'Captivated in The Courts'.......

small maybe --but perfectly formed--well done Flori \0/\0/\0/

Well I really enjoyed walking around there again, this time with you, Flori!
Went there a few years ago with OH. Do you still have to park on the side of the road? I cant remember what time of year we went, but I know the wisteria wasnt in flower.
It really is worth a visit, and your pictures are gorgeous, love the tulips..I think they are "Ballerina" lily flowered. My favourites!
I particularly like the pictures of the formal border and the shrubbery. Another great blog my dear!

That is a lovely place,Flori,and your photo's are great.I loved the Wisteria and the fruit covered tunnel,The plant
you didn't know,is an Aeonium (spelling?) I think.Here we go again, :o)))

Thats very enjoyable, lovely photos Flori. Its a place I was going to visit last year, but somehow never made it. Perhaps this year.

Absolutely stunning! Thank you for sharing, I shall come back again to this later as it is worth taking some time over and now I have to get ready to go and have my eyes tested! .....later I will pour over it again!

hi bev .......... hows you , moonsissters!!!!!!!!!!!!!1........
fab pics again , is all this out now , agree with karen , be back later as of to work now . love that tunnel wow !!!
see you later hun bye 4 now !! xxxxx

Hello Flori \0/ That is a beautiful garden and your photos are brilliant, the sort you see in books and glossy magazines. I do love your blogs x

MAGNIFICENT!!! I wish my english was good enough to find a better word to describe it.

What an incredible garden, I love the tunnel of fruit and those Alliums to die for. Truly lovely. Thanks Flori.

Your photos are a great enticement to visit...maybe one day :) I really think you have done justice to another beautiful NT property...I particularly liked the wisteria and the fern planting.

Thanks Flori for all the good info and the pretty pictures.

May be small but a beautiful place, loved the walk round with you.

Hi everybody\0/, so many thanks for all the great comments on my new blog!! Yes, Tet, you do still have to park across the road, and then walk across. I am so glad that you have been there though...Cinders, it really is worth the visit...These photos taken last May (Wisteria) and June, Cristina...Thank you, my dear Bloomer, for info regarding the name of Aeonium, I have now added it, thanks for letting me know...
Thank you, Cos, for such a lovely comment...and Grandmage, Karen, Clarice, W/lass, my dear friend, Annella, and 'specially Pam, as she asked if I would add this to my collection....I am so glad that you have enjoyed. Have added a couple more Allium picts just for you Grandmage...plus some extra photos that I thought you all might like to see...I do hope that I am not boring you! lol...Thank you all\0/x

Lovely blog Flori..thankyou...that formal pond is amazing and the wisteria...wow..:>)

Thank you Motinot, for your lovely comment...Have added a few extra photos.....\0/

Love the extra pics,Flori..I love Alliums..:o)

Hi Bloomer! \0/ Oh so do I! And there are so many different forms of them too...I want to grow some of my own....! They really photograph beautifully....\0/

That looks a lovely place Flori and so near to your home too. It is surprising what is around the corner. The dafffodils and crocus are out here now where I live and they look a picture as you are walking around... Thanks for taking me on the walk with you :-).........

It looks lovely there :) Thankyou for taking us on that journey... I just want to jump in your photos and start singing do-ray-me and skipping down that tunnel :P

Hello Richard! Long time no see!!! Hope all is well with you my friend.Thank you for your comment, and you too, Jenny...you both would have been such delightful company for me as I strolled around this little oasis of peace and beauty....Lovely to see you both...\0/x

I'm with GG...that tunnel of fruit trees is like a little bit of heaven. I can just imagine wandering under all that blossom in the spring and then just pulling a fresh apple or pear off whenever I wanted one. Isn't the house beautiful too....that wonderful cotswold stone.....just gorgeous. Some people are just soooooooo lucky aren't they. I wonder if they realise just how blessed they are to live in places like this...I know I would! Great that it is open to the public now....a real treasure!

Hi Flori-- I've just been for another walk around this beautiful garden-- its stunning-- and those close-ups of the flowers-wow-you've done it again my friend! \0/\0/\0/

Flori, thanks for putting together this lovely tour. It looks just beautiful. I hope to visit it now. The fruit tree tunnel with the gorgeous soft lavender planting under it was the thing that caught my eye. Bring on more alliums!
And the hot border makes a great contrast. :D

Wow, what lovely photgraphs. The one that really caught my eye was the Wisteria. What a lovely colour.

I too love that Wisteria, and the hankerchief tree, lovely blog i enjoyed my visit thankyou!

wow lovely place flori and beautiful wistera and dove tree, never seen a dove tree before but its beautiful. glad you enjoyed your visit there and can see why, enjoyed the history lesson to , thanx for taking me on your tour flori :o))

what a beautiful blog ~ have you ever thought of making a book with those lovely photos?
i would certainly like to visit there ~ it would feel very familiar now i have nearly been there!
what a lovely comment jennyfer ~ made me smile.

I'm so pleased you've put this on, Flori, as OH and I went there last February when we had a Mon-Fri break in the Bath area. It's so good to see it during the Spring/Summer as, you can imagine, all was rather bare when we went! I do remember Aconites, Snowdrops and Silver Birch trees though. We had a clotted cream tea at 11.30am in those fabulous tea-rooms, only one other couple were eating so the service was excellent. We then went to Lacock Abbey & Gardens. I've trawled through the blog archive of Feb/March but, as my account was Megan75 back then, before I changed to Shirley_tulip in May (long story!) all my previous blogs have been deleted. : o (((((

Flori what a wonderful blog and photographs, would love to visit, this is my type of garden, will return again to view your photos , thanks very much for putting this together.

And you have really made me look at the handkerchief tree with that stunning close up. Ive always liked them but just admired them from a distance. Just shows how you can look but dont always see!

Thank you all so much for all the great comments on my blog, and I am delighted that you have enjoyed our tour around this wonderful National Trust Garden, here in the heart of Wiltshire. I am so glad that you liked the macro photo of the bract on the Handkerchief tree, Tet...This is why I love macro photography so much, you really do get the chance to see the plant up close and personal...it can give it a whole new perspective....
That Tea rooms,Shirley tulip, is out of another era, isn't it...and the cake selection is truly amazing!
I must do a blog on Lacock Abbey and gardens. I have walked around Lacock dozens of times, yet never visited the Abbey. As you know, so many period Dramas are filmed in Lacock..the latest being 'Cranford'......\0/

yes please flori ~ id like to see a blog on lacock abbey ~ never been there.
have you ever thought of writing guide books?
i love macro photography, it fascinates me.

and some scenes from the 'Harry Potter' films too ...... I contacted Peter & Ajay re my blog on The Courts gardens ... account deleted so all is lost! : o ((( No worries ... I'll keep this as a favourite. : o )))))

you like your alliterative titles flori ~ i might shorten it and misspell it to ~ caught in court?

Sticki, as soon as I visit there, I promise you a blog! Hahahah..no, I do not think that I am a good enough writer to do that, but I do love your faith in me...You are our aspiring author my dear friend....
I am so sorry to hear that, Shirley T, but am glad that this helped bring back good memories for you. If you ever want to see a particular part of this garden, let me know, as I take dozens of photos when I am out, and I will be going back there very soon...It is about 7minutes up the road from my village..lol \0/X
PS, I know that you clever lot will shorten it, Sticki, so whatever catches your imagination my dear friend...lol\0/x

how lovely to have such a beautiful place 7 minutes up the road ~ i expect you have a season ticket?

I'm sure it would pay for itself, Sticki, but NT membership for us both would be about £80, which is a little rich for my pocket at the moment, unfortunately....:~(((((x

That's too bad you lost your old a/c, Shirley...you'll have to make a return visit and re-blog it all again :) I was worried for a minute though when you said the a/c was deleted...I thought you meant your current a/c...whew!

We have a NT membership too, Flori but it isn't used all that often (we hope to rectify that now we're retired for almost a year). If we aren't using it regularly we will likely cancel our membership although it is good to know our memberships support the NT in restoring and maintaining so many properties. Budgets need to be adhered to though, Flori (& pensions)....:)

We used to have it, W/lass, but at the time we didn't use it very often, so let it lapse, which was a pity. I love the NT sites, and they are well worth a day out to, but as you said, it is all a case of working in with a Budget, and redundancy unfortunately means so many treats tend to be put on hold...So many in the same boat nowadays....

Once again a fabulous blog Flori. I think the devices used at these open gardens teach so much. The wonderful pictures of the lower pond with the startlingly orange tulips amid all the greenery and the ferns and candelabra primulas, such simple planting yet what an impact. I can remember my first sighting of a davidia in full bloom, I was so excited, felt like a twitcher spotting a rare bird. Really enjoyed the visit:-)

lovely photo's.

Ba! How wonderful to 'see' you! lol.So glad that you enjoyed my new blog...Yes, I remember the very first time that I saw a Davidia in bloom, it was a startling sight, but they are a wonderful tree...And those vibrant orange tulips made such a statement..talk about wow factor!
Thank you Khayla, I am really pleased that you enjoyed the photos too...It is a wonderful place to visit...\0/x

Lovely blog Flori!!!! I love the wisteria and especially the allium bud, I love that kind of thing.
I haven't paid a visit to GoY for ages as I have been very busy studying, but fear not, a PM is headed your way :o)
The work keyboard gets closer to death every week! Today the left shift key finally gave up the ghost and now whenever you press it it just stays there and you have to lever it up with a pen :o( so as you can imagine, typing is quite hard, lol!

So good to see you Pip! \0/...I thought that you had gone a little quiet on us...Hope all is going well...Welcome to 'The Courts'...I hope that you enjoyed your walk around with us all...
(I liked the Allium bud too! We have such good taste!). Sounds like we need to do a whip around to get you a new keyboard my friend...lol...\0/xxx

It looks a grand place to visit, thanks Flori for both the info and the wonderful photo`s.......

Yeah a new keyboard would be great!!! Don't have the courage to ask the boss for a new one though.

It's one of THOSE days.... that is to say, the wind is coming in the right direction, and the warehouse is right under the flight path!

Hi Pip, don't know if you have such places in OZ but here you can get reconditioned goods at a fraction of the new price-- its usually enviromental recycling people-- one local to me is Environ, big businesses give them stuff when they change their'hardware'--- sorry the planes are a nuisance-- its the smell of the fuel as well as the noise isn't it.

Congratulations Flori on your 'Millenium Massive' award for the 'Sis'ters blog \0/\0/\0/

What a gem beautiful

Lovely blog and pictures, the tour was just great. Thanks!

Thanks L/lass, Pip, Pam, Eileeneliza and Helenium for all your wonderful comments, and thank you for the 'Millenium Massive' Award Pip, but as with my others, it is you wonderful lot that truly deserve it, for all the posting comments that you do on my blogs...\0/x

a truly spring day today -- thermometer said 20deg !! long may it last.....the spring flowers and the birds have gone just crazy!! \0/\0/\0/

Congratulations Flori on your well deserved 'Millenium Massive' Award. You will have to get a trophy cabinet now to keep all your awards in ;-) Hope you are well my friend and getting the garden ready for the summer...

We had a day-long coastal fog, we were languishing in thick mist with a bit of drizzle and it was chilly all day. Just a few miles away, the sun was out though.
Lucky you, Pam!

It felt lucky Beattie after such a long winter ( it looks nice today too :o)))

today was nice! daffodils seemed to have blossomed by the bunchload! english strawberries are in the shops and the sky was blue!!! might have started out at 2 degrees but by the afternoon didnt need a coat!!!

Well I am using the free wifi on a metrobus for thefirst time!! Must write quick!!

That was probably a completely undecodable statement, let's just say that I've been wanting to use the free wifi on the new Sydney metrobuses for ages, but I've never had the chance so it was an exciting moment for me!!!!!! Lol :o)

You should do gardening tours, Flori, around the Courts! your wealth of background information is very comprehensive :•)

I have a new black dot key on this iPod internet thingy now! I could learn to like the new nose job :•)

Is that a very sun-tanned nose, Pip? : o )))

I thought it might be a late "red nose day" feature.

Not much chance of getting a suntan in Oz at the moment :•( I hate nearly-winter... Still, complaining about the weather is more of a British thing, right?

Ha ha, Beattie, that'll confuse Pip! : o )

well suprisingly Pip as its only March we could maybe get a suntan--20deg c outside-- very unseasonable and its threatening to change at the weekend!
Love your new nose tho-- Terra will want one:o)))

i think pip has put the bus stop on the comment?

Well today it is a chilly 22° here in Sydney and we are all rugged up in our jumpers and suchlike :•(

my you Ozzies are nesh........

LOL! 22° is as warm as a summer day gets down here on the coast!

I was thinking the same....22C is a nice summer day here in the UK. Pip....you'd never survive here; we'd all have our sweaters/jumpers discarded if the temperature rose to 22!

when i went to work this morning it was 3 degrees, by the time i came home it was blue sky and 19 degrees!! what a turn round!!

It's amazing how warm and bright it is....turning colder on the weekend apparently. I just had a gillet on over my top today and was even too warm with that! It's great, I agree Sticki :)

It's been lovely here especially Thursday and Friday and I caught up with quite a lot of much needed garden work...how satisfying sigh..:-)
Pip, could you send me one of those black dot keys please? I'm sure it would improve my appearance. I'm feeling a little frumpy at the moment:-(

aha ~ is pip giving out beauty spots?

thursday and friday were lovely here but its cold today ~ probably feels worse cos i have mother in law coming for lunch!!!!

That reminds me of a film Sticki...Arsenic and Old Lace..lol!

funny you should comment just now ~ made me laugh as well ~ i was just thinking of sending you a PM cos i hadnt seen you around GoY for a bit.
she's gone now ~ i was dreading it cos last time was awful. this time wasnt so bad.

Glad it was ok Sticki, I take it she's a bit like hard work? No luck on the beauty spot front yet St. Cold here and grey:-( Tet, did you see Annellas cake with your face on it? You looked a bit grumpy:-)

thanks BA ~ yes, cant always deal with her comments ~ mostly negative. can be demanding.
its cold and cloudy here

She sounds like my M-in-law, Sticki! Over the years, she's told me I don't know how to carve a turkey, or slice a wedding cake, or arrange flowers. We don't see her very often these days, now why could that be, I wonder? ... lol!

hmmm i cant think!!!
its them that lose out isnt it!
i dont know why they have to be so critical

Because we're not good enough for their sons ... mind you, she's criticised her son-in-law too. Oh well ... we can't all be sweetness & light ... lol!! : o ))

I am one of the lucky ones....my mother-in-law was a lovely, gentle lady...now father-in-law...well, another story!

I do know that moms-in-law can be very irritating...woops, I'm a mom-in-law....I wonder how the son-in-law views me? lol Best to remain ignorant me thinks!

Just copy and paste the black dot, Ba! To cut a very long story short, black dots will be temporarily unavailable.

I'm glad the weather is warming up for you over there, no sarcasm intended! It's getting colder here and darker in the mornings too. Going 4km on a scooter to work on a Sunday morning at 6:30 am is getting more difficult. (I do enjoy my commute, though! The early morning is the best time of day.)

I don't have a mother-in-law yet, let's hope she's a goodie when she comes. Good luck with yours today Sticki!!!

thanks pip ~ choose wisely and you will be fine im sure!!

LOL :o)))

My mum-in-law was lovely came and looked after my pups when they were tiny and loved gardening-- sadly she passed away too soon

My 2 sons had 3 grandmothers and so my daughter also had 3 grandmothers ... my late husbands mother (Grandma), their birth mothers mum (Nanny) and my mum had to be Gran. They were lovely women, all dead now. My present husbands mother I was too late to meet, but I'm sure she was lovely too. I've been very lucky, but I must admit that we didn't live too near to each other lol. With my daughter, I always take her husbands side so I'm a nice ma-in-law (terrible mother) :-))

we live about 2 miles from her if that ~ OH goes to see her 3 times a week ~ and still she is demanding!!! i see my mum about once every 6 weeks!!

Hello..\0/ 'tis only me popping my head around the post to say 'Good Morning!', to you all...\0/...My mum in law very sweet, but am still glad that she lives 250 miles away from me....It's true, think that all too many mum-in-laws think that we can't look after their sons as well as they did....I have always said that men only get married once they leave home, to get another woman to 'mother' them....28 years into a marriage, and my opinion hasn't changed that much...lol...\0/Wheeeee!

you are most likely right flori ~ 33 years for me! except i am definitely not bossy like his mother is!!!

Hello\0/....Oooh, it's very quiet here on CiC, where have you all gone? Helllllooooooooooooo...Anyone out there...?? :~(((lolx

Yes:-) Some have popped back to SIS I've noticed \0/ Hello Flori:-)

hello Flori, hello BA ~ ive been busy menu planning but its over now!!!

What's over Sticki?

sorry, didnt explain ~ mammoth cooking ~ or so it seemed. son, fiance and mother in law for meals.

And there's most of us would have just got a chicken, like everyone else, Sticki...LOL! Was the Mother-in-law, a bit tough, and you had to cook her a little longer?Tee hee hee\0/, Sorry, just couldn't resist!! Nice to see you Ba and Sticki...I have missed you.....
I have been busy painting my new arbour today...ho hum, second coat tomorrow.......Anyone want to pop over and help? I'm sure that I can find the odd brush or two....?????????\0/x

just pass me the brush flori and i'll be over!! i hope to see the completed arbour on the photos soon.

dont think i cooked her long enough ~ still a bit tough but certainly better than last time!!

bit cloudy here today and rain forecast ~ should be in the garden now but had a few minutes to myself so im catching up on here ~ its nice to pop in somewhere friendly for a while!!

Do tell the menu Sticki, you know how we all love talking about food:-) Flori, you have seen me when I was 'just looking' lol:-)

friday supper was calzone which we put the filling into once son and fiance had got here so that was fun! especially as son didnt want the palma ham i thought he loved so we had to defrost a chicken portion then spice it up while cooking so it could go into his calzone! then we had those peppadew peppers stuffed with soft cheese and drizzled in sundried tomato oil, with ciabbata bread along with the palma ham and galia melon.
saturday after we had veggie samosas we had thai salmon curry with beans followed by chocolate cherry trifle with lime then flapjack for anyone [especially son] who was hungry!!!

Bout time you forgot how to cook good meals, Sticki and do a few bad ones on the trot... soon gets rid of unwanted guests lol!

probably right tet ~ im worn out.

Poor Sticki...you sound like you could really do with a break! That is quite a menu you prepared....It sounded wonderful!....
Hi Tet! Hi Ba! \0/\0/\0/\0/\0/...You lot would have had a good chuckle at my attempt of dodging showers whilst painting the arbour today...We got it under cover, just before the heavens opened!LOL!
Sticki, I have your brush here just waiting for you....hahahahaha...\0/.......

is it a little brush ~ "" or a big brush? ~ !!!!!!!

Morning Sticki! \0/ It is a medium brush...will that do? Or I have a fine angled brush for better detailed work, you know how us Virgo's excel at that...What do you think? lol.I will put kettle on for when you arrive...hahahaha....\0/Wheeeeeeee!x

your kettle will have boiled dry unless its a very large one! its a bit of a way from worcestershire to wiltshire. is it dry there today?

Haven't you been able to get Richard on the job Flori?
Sticki, I'm not sure what calzone is:-( But it all sounds wonderful. Did you make the samosas yourself? I love samosas:-)

calzone is the same as pizza but its folded over ~ like a pasty shape ~ but italian style!! i did make the samosas ~ filo pastry and baked but they werent as good as some i made before which were deep fried!!

deep fried is goood BUT seriously baaad......

yes, true. better stick to the baked variety ~ but the others were tastier ~ think i need to check what was inside them. it wasnt just the deep frying that made them better.

deep frying does taste better-- think of donuts--- no don't!!
I found a nice chinese supermarket today who sold those pancakes they have in the chinese restaurants --they have duck and hoisin sauce in them -- easy to have now!!

have they got the duck and hoisin in already? i know a supermarket that sells the pancakes on their own ~ maybe better to get the more authentic sort from the chinese supermarket?
duck is lovely ~ youngest son is having duck for his wedding meal!!!

no Sticki, tesco do the whole duck pancakes & sauce but if we have some duck left I can't buy the panckes but this little supermarket has them-- I've tried other things but we prefer the thin ones.
whats your son having with the duck-- I make a cranberry & madeira sauce that we like

that sounds very nice, he is having plum sauce; not sure what else, they were very excited about it after the tasting!

does anyone have any recommendations of things to see and do in ediburgh? we are going for the weekend and i dont want to shop for 3 days!!

Got to be up to the Castle,Sticki,and all the quaint little streets in the old part..and Holyrood palace .all in the same area,if you like that sort of thing.but a stroll down Princes St is a must as well..:o)..A lovely city,I hope you have a great time..we went one August,to the Tattoo :o)

never been to the tattoo, i bet thats great.
i like the quaint streets, been to the castle before but i like it.
dont think i went in holyrood so maybe i will look at that?
thank you.

Yum all that food talk is making me hungry!! Cooked one of my legendary chocolate biscuit cakes for the other students at college this week. All enjoyed.

Hi Pip hope the course is going well-- I think our Flori's in line for an award :o)))

how do you make chocolate biscuit cake pip~ it sounds wonderful

Your welcome Sticki..don't forget your earmuffs,if you are at the castle for the firing of the cannon at noon !Lol.

i'll probably forget the time and be standing right next to it!

Lol,Sticki..as long as you aren't in front of it..although,think you would be safe,these days..:o).

i should be zooming over your house about half an hour later then!!! get the camera ready!!!

Ok..and kettles on ! hope you are all in one piece when you arrive ..Lol.

Hi all \0/ Sticki, I believe there are tours of the underground vaults, some poor people actually lived there once...maybe depressing though lol:-)

i have done that one BA ~ it is quite depressing! karensusan said to go to the botanical gardens so im hoping to find them ~ got to look it up on the internet.

bloomer ~ do you have a trampoline in your garden that i could land on??

Hi Bev,
Teriffic blog as per. Interesting potted history and wonderful photos too. I wonder if my Wisteria will ever be that good?

Take care mate x

Sadly,no,Sticki..but there might be a magic carpet,still lying around from Flori's 'Somerset' blog,or maybe Ba's travel,will have one..failing that,don't worry,I will catch you !..try and land feet first..Lol.

a nice soft 'flower bed' should do the trick Sticki--- all that lush growth to land on \,,,,,,,,/

Shame I have gravel,and a circular stone area,Pam..ouch! but the Bowling green is across the road..if she isn't good with the steering :o)

Sorry bloomer...B.A.Travel has gone bosoms up..what with the recession and everything...wrong sort of snow..but don't forget the B.A.Trust. Were still looking for sites (blogs) to take over.. like Sidetracked In Stourhead. The National Trust had better watch out!:-)

Hello! I am pleased and proud to present Flori with her Bornagain's Flowerpot award. As for the chocolate bickie cake, I'll post the recipe for you, sticki, when I post that other one for the soup... I know! I am owing you a lot of recipes but fear not, I will get them to you in the end...

Remind me, girls, to post the recipes :•)

thanks Pip-- I'll look for it too--

thanks pip ~ that will be great but dont work too hard

steering not my best skill!!!

hope you havent got holly or other prickly things, definitely dont like nettles

Thats a shame Ba..something will turn up soon,I'm sure..
I will be waiting with soft cushions ,Sticki..you will be fine :o)

How about sending your MIL on a test run Sticki!!!! LOL!

BA, perhaps if you re opened as BrA Travel, you would get a lot more support HEHEHE HAHAHA HOHOHO!

Tet! That is SO BAD! as you can see girls, Tet is well in her cups...C,D, E,F and GG by the sound of it! LOL! If you add the gel bits as well, Ba, we could get a very cushioned landing, 'specially thinking of poor Sticki being shot out of a canon in Scotland...The softer the landing the better by the sound of it!
Hi Muddy!!!!\0/ So great to hear from you again, I hope all is well with you old friend...your message made my day\0/.
Thank you Pip for the award...you spoil me rotten. At this rate I will need a bigger gaff to move into, just to home all these wonderful awards in...Wonder if Buck house available? Tee hee hee!! Hi Everybody\0/\0/\0/\0/\0/\0/\0/\0/X

DD Flori..and I dont mean Dottydaisy! You dont want Buck House, dear...to large and drafty, besides which we would have to pay to come in and see you!

maybe she could get a good deal-- they'll may be going away after the wedding.... wonder where Wills & Kate will live?

Wales......

Hiya all,\0/ I've been working very hard clearing the loft with family help. Now we have a cleared garage and a cleared loft.....wonder how quickly they will fill up again lol? I've also been trying to get the garden ready....so much to do, and I'm off for a few days to Holmfirth soon, I'll take my camera and see if there's anything interesting or lovely for a blog. what will happen to my babies? I've got pelargonium plugs and lobelia in the porch inside my little plastic greenhouse:-(

So,Ba, you are venturing to my part of the world then..don't forget to go to Compo's cafe for fish and chips Lol. you will find plenty to blog about,and lovely scenery..but then again,I am biased..:o) I'm off to the spring flower show,in Harrogate next week,for a few days,so I should hopefully have something nice to blog about too..:o)

\o/ Flori..how are you,me old mucker? We seem to have drifted for some unknown reason..anyway,not to worry..its nice to hear from you again,.saying that,I haven't commented much on here either..so much going on,and sometimes,just hard to keep up and catch up..X.hope Raffy is still OK.:o)

great idea Tet!!! luckily she is not coming with us.

i will try to get some photos in edinburgh to put on, scotland from the air or any county in the north should look good from a mile up??

oh no!! that was a mistake, it should read any country should look good from the air.

And here's me thinking you were planning to fire MIL a mile up into the air LOL! That should look quite good from the ground!!
Think Id better draw the line under MIL jokes..nobody tells 'em quite like Les Dawson did.

Hi all-- I think its the unacustomed spring sunshine thats knocked us all for six.... \0/\0/\0/.....
I've a weekend away too-- Chepstow which suprised me by being in Wales... have a great time SiSters whatever we do...

chepstow has a lovely castle, and is it near foody country? ie ludlow

Hi Bloomer! And Everybody \0/, Yes, Bloomer, it has been ages since we last caught up..how are you? Raff, 7 months on from his cancer diagnosis, is still doing well, I am so pleased to say!!! I haven't been about quite so much as I have been busy publishing some poems and articles on a writing site,yes, I am a published internet Author now...lol! But I haven't abandoned you all, I still keep an eye on things in Goyland....I keep popping in and adding my five pence worth...
I have got a new blog coming up soon, about my the demise of my poor Cordylines..sob, and a few bits and bobs in the garden too....
Isn't the weather great?? Getting the garden back up together now...Here's to a good Summer!\0/X

Its near to Cardiff Sticki andhas a castle that was started to be built in 1067 went through many changes includin Cromwell 'knocking it about a bit!' and began to become a ruin in the 19thC but as it was a cloudless 23degC we had a wonderful time with spring flowers and trees budding-- the Prunus Kanzan's were out down there and mine is just showing pink-- really nice time :0)))
I'm sorry about your cordylines Flori but I had a suprise in the Ghouse, in the autumn I picked some cordyline seeds and in the seed tray something looking like grass is appearing -- what do you think are the chances......

Hello girls! I've been in Katoomba all weekend, took some fab pics of plants, had a fantastic time racketing around with the youth group, being stupid, praising God, etc. You know Pip has had a wild weekend when she comes home with her socks stuck together with chewing gum and baklava all through her handbag...

Yuk Pip:-( but glad you had a lovely time:-) Tet, I'm a MIL, it may surprise you to know that considering your low opinion of them:-)) Pam, i didn't know Chepstow was Wales either, doesn't sound Welsh lol:-) Sticki, it's all about food to you isn't it:-)) Yoohoo Flori \0/:-)) Not long now 'til Holmfirth...starting to panic:-) Got loads done in the garden lately, what amazing weather....hope it doesn't bode ill for summer...but I'm just loving it:-))

I didn't either Ba, it's castle was built just after the norman conquest right on the banks of the Severn looking straight across to England so I think the towns been fought over in its time-- going very grey here.......

Im a MIL too BA, but no matter how I try, I dont get a response from my DIL, so I gave up after 15 years. Did so want a daughter but guess she didnt want another mother lol!

Pam, I'm a little grey too lol..oh the weather? not like yesterday that's for sure:-( Perhaps you frighten her Tet, you have'nt been tilting at her have you lol? :-)

\o/ Ba,its been a bit of a let down today,weatherwise..I have felt the same..off to Harrogate on Wednesday,till Saturday,hope I'm not squelching my way round the Flower show on Friday..could be very crowded in the Marquees..I hate having to pack 'just in case'clothes..good job we are driving there,as the boot will be full..boots,walking shoes.etc...may just leave enough space,for some goodies..Lol.When are you going to Holmfirth? We only live 20 minutes away..sounds as though we are away at the same time,as I would have loved to meet you,but when you are on holiday,you will have plenty to do and see,and the time just goes so quickly.Have a lovely time, :o))

I guess I probly do frighten her BA, I know the grandkids dont put a foot out of line when Im around but play havoc normally...I wonder why???
Have good trips you two, remember lotsa pics of lotsa goodies so we can drool....

Thanks Tet,I'm sure we will have lots of pics..really looking forward to the show,and the weather forecast is a bit better towards the end of the week.:o).Hope they are right !

Have a fab time :o)

I did Pip! Its all over far too soon,but the weather was good,and the flower show was great .Lol.

Perfect weather for a flower show...now tell us what you splurged your inheritance on....

Believe it or not,Tet,I didn't buy any !! We were staying over,so couldn't really have left them in the boot,or taken them into the Hotel..all I bought was a lovely hand made wooden jigsaw for my Grandson...but it was a lovely day out,and just looking was a treat..Inheritance ? do you mean my state pension ?? Lol.

What other kind is there Bloomer???

You remind me of those bumper stickers, usually found on motorhomes or caravans: Spending the Kids' Inheritance.

morning all--don't know about you but I just can't keep up at the moment.. so much needs potting on or pricking out or cutting back... missing lots on Goy too!
what a spring....:o)))

Yep,you are right there,Tet..its great isn't it?
Pip,I have seen the SKIN stickers too..and too right We worked too hard to save it ,,its spend ,spend ,spend.! so we are doing just that .:o))

Hi everyone! Just thought I'd pop in to see how everyone is doing...
Am spending loads of time in the garden trying to outwit the weeds, and prune everything so it looks a little less like a jungle out there...This weather is crazy for April! It feels like high Summer...\0/...So good to see you all..XXX

\o/ Flori..glad you popped in ! :o) I agree about the weather,but its a lovely boost to us all,after the winter..its just great to be able to get things done in the garden,isn't it ?Take care, X

Hi all \0/ I'm back!!! Loved Holmfirth and what weather! I'll do a blog when I've got time, just done one about garden in April which you've all got to look at and comment on so I'll look popular and because it's all such an effort...or is it just me? I've done loads in the garden and and all my babies which I took out from the porch and placed on wet newspaper on the kitchen floor(after a good dowsing) were fine when I got home. Love this weather, though not quite so warm today, not complaining:-))

Hi Ba-- will go now and look, just seen it could go down to 4 deg overnight later in week-- have to get the bubble wrap out!!

Pam it said on BBC weather that we will have a min of 12 degrees, so I'm doing nothing:-)

Hooray for a 5-day long weekend! Sadly there is not much I can do to the garden as it has been overrun by pumpkin vines! My nasturtiums have taken over my tubs too so I am waiting for those to get past their prime before I plant my nigellas (now that it's autumn.)

Gosh Pip, anyone would think you were on the other side of the World:-)

LOL, Ba! \o/ \o/

Hello Shirley\0/ lovely day here again..I could get used to this:-)

Me too ... long may it last ... perhaps with some rain through the night! Ok ... that's asking a bit too much! : o )

So greeeeeedy:-)

we had our rain with thunder & lightening some good rain and really heavy to finish but then yeasterday was cooler-- sunny today again though and not so heavy & humid--- This is lovely-- long may it last....
Hi PIp, my nasturtiums always get blackfly and their heads fall off ( not the black fly-- the nasturtiums..)
The idea of using chilli powder to deter the rabbits is reasonably successful but I've tracks on the lawn near the trough , I think its burned the grass as well as their paws.....

I became a mass murderer yesterday:-( Found a lily beetle swingers party on a tall lily stem..one pair were actually at it, but I hardened my heart and did the deed. Must have got about eight!:-(

ugh!-- I listened to GQT-- it was from 'Ambridge', one suggestion was to plant them later, you could listen to it in iplayer-- it was quite good :o))

having any more parties in your garden BA? i found those 2 very busy in my garden but have only found single beetles since!! they ruined the crown imperials tho!
i shall have a listen to GQT at some point pam ~ meant to remind my mum ~ she always used to listen to the archers.

Pam, I'm a little confused...they said to plant the beetles???? I heard GQT and listened to the Archers :-)

Sticki......you'd be surprised what happens in my garden:-) Where's Tet?

noooo plant the lilies later-- after the beetles have had their grubs... I don't grow them so am passing on 2nd hand info xxx

i think tet is busy in her garden ~ she was building a gazebo not long ago ~ maybe she is sitting underneath it right now!!

Its a bit chilly here to sit out-- infact I've got to put my anorac on to go down to the greenhouse :(((
nirtheasterly wind is always cold here -- no shelter...

Cold here too:-(

It is really cold here too..winter jacket and boots back on ,this morning to go into town..I could swear I saw a brass monkey looking for a welder ! yep,it was THAT cold :o))

Some amazing things in Yorkshire:-)

Lol.Ba.. you missed this..he doesn't venture out in the sun :o)

i havent got warmed up yet ~ but then i do work in and out of the fridge!!

anyone got any ideas please:
OH has invited 4 people [one of whom has invited another] round for friday afternoon!!! they dont want to watch the wedding apparantly and will [thankfully] be gone by 6.
what would be the right sort of thing to eat? and what on earth am i going to do with them??
very tempted to leave them with a box of biscuits with royal wedding picture on and then go out!!!

Oh,heck,Sticki..Do you know them well or not? Surely they won't expect a meal..!.I don't know what to suggest..I think your 'royal' biscuit tin,sounds about right, and tell them you will be playing games about 4pm..strip poker..they may go earlier..on the other hand !!!!!!

OH invited...OH can entertain...I'd be off out. Tell them your home is not a refuge for wedding escapees. Seriously, I would die if asked to entertain people I didn't know...also would have to spend hours tidying, hoovering etc eeek:-)

afternoon tea!----buy some cakes & sandwiches --- paper plates make a pot of tea -- voila!!

I've got family & a friend coming ( just so I've got someone to say ooh -- that dress with!)
we're having ploughmans lunch and the're each bringing some with them-- and knowing them wellthe'll make the tea too :o)))

i do know them ~ thats almost worse.
ploughmans sounds a good idea ~ its not lunch and its not main meal time ~ difficult.
i think 2 of them might play strip poker ~ so i dont think i had better suggest that!! OH wouldnt!!
might do bruschetta ~ bits that keep me in the kitchen so i dont have to talk???

BTW ~ nearly 200 on this blog.

..Thats sounds ok ,Sticki..or bung a few scones in the oven..bit of jam..£2 per head..sorted ! Lol.

hmmmm cream tea!! that is a good idea ~ thanks bloomer

Really? oh,thanks..:o).just thought it was something easy,and not too much,between mealtimes..only kidding about charging,Sticki..Lol.,,just leave a plate by the front door HaHa..

im watching masterchef ~ its very good this year.

So was I Sticki..I think its been great this year too..I wanted them all to win..!

Hello you lot! \0/ Yes, I am still keeping an eye on things over here in the Courts...How are you all doing? It is sunny and VERY dry here in west Wilts...Could really do with some of Pam's rain!
Met up with Spritz on Tuesday and went to Rocky Mountain Nursery...lots and lots of cheap plants! Had a lovely afternoon together, though I only bought 2 plants so was really good. OH bought a Victoria Plum tree for £12, so he is a really happy bunny!
Good to see you all on here, and I think that this might be the 200th comment! \0/.....XXX

\o/ Flori..Congratulations ! You have done it again..Seems like you had a good day out with Spritz..how nice..The Plum tree sounds nice too..:o)xx

Hi Bloomer!\0/ Yes, I often look in though don't always add my 10 pence worth...so good to still see you all on here though... Spritz and I met half way, it is something that we have wanted to arrange for ages...She met Raff too, and he was so good all day...I was so constrained in my purchases, not like me at all! Mind you, the garden is getting rather tight for space now, it is just as well most of my plants get on so well, they have to rub shoulders constantly! hahahaha...I am having to borrow Spritz's shoe-horn!

202 -- well done Flori \0/\0/\0/

How lovely for you both Flori!...don't worry about me...living miles away from everyone...and having no car...oh no...don't give me a thought...i'm just so pleased for you....boo hoo:-(( Oooops, I'm turning into Eeyore...always knew I would:-)) Weather here still dry, sun trying to shine, but quite a dip in temperature out of the sun in the last few days. Still it has been wonderful:-)

Oh Ba....Now don't make me feel guilty...You are hardly up the road from me, but if you had been, we could have popped you in the back seat with our Raff...he is not fussy! Hahahahaha! Just joking honest!!\0/
Out of interest, have you turned a strange shade of blue and grown long ears? If so, when I see you next, I will bring you a carrot......lol
It is overcast and a little nippy here, but still NO RAIN! I know that I shouldn't encourage it, but my garden is going to be renamed the Sahara, at this rate!!!
It has been a brilliant Easter and a really wonderful April too...but please...can I just have a bit of rain for my garden..just a little...a minor downpour...lol\0/. Hi Pam \0/xxx

just to let you know i survived the visitors! i found it difficult but i think the food went down well: cheese scones with a selection of cheeses, salmon and dill quiche, ham sandwiches, oat biscuits, baby cumberland and lincolnshire sausages, cherry vine tomatoes followed by plain scones with cream and apricot or berry and cherry conserve, a sponge cake topped with mascapone cheese and strawberries and blueberries in a union jack flag design and a chocolate biscuit cake with stem ginger.

Wow, Sticki....you pushed the boat out...a table with goodies fit for royalty, never mind guests to your home :)

Glad to hear it all went well for you.

worn out now!!
thanks WL

You fool Sticki...they'll be back! However did you manage all that? I think it would be nice if you were invite a few erm..select Goyers round to yours...I'm free...whenever:-))

Flori \0/ you still going to Malvern? I'm going with my best friend Spritz...so there...ha. :-)))

i just kept cooking BA!!
you can come and finish the cake if you like. i liked the cooking but i struggled with the entertaining. if i had stayed at work i could have had roast beef ~ i am a fool ~ you are quite right.

You will have to invite all YOUR friends Sticki..I'll turn up for one, sure Lulu will, and so will many more Im sure..bout time you entertained and got some real pleasure from it..that coffee cake for one...lol! Seriously, we can all bring a bit of what we cook best..(me - thats steak and kidney pie)

oooh i love steak pie ~ do you do chips with it?

Oven chips..trying to cut down on fat!

oh, not quite the same ~ i like those double or treble deep fried ones ~ even if i only had 5 of them!!??

well as long as you can provide the deep fryer..I dont possess a chip pan!

i will find something

I can bring mine,Sticki..can't beat proper chips..! that is if I am invited ..but as I suggested the scones..??
Think I should have the first batch.of chips...Lol...I can't believe you made all that food,Sticki..hope its your turn to be invited out,next time..It all sounded lovely..you worked really hard..and glad all went well..:o)

thanks bloomer ~ i owe you at the very least the first lot of chips!!
i prefer the cooking to entertaining people. i hid in the kitchen some of the time!!

Thanks Sticki..we will share them..then we won't feel so guilty..5 for you,and 5 for me..:o).Hope you won't be hiding in the kitchen though..Lol..

a GoY picnic would be good wouldnt it?
where would be a central place? it cant be too far for anyone or tet's pie will have gone cold!!

That would be great,Sticki..but i wonder if Tet would leave the kidney out of my bit..I don't like it...unless you would like it.? :o)

Blimey Bloomer, there's no pleasing some people!! So I will have to make two then...Steak and ale with mushrooms??

Mmmmmmm--with or without the kidneys--- but how do you keep it hot for a picnic?
I'm just making Tiramisu.....

Anyone got a battery operated propagator??

steak and ale with mushrooms and tiramisu ~ my favourites and if you have a good recipe pam or tet i would love it
we could have a GoY recipe book!! alongside gardening advice of course

Ooooh a Goy outing!!! Great idea...Tet, lovely to see you again...perhaps you could arrange it, you're so good at that sort of thing:-)

deja vu??

just need to know somewhere nice half way between somerset and yorkshire?? and australia?

Sorry Sticki..geography not my strong point...in fact, strong points are not my strong point:-)

the tiramisu is a bbc good food recipe
whisk 250g marscapone with equal double cream ( I use elmlea) and marsala ( i'd only got madeira)
I made a coffee sponge but the recipe is for sponge fingers you soak them in strong coffee then put 1/2 at the base of the dish, 1/2 the cream mix then grate dark chocolate over the cream and a little cocoa powder repeat the whole thing then chill-- it is supposed to improve over a few days ( if it lasts that long)--- I'll let you know.......

that sounds fabulous pam ~ i love italian and i love marsala
will make this asap

Wicked wicked Pam..what are you doing to me...haven't you got anything that tastes as good...but no sat fat?:-(

nothing tastes as good as sat fat!

but half fat cream cheese and or creme fraiche can be a compromise??
also 70% chocolate is good for you!!

You are right Sticki, BA is ALWAYS giving me deja vu!!!
And I think you are being a bit of a wishful thinker..choc is good for the psyche but NOT for the figure!

70% has free radicals and something for the heart ~ one square a day is definitely good for you in whatever way!!

Wow! Must buy some!!!

Aw,bless you Tet..steak and ale with mushrooms sounds brill..you are a star :o) The Tirimasu sounds divine,Pam,but if everyone turns up,its not going to go far..except in the nearest mouths..so I will bring my chocolate cake as well...I will do a no sat fat for you Ba,with 70% choc topping...and I suppose its 100% of everything else for the rest of you ?

i find that if i have one square it has the kick that some chocolates just dont have however much you eat! i can have one square and dont eat much else for dinner ~ so it helps with a diet too you see!!

make sure you buy a good make tho ~ an excellent chocolate i would suggest!!!

I will do as Dr Sticki orders...first time I am really looking forward to the medicine!!

BA, Ive put a picture of my statue on for you.

yes its good medicine

Going to look now:-)

Hi Ba, and everybody\0/....Yes , I think that we are still going to Malvern, Ba, on the Saturday...so if you want to meet up. let me know Petal....\0/x

My best friend Spritz is probably going Saturday too, what about Annella? She was going to go, wonder if she still is:-) You can be my bf too...I've forgiven you...I'm a martyr to my own generosity of spirit :-)))))

spirit-spirit-- its all alcohol or food on here......:o))

low fat cream cheese -- elmlea extra light-- 70% choc-- even a fatless whisked sponge-- Just for Ba & Me ( cholesterol :o((

Ba, you are just TOOOOOOOO good to me...no...honest you are...truly...! (Though still not too sure what I am being forgiven for...could you perhaps enlighten me....?)
Hey everybody\0/...It is our Pam's birthday today....She is far too modest to tell you herself! HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAM!!!

We have among us, ladies,
a Goyer of high esteem,
and I hear it is her birthday,
she's still a youngster 'in the green'..
So tons of birthday wishes,
specially sent to you my friend,
from all your madcap Goyer mates..
Happy 21st again! \0/\0/\0/\0/\0/\0/x

many thanks friends of mine
whose poetrys just divine
i'm very shy
so that is why
my husband and I
whose birthdays the same
-no its not a game-
cards for two
and parties too....
good fun.. whatever the weather.......

Enjoy your day, Pam....with a bit more notice we could have got that party together....seems we're all "into" food and entertaining friends :)

All good wishes for a perfect birthday, Pam. :)

A very happy Birthday to you and OH Pam...can't think of any poetry:-) Flori...you know what you did...had an outing with Spritz and didn't take me... although me and Raff would have been quite happy together in the back:-(

I cant resist to add my grist
But what I can add I dont know
There's sun and there's fun
and a glass in your fist
Happy Birthday to Pam and her Beau!

Ah, but in my thoughts, Ba, you were very much with us...It just would have been a bit of a dog-leg to physically pick you up from the Midlands, when I am about 150 miles away from you...Raff would have loved you however!

Happy birthday to your OH too, Pam! \0/XXX

happy birthday pam and OH

Happy birthday to you both,PamHope you have both had a lovely day.:o).

That's ok then Flori:-))

do you get another award for 250 comments flori?

we had a lovely day thankyou all xxx

sunny if cold, new Heuchera 'midnight rose' and a purple oxalis---friends dropped in and a nice meal at an Italian place.... lovely day....:0)

now its back to the ironing......

After the Lord Mayor's show comes the dust cart!...lol!

very true!-- winds dropped this morning after a very cold night so I'm glad I covered the toms in the GH-- looks to be a lovely day... hope its nice for you too Tet :o)

Not quite as windy today, tho saying that it was 80 deg in the lower part of the garden yesterday, but at the side of the house twas blowing a Force 10 and pretty cold out of the sunshine!
This morning is a cloudless sky, but at 6.30am it was very chilly and there is still a sharpish breeze!
Hope you shifted the ironing in time to enjoy today lol!

thats a very polite way of talking about the clearing up tet ~ never heard that before.

italian and new plants ~ great day pam!! i saw midnight rose the other day ~ cant remember now if that was the one i got or a similar one.

a lot of them are quite similar, because of the wind and as I want to keep them on the patio in pots they're all together and look lovely-- I think I'm addicted.....

You sound just like Ba, Pam...she has a great passion for Heuchera's too! I have quite a few in my raised centre bed, as they seem the happiest there....There are so many to choose from now...
Not sure about an award for the 250 mark, Sticki, our Pip has gone a little quiet on us...but great to see that I still can find you all chatting on here....Hope all are well, and gardens blooming\0/X

pip must be studying hard i expect.

perhaps it should be a bouquet or a tiara???!!!

No Sticki, Kate Middleton was awarded both last weekend..perhaps wine and choccies?

ah, yes
wine and chocolates have been done before; at this rate a shower of rain would be good!! altho it is forecast here for thursday and friday??

Not sure we will get much, dont want it Friday afternoon, got visitors to see the garden! And Saturday Im having a plant sale...
Make it Monday, when I go to hospital so they can take pictures of my knee lol!

monday it is then but i hope you get on alright.

special knee is it Tet-- or are you bored with it and want a new one.......:o)

Got it in one Pam..I was bored to my eyeballs with not being able to kneel...now even more when I have to take a stick on walks...a stick I ask you!!! And me a spring boiler!

you're much too young for a stick-- the modern equivalent ( i'm told) are walking poles from outdoor shops-- where we go in Scotland theres a wide band of seaweedy rocks & pebbles to cross to the hard sand and I feel very insafe so I bought a pair for £5 from 'go outdoors' when I mentioned it at my art group turns out that the arthritic folk all use them as they don't feel 'old!'
the guy who sold them to me stressed that using the two made 30% less knee strain and I must admit I walk faster along the beach using them

Thats top of my wish list Pamg...must get me a pair. Saves me leaning on OH arm when his knee is a bit cranky too, and I must admit my shoulder aches with the pressure I put on the walking stick.

is 'go outdoors' a shop pam? £5 is a good price for walking poles.

they do have shops-- one in loughborough but are on-line too but you need a card--costs £5 for a year then everything is discounted and they have sales on top-- sell everything from tents to socks--just looked-- I think I bought mine in the sale as they are 4.99 each at the moment-- just put 'go outdoors' into google

I also bought a while ago what was more or less a BOGOF on regatta anoracs

that sounds a very good site ~ many thanks. off on my holiday soon and those poles could well be useful. where do you go in scotland pam?

dumfries & galloway Sticki-- stunning area with the coastline-- galloway forest, birdlife and just the peace and feel of going back in time.....
where are you off to Sticki?

Islay for a week. i would like to visit all the islands; my choice would have been colonsay or coll but OH thought they looked a bit quiet ~ he likes a list of things to do ~ you may laugh but he will draw up a spreadsheet and timetable so he has several things to do each day!! ~ he hasnt done that for every holiday admittedly but he has been known to!!

thats a long way Sticki-are you driving up?
theresa distance pole on the coast where we go-near to the Mull of Galloway and its almost the same distance to lands end as it is ti john o' groats-- its decieving when you look at a weather map for example

its very deceiving ~ i agree, i wish it wasnt so far cos i would be there so much more if it was, i would move there if my sons lived nearer.
we are flying to glasgow and then flying on again to islay ~ it takes 2 days otherwise to drive up and stay overnight!

it takes us about 6 hours to galloway -- I sit in the back with my story tapes on the headphones ( and have a little nod!)

lucky you ~ wish i could get away with that. if i was in the car i would be having to map read ~ im no good at it either.

we have this nice lady who sits on the dashboard......

we've been to the same area for a few years now and its only if theres a diversion we need help
have a lovely time when you go, hope the weathers good I know that galloway is short of rain, the employment is fishing & farming-- mostly cattle & sheep-- around here the farmers are desperate for rain for the crops-- most odd weather....

thanks pam ~ the forecast for islay in the next 5 days is thundrous rain!! but im going in 8 days time ~ im hoping to get a little bit of sun but not expecting lots!
i would happily go back to the same area ~ would take the hassle out in my mind ~ holidays are a hassle to me!
i wish we had a lady on the dashboard but we dont!

Can I be your lady on the dashboard, Sticki? lol..I promise that I will be good!! Mind you, I'm not that great at directions either...so I might get you a little lost...hahahaha..Hi Pam, hi Tet! \0/X

Hi Flori! Now thats no good, you cant be a lady on the dash if you cant read a map my girl!
On the other hand, its one of the few things Im not bad at, tho I have been known to say the occasional left when I mean right!! Its a senior moment thing lol. But its no good, sigh, if I was on your dash Sticki, you couldnt see out of the windscreen hee hee hee! I can remember the time when I got a lift from couple friends in their MG Midget and I draped myself along the back window..ahh those were the days..such fun!

Flori, you must come and see my Gazebo, you arent that far away...and my OH would adore Raff (me too) and spoil him rotten. AND we have a dog proof garden..he could explore to his heart's content! If you drive over on 22nd of this month, you could enjoy a cuppa..Sticki will be there too!

we've a 'B' Tet-- had it since the '70's and in the era before seatbelts a young friend would travel on the parcel shelf-- as you say 'happy days'--- ( no 'elf n safety then)

Wonderful memories Pam..shame what a difference 30 years makes..Id be lucky to get in the seat now, let alone on the parcel shelf!!
My OH wanted one (when he was single of course lol!) but his legs were too long and he couldnt get in it either. And he's always been a long streak of bacon!

you can all come and sit on the dashboard ~ i will sit in the back ~ that would be great!!!
entertainment and someone to sort out the directions.

guess what-- we've been having a bbq and listening to a cuckoo-- first for years..... ( cuckoo-not bbq :))

thats lovely pam; last time i heard the cuckoo was on the isle of Harris ~ outer hebrides!

This is very nice....everyone getting invites to my best friend Tet's garden...even dogs! I know I don't have a car, but for a treat like that I would have walked (starting now)....still I can dream...sigh:-(

I don't venture far Ba-- even in the car.....maybe the'll send us a cupcake......:o)

Pam \0/ Lets thee and me meet up somewhere exotic and imaginery then...and we won't ask them ..ha :-))))

I've always fancied the Maldives--- or the Galapagos --\0/\00/---- I was lucky enough to go to Tresco on the Scillies a few years ago and that was magical---- not much magical around here though.....

I think the Galapagos would certainly be a contender...or I always had a fancy for Butan too, where you walk in the clouds and Gross National Happiness is measured instead of wealth:-)

ahh.... Butan then......and maybe Galapagos on the way back, since watching David Attenborough in Madagascar I've a thing about lemurs too.....

Mmm Ive read some stories about Madagascans..admittedly very old ones...you want to be careful there Pam!

place out of time with wildlife evolved differently to the rest of the word... fascinating

I'm getting rather excited at the prospect Pam...Madagascar!!! lemurs...we might get to see that eeny weeeny one. So here's our itinerary: Butan, the Galapogos..via Madagascar, or possibly the other way round. Never was any good at Geography. I'd better buy some sun cream. Oh hello Tet...hope you have a nice day on 22nd with all your friends...we'll send you a post card...ha!

Just thought I'd mention my visitor of the other night. It had just started raining and I was going out to check on some plants when I noticed a large blob not far from the kitchen door by small recycling bin. Looking closer, it was a pretty (by froggie standards) frog. He or she let me pick him up with no struggle and put him outside. He seemed a little traumatised, he must have been in since the afternoon and be feeling a little dry. Hope he's ok:-)

awww.. found one once in the gh snuggled up to the tomato plants... arn't you supposed to kiss a frog? on second thoughts.......:o))

I think he would have been more unhappy at the prospect than me lol:-)

Kissing frogs? What a vision that produces! \0/..Hello everyone...it's yours truly again....Wow, Tet, that sounds like a really nice offer to come and visit you, and meet my mate Sticki too, on the 22nd..Raff would love it, he is such a people lover...I would feel so guilty about Ba, but if she is deserting us for lands exotic....
If you PM me your address, I will see what I can arrange this end...would love to meet up if I could....Hi Pam, Sticki, and Ba...
I am still busy trying to be an author, hahaha...Just published my 74th page on Wikinut...I am astounding myself at my productivity...Trouble is us poets never make money while we are alive....bit of a problem that...hahaha...\0/XXX

Hiya Flori \0/ you go don't worry about me...enjoy yourself.. sniff.. Is there any meeting up at Malvern? I must have another look over on Wiki when I get time, not a lot of it about at the moment:-)

Now stop sniffing Ba, Ive worked it all out (me being a good travel agent and all that). There is a coach at Birmingham at 11am gets in at 1pm and a return one at 8pm gets in about 10pm...only cost about £17 return. I can get you back and forth to Bristol Bus Station and you can spend afternoon and part evening with us all! Howzat for organisation!!! If you are an early riser of course you could catch the 0715 bus and be here by 0915 for only £12 return lol!

sound a good deal if you're free Ba-- me-- I'm allergic to busses......

A very kind offer Tet and I might take you up on that if I can....see...told you you were good at organising things:-)

Pam, do you mean you get travel sick? :-)

yes Ba--I have to wear those elastic travel bands in a car too-- especially in the back-- hope you can go Ba-- I'd love to hear all about it!

Pamg, you know, when on board a ship and feeling queasy, the best place to be is up top, out in the open. Well.........

There you go Ba...see you on Sunday 22nd!

open top bus.......?

went on one once from Sandbanks to Swanage--- got whacked in the face by branches and had to hide behind oh!!!

do those bands work pam? for planes and for boats?

I was thinking more of you hanging on to the roof by your fingernails lol!...sorry, my wacky sense of humour raising its wicked head!!

might have to resort to that!!

very much so Sticki-- the other year we went to Jersey and in the bustle getting on to the 'plane my travel bag ended up in the overhead locker, as we took off I sat there and every time I moved my head it seemed to take ages for the plane to catch up so I sat thinking that it hadn't been like that a few months before which was when I realised that the bands were in the bag-- not on my wrists-- retrieved them and all was well !

I say I'm like a good wine-- I do not 'travel well'

No excuse then Pam...put your bands on... easy peasy. If I can do it you can...I'll probably get lost:-))

Many years ago we were going to Brussells (hardly saw Brussells, going to European Court) by ferry. There and back in a day. The sea was rather choppy and through the port hole I could sea the sea line going up then vanishing. I have never been sea sick, but I was suddenly feeling terribly ill. Everyone was going down for breakfast and, not wanting to be a killjoy, I went down too. It was a full greasy English breakfast...and,strangely, I felt ok once I started eating...strange cure;-)

ive heard other people say that BA, but i think i will try the bands! it nearly made me feel ill just reading what you said about the sea line going up and then vanishing!!

I was only ever 'seasick' once and that was on Loch Ness...

thats lochsick not sea!!?? perhaps the monster was giving you a bumpy ride.

I was on the ferry across the Mersey (I know, but it sounds quite romantic put that way) once as a young teenager with two friends (yes I did have them) going to New Brighton. The sea was so wild and the waves were crashing over the sea wall, we thought we wouldn't be able to land. We were very excited and found the image of grownups running, not of their own volition, from one side of the boat to the other absolutely hilarious....aaaaah youth:-))

sometimes wasted on the young Ba-- but not ours....:o)))

I wouldn't mind it back Pam...knowing what I know now that is:-))

too true Ba--experience without the 'creaks' :0))

Hi there!\0/ Just popping in to say hello, and hoping all are well! I love to catch up with all the chatting that we have on here...I am up to my neck (Yes, Pam, it has risen!lol) in bathroom renovation chaos at the moment...I want to move out!!! Anyone got a spare room to rent me?????LOL! \0/

a bathroom?......

what do you think of the comment on the SiSters blog is it a self ad or genuine?

Hi there Flori..\o/ lovely to hear from you again,you seem to be so busy these days,and Bathroom less,to boot !
Lol.just had a nosey,at that comment,Pam..and I can't make my mind up either...I had forgotten how beautiful those pics were,so nice to look at it again,anyway.:o)

I wasn't too sure either Pam, when I saw that on there... We have become so cynical, but life unfortunately teaches you that as you get older...Still debating on it...
Oh Bloomer..It is great to hear from you too! Yes, I never seem to stop for any length of time just recently, and as usual, so far behind on Goy. So great to see you...\0/X

I thought it was odd that there was no mention on the length of the blog... oh well!--- lovely to see you Bloomer :0)

Hiya\0/ I've just looked at SIS got to be an ad..no pics, profile, questions or blogs. probably fishing:-) Flori, have you thought of returning to the home for the bewildered until your bathroom's done? :-)

Oh how tempting that thought is, Ba! I keep threatening to add the OH's body in with the insulation he is stuffing everywhere. It is a bit like being in a padded cell now I come to think of it.... I wonder if old Rolf and his digereedo ...diggeridon't, oh,Wobble board, will still be there?LOL!!!! \0/X

probably Flori we hear nothing'wobbly from him these days.......
will you flag the comment do you think Flori or ignore it?

Returning to the home for the bewildered,Ba ? I never left.!..Flori..You will be pleased to know old Rolfie is still there too..
very much alive,but not kicking so much..The wooden leg has got woodworm,and dry rot..so not easy for him,these days..a second opinion was called for,but Rentokil suggested a tree Surgeon,Lol...nothing wrong with his digereedoo though...allegedly..:o)))Wheeeeeeeeeee! X

oooh you are awful .....(but I like you.....:0))

dick emery or benny hill??

Dick Emery,Pam ! ha ha. :o))

Bloomer! You quite had me blushing there for a moment! Glad to hear that his digereedoo is still functional. Is he still wandering around in Janey's negligee? Bad news about the wooden leg...still if the worse comes to the worse, we could always use it as mulch for the gardens...!
I hope that they are keeping my draylon covered room for me, I am just packing my bags and admitting myself..Anything would be better than living in the chaos that is going on around me at home...How I hate DIY!
This is one of the poems I had published on Wikinut about it;

DIY......Not...

I know that I'm in trouble...
'Cos there's a gleam in me husband's eye...
Oh no, not at all what you may think..
He's about to do DIY...

He thinks that I will be impressed,
by the size of his nice big Drill...
His electric Saw, and his Staple Gun...
But I do not share his thrill...

His Laser Level, gets him on a high...
His Router keeps on whirring...
I see the MESS, He sees 'Grand Plans',
Now my panic mode is stirring...

He's crazy about his Power Tools,
as he begins the deconstruction...
Plaster flying here and there...
He's causing chaotic disruption!

He wears a beaming smile of joy,
as he stands there, all paint-splattered...
Dust-covered now, from head to toe...
My poor Bathroom looking battered...

He is my own dear Action man...
Oh, his work will be Bespoke...
This DIY should be DI..Don't!
Let's call in the Professional Bloke!!! Tee hee hee!

Hope that you got a chuckle from it.....!!\0/X

Kitchen is a lovely place
That smells of bread and spice
But when a cold pipe spills it guts
All changes in a trice!

A bathroom is a haven
For pampering and care
But when that cold pipe spills its guts
You really must beware

The kitchen is downstairs you see
And wellies are to hand
But when it happens one floor up
You need a magic wand

Your bedroom carpet takes the hit
and then it finds the stairs
The lighting and the ceilings
Add thousands to repairs

So I hope you hubby's able
And the job is just a doddle
Or those fancy power tools will be
Aimed by Wifey, at his noddle!!

LOL! Loved it, loved it, Loved it! Tet...I chuckled all the way through this...talented poet that you are my friend! I have truly met my match! \0/X

Its your poems that elicit the response Flori..its great to spark off with someone who has a similar sense of the ridiculous. Im proud to say Pam Ayres was my original source of enjoyment and response (many years ago). But though no match to you, I find that GOY certainly inspires my sense of fun!

Hiya all \0/ I've just had a letter from Rolfie which he's asked me to pass on to you...here it is...

GIRL'S I'M WAITING FOR YOU
IN THE HOME WE ALL LOVE BEST
WHERE JAKE MY ALTER-EGO
PUTS HIS THIRD LEG TO THE TEST.

YES I'M LONELY HERE WITHOUT YOU,
THERE'S NOT A SINGLE BOARDER,
BUT MY WOBBLE BOARD AND DIDGERIDOO
ARE STILL IN WORKING ORDER

SO COME ON HOME TO ROLFIE AND
WE'LL HAVE A LOVELY TIME
WITH MIDNIGHT FEASTS AND SUPERGLUE
AND POETRY SUBLIME.

Yours ever,
Rolfie. xxxxxx

anyone want to take him up on his offer?? :-)

\o/ \o/ \o/Flori,Tet and Ba..you lot have made me laugh so much,reading your brilliant poetry..I am speechless...a first for me,I can assure you.Lol..and poetryless as well!
I am just a bit concerned if Rolfie will ask" Do you know what it is yet"????????....He has been asking that for years,and still doesn't seem to know what it is..or for..:o)
Wheeeeeeeeeee!

I'm sure you can tell him Bloomer;-))

Now I KNOW Im gonna regret asking this...egg on face and all that..Rolfie didnt really write that did he Flori?

Wotcha askin Flori for Tet..it was me he sent the letter to...I'm his favourite:-))

Oh dear Ba, sorry pet...just couldnt find my glasses when I posted that (my excuse and Im sticking to it)!! So are you about to put egg on my face or do you really correspond, or should that be "swap passionate poetry!"???

The letter is bona fide, Rolphie and I share many interests...wobbling...panting..beards...We have corresponded for years. Would you like an introduction?.........he is VERY lonely...you would be like rain in a desert:-)))

Do you think it would be wise,considering his age,Ba ?
I mean,trying to explain the workings of a digeredoo...If he doesn't know now..its a bit too late for me to explain..in his case,ignorance would be better to remain bliss !

Why hello there young Ba, Thanks for passing on Rolphie's note, what a gem you are? when You, oops, I mean,'He' said that he was putting his third leg to the test, does that mean he's on a sticky wicket, or he's been stumped? LOL! Maybe he'll try bowling a maiden over...Tet, watch yourself, am not too sure where he keeps his brushes nowadays..And he is into bondage as he keeps tying kangaroos down...!!!!\0/XXX

I often wondered about the connatation of two little boys with two little toys ....but I think Im safe enough Flori...there are no maidens in this household lol! He might prefer a silly mid-on, rather than a mai-don over!!
Im a bit concerned about Ba's beard tho..not keen on the full bushy type, prefer a chin tickler myself...do you think she could have a restyle before she arrives?
As for tying Kangaroos down, well!! The mind boggles, especially when I thought he was into animal protection..

Bloomer, it seems to me that you have a rather unhealthy interest in rolfies didgeridoo...you do keep bringing it up:-( I recommend a cold shower:-)
Eh up flori me dear, I may bring him with me on Sunday so you can ask him yourself! :-)
Tet, I'm very hurt that you would ask me to restyle my beard..perhaps you would be embarrassed being seen in my company...I only grew it for you ..sob...so you would recognise me at the bus station...sniff...and not grab any old woman and take her to your home..ignoring her protestations...you certainly find out who your friends are...:-(

I just daren't comment on that,Ba..but a cold shower was out of the question,this morning..I would have had icicles on my extremities ! Lol.So,you still have the beard,then? no aphids in it at all ? methinks Tet will be in for a wonderful sight..and first impressions do count !Lol.

Ba, Bloomer dont make me laugh...knowing me I will think of it when driving to bus station and hit the nearest bus cos I laughing so much!!! Luckily even ladies chinticklers not a big fashion in Bristol at present (shaving is de regueur here)..so Ba will certainly stand out!

Just wait till you see the matching eyebrows,Tet !...I do hope you will be able to recognise her,she will be under that lot,somewhere ...deep in the jungle,something stirs! :o))))))

I hope she trims the hairs up her nose and in her ears...cant have her scaring the neighbours!

Poor Ba,she is getting some stick from us two..
\o/ Ba..we love you really..:o)))))))))) we are just awaiting your scathing remarks with trepidation...I'm shivering in my shoes,Tet,don't know about you !

Shh..Im planning my escape route and training for a 200 metre dash! (Some hopes LOL)

Not before you meet her,surely? .Lol.

Scathing remarks decimate me...I run and hide. But okay will give Ba the benefit of the doubt..mmm..where are my trainers...

Lol,Tet...think we both need to be good runners,when Ba reads this ! :o))

I have just giggled my way through these recent comments...you becareful Tet, that Bloomer can get you into soooooo much trouble! Where, me...I am as pure as the driven snow....honest...stop laughing I am, really! lol...

I think that our precious Ba is imitating David Bellamy, by the sound of it...You haven't got a jungle have you Tet? She would be in her element...'specially if Ant and Dec are there too...
Being on a hill, you could get up a fair bit of speed as you dart off with her in close pursuit! I would advise adding wheels to your trainers, but braking could be a bit of a hit and miss adventure....! LOL! \0/X

As my 200 dash is non existent I think I will hit the road now...

Wimp!!!!!! LOL!

Blimey if I had wheels on my trainers I would be unstoppable...just think of the havoc...and the headlines..
Great Grandma becomes Human Cannonball and flattens double decker and leaves a hole thru someone's brick wall!

You could all come visit me at the vehicle repair shop!

Ahem! Discretion is the better part of valour dear

She who takes off, lives to RUN another day!

Hiya all \0/:-) Eh? what? I'm afraid I can't quite catch what you're saying, what with all this hair in my ears...... I'm sure it will be something nice as you are my lovely friends:-)))

Poor ole Ba, must be a trial, those 'airy yeroles' as they say in Bristol lol!

I've got my ticket Tet and I promise to shave before I come. I grow the air in me yeroles to supply nesting material for our feathered friends...so thoughtful, thats me:-)

Now what a generous gesture that is Ba! Always knew you were a good un!

Hello all! I've been reading all the comments left since I last came by here, they are a joy to read, but remind me of what I have been missing :o((((((((

My first duty is to award Flori both the "Truffle" and "Conker" Awards, well done all you mad and batty ladies...
So what did everyone do for the royal wedding? You may have already discussed this at length, but I would truly love to hear how you celebrated. I watched the whole thing on TV, loved seeing a few Aussies step out, including Ian Thorpe and the PM of course, Julia Gillard... did you hear she may be getting married soon?

My favourite part was those beautiful trees lining the aisle, so much better than flowers don't you think?

So Rolfie got in touch with us again, did he? How nice to hear from him after all those nights in room 39, wobbling away with you girls and Rolfie to all hours. Ahem. Ba... I'm surprised at you...

Phew--- I go away for a couple of days and... phew!!
I love you all-- airy earoles n'all....

Hi Pip, my aunt & uncle, cousin & friend came to watch with me ( oh wasn't going to but could be seenwatching all the important bits!)-- aunt &uncle were married the same year as Queen and watched every royal occasin since-- visiting Sandringham and Buckingham Palace with great enjoyment.
We were all waiting for the first sight of The Dress remembering that Diana's needed a 'good iron' .....
needles to say a big AAAhhhhh when she arrived and those bridesmaids...and her sister Pippa holding hands with the little ones.. and the cheeky pageboys.....lovely
We felt that it was--- as much as it could be-- a family wedding with the service we recognised fom our own and hymns we sang at school
a wonderful day for all of us......
pleased you were able to watch it too... all part of 'the family' I feel xxx

Eh? what have I done now Pip??? As to 'The Wedding' I did see the actual marrying bit (couldn't help it if the tv was on as there seemed to be wall to wall wedding) and being a soppy date, had a tear in my eye as I do at any wedding, but that's all i'm afraid:-( ..oh and I do enjoy the music and hymns:-) Ha you shot in front of me Pam:-)

sorry Ba-- still reeling from trying to catch up with the wonderful nuttinness 'captivating' me :o)))

:-))

So you don't remember? I wasn't born yesterday...

What ever it is Pip??...I'm totally innocent:-)

Ba's been bornagain--- so it doesn't count.....

You will have to forgive her Pip, those airy yeroles have grown into her brain and she's now woolly headed! Sorry Baaaa dear...but its better if you "out" yourself..lol

hi flori .............. and every one else !!! so glad rags ok now ................ not here much from you lately flori , wot you up too , did comment on here somewhere but cant find it lol ................ any way sounds like every ones having a great time , watched the wedding was great , you should have bin singing at the palace hun .. how good would that have bin ha ha , or even in the church !!! wish i cud have dun her hair , cud have given her a great up do .
busy busy with my wedding season as am sure you are too flori .
sent you a pm. dont know if you got it Hun but big hugs to u all and raf as well ........................... hugs flying your way from me and my rosie !!! by the way i hit the big 6 0 last week , have no idea how i got to that lol
looking 4 ward to next blog lol , this should be in guinesses book of records ................ xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
ps hope you enjoyed malvern !!!

Hi Cristina-- you made it across then! nice to see you :o))

and you hun ................... not chated to flori in ages ,or much of anyone really !! bin busy with horse dog garden
ect , and went away 4 a week 4 my b.day ................. the depressing 6.o urgggg anyway ............ only a no so i bin told lol ;0))))

yes-- and I guess you're not a pensioner yet as the government have changed the date!!-- i'm 60 next year but will have to wit for 2 more years.....I always tell my friends reaching there before me that they'rd be nothing left :o))

Ha ha you poor old fogeys...if only you could be bornagain like me...I'm starting off at 30!! :-)))
Sticki, Flori and me went to Tets yesterday, so look out for some blogs from either. Tet rigged up a booby trap for me (made me trip over my wide leg trousers to make me look stupid) so I'm contacting 'Lawyers For You'...I'll be a millionaire:-))

Hi Ba, was just going to mail you...glad you managed to hobble home okay...good job the man let you on, it wouldve been a loooong walk otherwise! Now how can you sue me when I was only aiming to keep you longer to enjoy your wicked wit!!!
And dont believe her folks...she really is only 30, just not too steady on her pins.
It was truly lovely to see you BA, lets hope we can do it again some year or another lol!
Bless you for making the effort.
PS (sorry, we dont have a million...to spare)

thanks born ............. lol haha old foggys er lol............ over your wide leg trousers , wot year you in !!! bell bottoms , wudent mind being a foggy if i got some dosh 4 it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
so u sueing then lol , well wen you win we will all come to urs for high tea ( yum ) haha its great wen you meet up , wish i was nearer look 4 ward to bloging .
how is flori , tell to get back on we all missing her chater hope your legs better soon born !!! x

how are you today Ba?
i would like to tell you all what great fun [and what nice people] Ba, Flori and Tet are [and a little mention for Tet's kind and hard working OH as well as Flori's nice and fun OH and their very well behaved dog] ~ and Tet's garden ~ well, dont bother with Chelsea ~ just go to see Tet! it is perfection!!

def wanting to go to chelsey next year !!! so who knows ................... may call on a few of ur as well lol

yes i would like to go to cristina ~ ive never been. i have to say, altho i dont like that pink hanging pod dermot[?] has made i do love the garden underneath that he has created.

you watching it now ............... on the red butten !!! shows you all the show gardens

cant make it work on my tv.

Hi everybody!\0/ No Cris...really I haven't fallen off the edge of the earth, I am still about, just up to my eyes rushing around around , trying to get too much done in too short a time! Will PM you tomorrow...and you too Pam! \0/
What a great get together we had yesterday at Tets! I met Sticki...who makes incredible coffee cake..(It was gorgeous, Sticki), Ba, who insisted on displaying her new range of wide leg tankini...It did have a fault though, as it was suppose to contain an air bag that would inflate on impact...and throwing herself to the ground in the art of demonstration...found that inflate, her air bag did not...Don't worry folks, after we did a thorough check, we found that the flagstone she had bodily assaulted was indeed, fine...
Tet and her OH were the best hosts ever...and even Raff the mutt came with us, and won everyone over with his ability to scrounge anything and everything! A fabulous day full of laughter...Thanks Tet, you are a real star my friend..XXX\0/

sorry to hear that Ba transport was let down by the airbag--- it must have been the strong wind at the time--- couldn't have set off this Icelandic volcano could it?

Sounds as it a great time was had by all --- lovely--:0)))

Hi all \0/ I still don't know what that pod was about??? If he was sponsored, which I presume he was, maybe he had a lot of money left over and he wanted to keep away from the crowds??
Flori I am amazed at your callous attitude, although your concern for Tets hard landscaping does you credit. How am I going to get my B.A.Fashion lines noticed if not by wearing them myself?? Even Cristina is making fun of my fashion choices...I was wearing my new shoes too:-( My misfortunes didn't end there though .....I was sitting next to a very handsome man....ahem...just being friendly...when, with a loud hiss, the air bags took it upon themselves to inflate, I was a little embarrassed and he didn't hang around for my explanation:-( Still, I had a seat to myself for the rest of the journey:-) Back to the drawing board:-)

I havent gone into hiding folks, tho I have to keep dodging that bloke from Lawyers 4 You...just totally overwhelmed by your kind comments, especially when it was Ken and I who had all the pleasure your fun company gave us.
Laughter really is the best medicine, so BA try some of your wicked wit on your ankle!! -which I do hope is better..I have consigned the offending slab to the corner of the garden, after a hard lecture on how to treat guests! - I wouldve done that to your bell bottoms, but you needed them to get home without being arrested. Bye the way, what WAS all that racket in the coach when you phoned us on your return journey..sounded like a desperate male ..what were you up to???
Pippa, thank you for that sumptuous Coffee Cake (we managed to hide a whole quarter to pig out on later today), and for your company...without you the party might well have degenerated into absolute insanity..
at least we had one (seemingly lol!) classy guest! (I saw thru the cracks m'dear, but I wont let on, those wicked little asides had me chuckling!).
Finally, Bev! What can I say? You not only brought yourself, which was great..but Andy and Raff too. Raff made his way into the hole we have had in our hearts since we lost dear Patches when he came and sat with us each in turn, he obviously approved of the gathering and shared himself equally between us all. Andy was such good fun but I forgot to mention that the guinea pig had recently inspected that piece of carpet he was stretched upon (that will have everyone thinking!), but Im sure Ken hoovered it well before he came! Thank you Bev, you are (as everyone) ever welcome here.

You've had a wonderful day M....loved reading about all your laughs and trip-ups! A special treat to have Raff giving you some nice attentions :)

Oooh.....and delicious coffee cake too.....just yummy day all around.

Tet, you didn't hide the leftover cake very well...I noticed it and pointed it out to everyone. I was a bit miffed, as I thought you might have wrapped it up for my journey home as some sort of compensation for the foot incident. Had you done so, I would probably not be taking the legal route. As it is your greed may cost you dear my friend ha!
Hello whistonlass \0/ :-)

Drat! Thats torn it Ba, now I will have to save a bit to bribe the judge! He will be a pushover when he sees that!

Hi J, next time you venture down to the west country let us know. I will organise another get together (Ba has elevated me to Social Secretary and Events Organiser Extraordinaire) and we can certainly fit in another body or two!! The only thing you need to bring (besides you and OH and Lucy - on a lead, natch) will be insurance against sore ribs from laughing too much and Ba's bell bottoms! (they're nuff to give anyone heart attack..cant see her Fashion Business taking off, but handy for jumping off the Suspension Bridge!)

have you got your wrong glasses on tet? im not the classy one ~ you must mean Ba or Flori ~ or either OH or Raff but definitely not me.
i wonder if i could make an ankle mending cake? any suggestions anyone? an ibuprofen cake BA??

lol @ you all!! You are a hoot! M, if we do make it down to your neck of the woods you'll be the first to know :) I think though that Lucy will have to stay at home in the cattery...sorry.

Bell bottoms are "in".....Ba needs not to feel squeamish about wearing those....she's the height of fashion (70's stuff is all the rage this season). I told my daughter the other day that I liked jumpsuits as they'd come back and that I'd had a couple in the 70's....she cringed...lol Oh those hippie days were fun.

one question ( well quite a few) -- a pressing one-- why was Andy flat out on the carpet-- with or without the guinea pig --was it too much cake ?
too much alcohol?
too much 'girltalk'?
was he wearing bellbottoms too
Or was he laughing so much he had to have a nice lie down.......:o)))

Hello you lot!\0/
Lovely to see you hear Whistonlass! Yes we had such a great time over at Tets, and as for her garden....It is so lovely, such wonderful planting...and really well designed by her own fair hands...It would not looked out of place as a Show Garden in Chelsea...and she didn't charge admission either! lol...Now if that had been Ba.....I will say no more...get my drift..hahahaha..
As to your somewhat erratic airbags, Ba...I would never be callous to you...and I was all concerned and didn't even titter... not even a little..but that poor sense of timing on inflating on the coach...what impact did this dishy guy do to provoke sudden inflation?? I blush to think! As to Sticki...Well folks, she was the most well behaved out of the lot of us, and has a smile that can light up a room, and cooks a really mean Coffee cake too... Sunday will live on in my memory for a long time to come...Pure magic! \0/XXX

Hi Pam\0/ You snuck in just before me...I don't let Andy get on the furniture as he sheds too many hairs...lol..Oh Raff would have loved a guinea pig to play with...He was in his element with all the fuss...actually, come to think of it, so was Andy...hahaha

It sounds lovely Flori all through Goy too.....what did we do without it?

There really are the nicest people on this site...And it is a real joy when we get the chance to meet up...Hope that Ba or I or Sticki will end up putting a blog on our day out...so you all can share it...Just PM'd you Pam...\0/x

sorry im camera-less ~ cant do a blog justice; tet's garden is truly amazing ~ not to say perfect ~ hopefully Ba and Flori will show you all with their lovely photos.

I've put the blog on..only short I'm afraid through lack of pics...did I mention my tragic accident???:-))))

my camera had a tragic accident ~ is that what you meant Ba?

Noooo...my flippin' foot! :-((

i knew that!!!
how is your flipping foot ~ can you still do back flips?

was that how Sticki's camera came to disappear.......

how are you Ba... falling over isn't good ---even if you are Bornagain.....

no, sadly my camera broke on day one of my holiday the week before. my camera goes everywhere with me ~ it was the worst thing that could happen. it has had to go back to the makers. the zoom lense came out and wouldnt go back in ~ couldnt do anything with it after that.
i would love to have shown you how beautiful Islay is but im not sure if i can get any photos on here now ~ i borrowed OH's camera sometimes ~ got to work out how to get them onto this computer before i can show you some of the pictures.

I'm sorry to hear that Sticki, I wore out my first digital-- it suddenly started producing pictures that looked as if the'd been left out in the rain!!-- we looked around at all the offers and got a very good deal from Argos but it pays to look for offers, this one is much smaller & lighter

Huh, you think you've got problems...my camera is fine...I can't find the charger anywhere....missing over a week. I left my first digital out in the rain:-(

oh no Ba!! can you borrow one? or can you buy a cheap one that will charge any camera [then you have a spare for everyone!?]
what sort have you got pam? are you pleased with it?

its a Canon Ixus 951s ( I kept the box-- to keep the charger in Ba....sorry....:~) and its about the size of a phone but thicker but the important bit for me-- and what took a while to find a 'good price' on-- is that it has a viewfinder, many of the cheaper ones you have to look at the screen and especially in the sun I don't find that easy in the end as I say this Argos one I think was end of line as there was only one and I had to drive 15 miles to get it-- it was about a year ago and i'm sure that technologys moved on but I'm happy with it--

canon is certainly a good name ~ mine was a canon and OH has one ~ not the same sort as mine. unfortunately in my experience canon are not quick at repairing things.

I'm not sure how much gets repaired these days, a friend had a problem with the tv screen ( luckily she'd taken out insurance) eventually the repairers wrote it off as too expensive and gave her a new one!--- hope yours is back soon Sticki

so do i pam!

Congrats on your "Crocus" award :o)

Hi Pip.... hope all is well with you :o))

This afternoon I went to get my phone charger from the box where I keep the chargers (phone, tooth brush, camera....and there it was, camera charger! I had previously emptied it out twice looking for it..gremlins again! Empty house, no doggies and no-one to look after my garden. The people I was going to ask don't seem to be around..must use ingenuity??? hope I can find some:-)) See you all soon:-)

glad you found that charger. i did get a neighbour to come in and check the house/garden once while i was away but that was all that was needed ~ garden had looked after itself. i put the plants i was worried about in the shade, rest were ok.

Oh BA....finding the charger after looking in the same place more than once sounds just like something that I could easily do! Glad it's found and I hope things in your garden are going to be ok while you toddle off to Devon (I think I read that was where you are going). So doggies are now in the kennels and you're ready for "the off"...have fun.

lovey pictures of a beautiful garden...Thanks

Oh I can just see the Orangery at the bottom of my garden and the pond ! ;0))

I see your bonsai skills have improved in all sorts of directions Val!!! Lol!

more likely to be orange peel at the bottom of my garden and a puddle.

Ba I am convinced that inanimate objects are able to hide.... if not how can they be in the place we expect them to be but not be seen until we're frantic-- its like socks..........

and glasses!

and keys

oh yes..those too. Lost the front door keys last week..in my pocket of course, buried under pens, plant labels, cane toppers...

my OH always loses his glasses theres several pairs but they seem to congregate together for company!

your keys were hiding Tet-- just to annoy....

My glasses must be related to those of your OH Pam, I usually have one pair upstairs and one pair down (for reading/puter) and one distance pair for watching tv and driving...you can bet sixpence that sooner or later they will have a reunion!!

I sometimes get cross--- 'show yourselves!!'.... doesn't always work.....

I have a feeling thats something to do with not being able to hear if you arent wearing your glasses...

heard that one before tet! i think its probably stress!!
i have to wear my glasses all the time ~ i dont like it but i cant lose them i suppose!!

Im short sighted and have an astygmatism and as I cant get on with varifocals, I essentially have two types, but five pairs! My last set were the lighter sort and retro driving and as there was no real change in precription, I keep two pair upstairs and one down (reading) and my retros for tv and driving and a spare pair in the car just in case! And believe it or not I can still end up with none sometimes!!!

i would end up wearing the wrong ones ~ mine are varifocals and have to do for everything. in my last job i didnt have time to change glasses!!

Mine are varifocals, but I feel dizzy walking around in them outside. I seem ok in the house and wear them most of the time, but I do find them uncomfortable. I would have that laser op if I could. I used to buy those cheap magnifying glasses and keep lots of them in most rooms, yet still couldn't find a pair . I did try one of those necklacey things, but found my specs knocked themselves on everything when I bent down etc...and my daughter made fun of me lol. Poor OH, somehow his razor has been left in Devon and I'm sure I checked everywhere before leaving:-(

No worries ... nominate him to play Father Christmas! : o )))

Have you contacted the property owners? We used to have a holiday business and often used to post things (all sorts of things...) back to people. All we used to throw away immediately was socks and underwear..... Anything else would be kept for a week or two to see if it would be claimed. We never had to buy shower gel or shampoo, that got left behind all the time.

hello beattie ~ long time no see!!

Hi Sticki, I've been following along, lurking in the lupins, you know how it goes..... :-)

hiding in the hellebores and snoozing in the snowdrops, hope you are ok.

Ah, you've been there then! :D Thanks, but I've got a poorly knee, came off worst in a dispute with a picnic bench & been on crutches, so the garden's all weedy and getting dried out again. Rain forecast for tonight & tomorrow is a relief. The "soil" was baking hot yesterday and totally incinerated.

oh no. how frustrating is that!! i hope it gets better soon.
i was in devon yesterday and today ~ heavy rain yesterday but the soil was still hard and dry today ~ the rain hardly touched it. lovely sun and blue sky this afternoon.

We haven't had any rain for some time. And the rain forecast for overnight and today hasn't arrived. I see the weather on the Beeb's website has been changed - yesterday we were forecast a wet, drizzly few days, and now we're not!

we have got rain ~ would you like some [im back in worcestershire now]

we noticed the forecast was wrong in devon ~ rain when it should have been sun and then the opposite the next day.

Yes please Sticki - I'm now awaiting delivery :-)

The forecast here is NORMALLY wrong - I don't know why we bother with it. It used to mislead our customers when we had a holiday business. We'd find that, after a dull week-end, some of them would watch the forecast (gloomy, drizzle... ) and decide they'd go home - even though it wasn't raining at the time. And as they drove away, up the A30, the clouds would part and the sun would come out and they'd never know that they'd missed a pretty good week of weather. Happened several times.

The best plan if you want to know what the weather in Cornwall will be, is to watch the forecast and assume it will do the opposite.

probably the same for any coast or island?

rain about to arrive ~ via Thorpost!? [god of thunder?]

it must have worked beattie cos the rain has left here! we have sun now!!

I heard we are on standpipe alert, even here in the Midlands!:-( Hello Beattie\0/ that was a good idea of yours re razor, but I'd already bought him a new one and a man can have too many razors:-) Shirley, I'll ignore your cruel remarks especially after you plum cake (2 per week) did its best to make him the same shape as Father Christmas lol:-)

Hi everyone! Along with Beattie, I'm lurking in the Lupins too, well I would do if the slugs and snails hadn't finished them off first! How is everyone??? Lovely to see you all on here still. I have done so many blogs just recently, that I am losing track of who I'm talking to on where! LOL! Hope all are well...Sorry to hear about your poorly knee, Beattie,...hope it gets better asap...
Had a real thunderstorm and downpour here today, and it has just started raining again now. Flaming June has proved to be more than a little damp so far! Am hoping to go to Spritz's NGS Open Day tomorrow....(gulp!) Hope I don't need a boat to get there...\0/X

well the forecast for Bridgwater not bad..maybe a lunchtime shower (so they say).
Only another 44 to 500, Flori! You must be dripping with rewards lol!

I don't do cruel remarks, Ba, just flippant ones! Does OH have 'designer stubble' now then? Shall I bother to mention the plum tree behind us is laden with ripening fruit? lol !

Thank you Sticki and Flori - I've managed to do a supermarket shop without the crutches today, as the knee is improving. Think I need a rest now though. :-?

We had a couple of torrential 10 second downpours last night and this morning. It's very unusual for us to get less rain than anywhere else in the UK, except possibly Seathwaite.

DON'T MENTION CAKE!! ;-)

No Shirley, don't bother to mention your plum tree..unless that is you are sending me some:-) Do you have any problems with insects etc with your plum tree? I would love to grow one (small 0ne) only worry about beasties in them:-)
\0/ hello everyone:-)

\0/ Good morning Ba...How are you today? Were you talking about growing insects or a Plum tree...I got a bit confused...lol\0/X How was your holiday?

The Plum tree is not in my garden ... it's in the one behind mine but the lady is in a wheelchair and doesn't garden ... she hasn't had the tree pruned for the past two years and suggeted we help ourselves to any Plums we are able to reach! Good job OH is tall then ... lol!

I bought a plum tree in Tesco and put it in a pot. For weeks it looked like a forlorn stick, but yesterday I noticed it had started sprouting. Pity my south facing aspect is a hedge otherwise I could have espaliered it.

Tempted to say "Every little helps" . . . .

Lol! Shirley, and I havent the foggiest how long it will take to produce plums!

\0/ Hello Flori me dear...don't be facetious...I know how to grow insects duh 8~/ Holiday? curates eggy..froze til thursday...paddling thursday and friday. Clean caravan and site, lovely talented staff, great for young children...nowt to take pics of really as Dawlish Warren is one large collection of caravan parks. Took bus to Teignmouth..exciting looking pier..on inspection was just millions of 'amusements' ie gambling machines:-( Went on bus to Newton Abbot... nothing there really. You need a car to see nice things thereabouts I think:-)

How lucky Shirley:-) Tet, I'll be over to yours when the tree bears fruit lol:-)

Oh, Ba! What a boring holiday (apart from paddling to heal your poor foot). You shouldve come to stay here for the week. Loads to do. Interesting historic places, lovely walks.Two NT houses in bus reach. Weston Super Mare by bus, Clevedon by bus (sand vs pebbles), great museum, a couple city houses one georgian one elizabethan (and free to see) several Brunel masterpieces, there's 7 packed days and havent scratched the surface!!! Cathedrals, churches, almshouses, docks..
Praps I should do B&B like Karen....

Ba, did you follow the blue plaque trail in Teignmouth? We did that a few years ago, laughed out loud when we found one saying "On this spot in 1998, nothing ever happened & probably never will"!. Quaint place . . .

Does Karen do b and b?

We could all have blue plaques up, they could say
Behind this house is a garden shared on GoY

Shirley, it was raining and we had three children in tow. Never saw the blue plaque trail...couldn't find the Assembly Rooms which my daughter insisted were there somewhere. Ate in the Pickwick cafe which i wouldn't recommend although it was packed out. My chicken salad consisted of a whole boiled, pretty tasteless chicken breast, iceberg lettuce, a few slices of cucumber and tomato planked on my plate. No dressing. The waitress asked if I would like anything else and I said do you have a French dressing? No she said and went lol. The worst, laziest salad I've ever had and not cheap!! Moan over:-)
Sticki, good idea...put it to Tet, she's very good at this sort of thing:-))

That cafe doesn't deserve any business ... we had a similar experience in a fairly local pub last Summer ... ordered 2 Ploughman's & it was a jaw-dropping moment when the food eventually arrived! A single slice of bread ... from a pre-packed sliced loaf with very little food on the plate. We complained and got a reduction on the bill ... not returned since. : o (((

Just noticed Shirley, (looking at holiday pics) that it was grandly called The Pickwick Restaurant and Tea rooms! :-)

I've just read the reviews on this place, Ba. Going back to 2008, two liked the place, the other would not return! Three reviews in as many years tells a story . . . .

Oooh never thought to do that Shirley, where do you look? :-)

Sending you a PM . . .

Looking now:-)