all
Hello Toni heee how lovely to see your little people cleaning the cafe again ...your special coffee ...cant spell it ..is in the cupboard above the fridge..love to Lucy ...
Christine you and these buses..blimey don't think I could manged now on them...so you haven't gone yet ..sorry wasn't sure when it was..the poor man don't you just feel for them, but I know what you mean we have quite a few like that on our bus root...I hope he got home if he has one that is.. glad you have the vouchers sorted.my GD has areal shiner..but she is ok and says there is worse than that goes on...
Toady I will leave the kettle on for you..
And Joan I'm still thinking of you....
See you all later have to go and pick up one GD...xxxx

RosieGlow

Toni, Sit down we'll do everything, you must be shattered. I'll get you a coffee. It is so good to see you here though. It's not the same without your loving support. Now, we want to support you. You and Lovely Lucy.

My elder granddaughter - by eleven days - is five months old today. I celebrate every day of their lives! There have never been two more beautiful little girls...watcha mean, I'm biased!!!

Very cold today, so happy to sit here with some tea and toast, and read. I'm also getting to know my IPad. Never had one before, but I love it. Does anyone know how to highlight text?

Joan, so, sorry to hear about your little friend. It's one of the saddest experiences ever. I won't put myself through it again, much as I would love a little companion.

Much love to everyone......Rosie.x.

Kitty

Afternoon all, WOW it's shiny and clean in here after Toni's cleaning spree. Aren't those windows gleaming in the sun.

Rosie, I know my iPad, it's my smart phone that gets my fingers in a twist.
Applerose, hope you enjoy your visit to Dublin. I went to Northern Ireland when I was 17, we stayed at a friends gran's house in a little village called Glenarm not far from Larne, where the ferry is. It inspired me to write a poem about another small town called Cushendall.

The Road To Cushendall

Where Antrim's mountains rise and fall
down towards the grey stone wall,
there the sea mist casts its pall
along the road to Cushendall.

Upon the rocks and crags so bare,
wild long grasses here and there
catch the wind like mermaid's hair
as it blows down to Cushendall.

Where the dark hills slope and lean
towards the gentle vale of green,
here the sea spray falls like rain
upon the road to Cushendall.

Beyond the shores of reddish clay
and out across the peaceful bay,
the purple hills of Scotland lay
looking down to Cushendall.

Beneath the Red Arch hewn from stone,
a weary traveller all alone
along the coast road leading home,
riding down to Cushendall.

Promise we will walk again
along the pleasant winding lane
that stretches out across the plain
when I return to Cushendall.

Joan, I was so sad to hear about your doggy friend. My heart goes out to you.

I am still having hospital 'issues' still no Dermatology appointment, and now I have to make appointment with GP to try and get a blood test for AMA! I shall say no more about the matter until I get some positive news as it is becoming too too depressing :roll:

Sun is shining, but this morning we had a downpour of hail!! I've been really cold all day too.

Sending love to all I've mentioned, and to those I haven't big hugs too.

Kath xx

RosieGlow

Kath,


We drove the coast road from Cushendall to Larne many years ago. It's one of my most precious memories. This was the early seventies, at the height of the troubles. To leave a war torn Belfast and see all that beauty was really uplifting.....Rosie.x.

toady

Hello applerose, Toni, barbara, Rosie & Kath.. thanks for the nicely-boiling kettle barbara, I will have a coffee-break and a cardomom cookie.. ooh that's a step up from a bourbon isn't it, though I can't remember what cardomom is like.. Glad GD is ok.

Applerose no wonder you are turning your talents to writing, you certainly tell a good tale.. that bus trip was almost too vivid.. poor soul. I once had a really, really filthy old man ask if I was alright (I wasn't walking that well at the time) :roll: I thought 'what have I come to' Glad you have got your tickets sorted, all I can say is I hope your fellow passengers are not of that variety, on the train or plane..

Toni the 'saved' money has half gone on some new memory for a pc upgrade, and half allotted for some blueberry plants.. and probably some chocolate.. (well they are both anti-inflammatory )

Hello kath, lovely words.. very peaceful.. takes you back to places you've been even if not the same spot.. you've had hail? gracious, the weather isn't giving up is it :roll: bright here but chilly underneath it, even so.

Rosie I wouldn't have another pet either, I know it's the price you pay but I couldn't again. Don't have an iPad sorry, I tried someone's tablet but found it quite heavy & didn't much like the interface. Cold where you are too; does make you want to stay & do indoor jobs, I'm sorting out my pc folders (or making a start anyway).

Thinking of you Joan. x

barbara12

Afternoon all
Rosie its lovely to see you around..how are you getting on...hope things are going wellish
Toady the biscuits were on offer they are lovely... the baby is the best she likes them but spits the cardamons out...what a waste... :roll:
Kath I love your poems been reading them in the poetry section..so sorry you are struggling and waiting for appointments...the NHS has a lot to answer
The sun is shinning but quite cold...we have found some baby newts living under a large stone..bless there are around 15 of them...so its back to the lodge for hubby
Think I will sit by the window and have a ponder..anyone seen cuddles around...xxxxx

applerose

Toni, I think the man on the bus had had a few too many rather than being ill. You put me to shame, cleaning the cafe when you have so much on your plate at the moment but it does look sparkling in here. Hope you've had one of your coffees. I know Barbara keeps one ready for you.

Barbara, I'm catching the 7.30 am train in the morning. Bit early for me but the station is only a 10 minute walk away and it takes me right in to Manchester airport.

Rosie isn't it lovely each stage the babies get to. Always something new.

Kath, my mum and dad used to visit Northern Ireland years ago. I think it was somewhere near Belfast. Newtonards maybe. I remember them telling me they had to be searched every time they went in to a shop. What a good poem. Makes the area sound lovely.

Toady, thank you. I think it's just that I see some strange things. :? Oh goodness, I hope there aren't any of that sort of passenger. It's not so easy to move on a plane.

That must look funny when the baby spits out the cardamoms Barbara. I like them but I know some people don't like them. Glad you found the newts and took them to the lodge. They'll be able to join the others now.

Well I'd better get to bed for an early night. Need to be up no later than 6 to make sure I'm ready for the off in the morning. I'm taking my laptop in the hope I'll find a few minutes here and there to call in. In case I don't, hope you all have a good week.

barbara12

Just popping in before bed..
Christine that is early, but its good means you will be there to enjoy the day, Manchster airport is around12 miles from us..you have a safe journey and a lovely time we will be here when you get back
Rosie I am sorry sorry..meant to say how lively celebrating every day of your GCs lives
Will leave the kettle on fot toady...she might find me asleep in a chair...just nudge me and we can have a natter has my late mum would have said....
I have told Joan you have all sent your condolences. And love
See you all tomorrow xxxxxxxx

toady

Ooh I was glad of a cup of tea barbara, went tired mid-evening & went for a lie-down after my mtx jab, knowing I would wake up pie-eyed if I went then.. which I did.. but it was enough of a recharge to get up again & come & poke round on the 'net so it must have done something for me just been into w**ko buying some gardening bits & bobs. I expect you will find newts for a little while as they must be used to the territory I suppose.. if newts work like frogs etc.. hope they don't turn up in 1s and 2s for ages or your hubby will be going to & fro..

I won't wake you for a natter at this hour but thank you for the kind offer we will catch up tomorrow I expect, applerose will be up & off before I have even gone to bed at this rate so I had better make some tracks.. have a good journey applerose if you happen to look in

Monday tomorrow, see what the postman brings, he should have one or two things for me.. half the fun of online shopping is getting stuff in the post, I do love parcels etc won't be getting any letters though unless I write some more myself..

Cold & frosty tonight they say, keep warm all xx

barbara12

Morning all
Toady you could have woke me I was not in a deep sleep around 1 ...good for you having a nap, but like you say sometimes its the wrong time...mine has to be around 3 in the afternoon..are the meds working for you...I hear so much about these things on hear some praise some dont..
I love Wilco* it the nearest thing to the old Woolworth...that was my second home...it goes back to being in my teens and spending time with my friends in there...
Online shopping I love..my postman thinks I have gone crazy... just found out that Asd* do a £1 delivery slot..so my food is coming tomorrow afternoon...save me going round there and hubby hates it...
One GD just gone to school in GDs car..very bleary eyed she was and so am I...will see you later....xxxxx

tkachev

Had an appointment today so have had to stay awake then thought I'd have a quick look at the forum.

Very sorry to read that Joan's lovely dog died. It is never easy to lose such a dear little thing but I'm sure he had a a great life with you Joan. You must feel so empty.

Hi Barbara I'll take a look at the TT phone thing for you. I got charged £5 for a ' GB package' which I apparently signed up for with T*sc*. It was when I was setting it up and nothing was made clear, certainly concerning any charges.

I used to love looking for newts back in the sixties There were plenty living along the old railway line after it was closed. We plan to get something done with the patio this year as it is looking drab.

I'd love to look into our family tree but think it would be too time consuming. We have very old family photographs from around 1860's too so I know what my Great Grandfather (1830-1874) looked like and know quite a lot about him. But I'd like to know more about my Grandfather as he seems to have lost a fortune somewhere along the line!

Going to sign off for now,
take care all
Elizabeth xx