Evening Both.

13c today, light rain most of the day.

SIL & o/h came at 11.45, we had tongue sandwiches with cakes and tea, we all walked the garden, she was impressed.

But earlier on my Humax box started acting strange, it said it wasn't getting a signal, it has done that before and normally i just change channels a few times and it goes ok again, well, it didn't, plugged the aerial into the tv and on digital selection and retuning the tv i got all the stations.

Going to take the drive out of the Humax box to see if i can read the files when connected to the PC.

Have lost all the recording i think but have ordered a new box and a hard drive for recording, that what the o/h has on here BT box, i bought and plugged in a mini HDD for the usb port, works fine.

For tea we had mushroom soup, then sausages with mash and baked beans.

Mollie, Yes, a little lump, always something isn't there, thats life.

Where we had the meal we had been many times, the batter on the fish was dreadful and the fish inside we found out was Foley or something, awful colour, not sure what but it wasn't white.

The Nachos had obviously been made probably way before the day and just hardly even warmed up, basically cold, but she knocked the fish and chips part of the meals off the bill so we probably paid for the starters and drinks, i had lime and lemonade.

Good job you got a big washing machine, you sure need it.

Your lad was lucky that the backpack size was found out before he got to the airline, wow, that would have been a problem.

Oh dear, the garage door jamming half way closed, and even worse when it's pouring with rain, if it's an up and over type door like mine if it stops closing it's usually something has got in the way of the door somewhere and is jamming it as it just runs in a track so nothing really to hinder its flow.

Don't wonder you were exhausted, all what you have to do in a day.

Emptybox, Yes, always something to keep me visiting hospitals, but can't be helped.

I suppose a snowstorm could effect the tv signal, don't remember mine changing when it snowed, will have to look it up.

I don't see why the jellied eels would be an acquired taste but if you didn't grow up with certain foods then it seems you have a fear of trying new flavours and tastes, i didn't grow up with jellied eels but had eaten eels as i could them in the sea, one of the best tasty eels is conger, it is a beautiful feed with lovely white flesh, i doubt if you can even buy it these days.

I missed celebrity bakeoff, not that i wanted to watch it.

Hi both.
Wet here again all day. Didn't go out anywhere.

Mollie. Not sure if my Uncle get's visits from a nurse? He's got plenty of family round him though.

Ah yes, I guess that must be a plus for your son, if there aren't many other males in the theatre group.
3.15am was an early start for you all, but hopefully your son will really enjoy his time in Nashville. No wonder you're exhausted though.

What a nuisance about your garage door malfunctioning. And you didn't even find a suitable backpack in there.
Yes, quite a worry if you have a lot of stuff in there, and it's not secure.

Hicky. That's good that your SiL was impressed by the garden.
Pity your Humax box has stopped working properly and you've had to order a new one.
Think you might find it tricky to read the recordings on the PC.

My reception has gone off in snow before, when the snow built up on the arm of the dish, but I don't think there was enough snow for that the other night? But there might have been a film of it covering the LNB. I couldn't see that by torchlight.

Yes, it's always best to get any bumps and lumps properly investigated, although it'll probably turn out to be nothing.
I'd just heard that jellied eels were an aquired taste, but can only imagine what the taste is. Is it anything like a pickled herring?

Watched Britains Brightest Family, then half of GPs behind Closed Doors, then Millionaire, then that Michael jackson thing on +1.

A mixed bag today, weather awful, 9c and rain all day, winds died a bit to 21

Had bacon and eggs again for brekkie.

My new usb hard drive arrived, but as i was checking the website for the Bush Freeview box i couldn't see where the usb port was, wow, it hasn't got one, oh dear, must be about the only one that hasn't, after looking at so many on Amazon i just picked a reasonable one, so, have been looking at others but each didn't have a good review so i settled for the BT Youview one, but it has got recording built in so my new usb hard drive which came today is probably not going to work with it, it can do me as a backup for the computer, it's 160 GB.

Every time a different Mail man comes things go haywire, the charging cover for o/h's phone was delivered to next door as it needs a signature, but i was in, i even saw him walk down the drive and post 2 other letters, one of which was for an address in the road around the corner from me.

For tea decided to have one of the 3 chicken curries i put in the freezer the other night, found some frozen rice so used that, made some fried rice.

Your loss of reception with your dis is strange, the signal is usually only lost when the wires or socket/plug is either separated or shorted out, maybe snow on the LMB could stop of deflect the signal reaching it from the dish, a lot could depend on where the dish is located in relation to wind direction, is it in a position that gets the sun on a nice day?

This bump under my eye is raised about 1 or 2mm, the diameter maybe about 4 or 5mm, haven't long even noticed it.

Think The Celebrity Apprentice for charity is on BBC1 at 9pm tonight, will take a look.

Hi Hicky.
Not nice here either. Raining most of the day. The sun did come out at about 4pm, but too late to go out to do anything.

What a pity you didn't check your Freeview box to see if it has a usb port for an external drive before ordering. Mine has a USB port, but I think it's only for doing firmware updates. But mine dates from 2011 anyway.
I'm sure you'll find a good use for that drive.
The BT Youview one is supposed to be good.

I feel your pain about the changing posties.
I had the same one for years until he retired. I then got a younger one, and just when I thought I had him trained up, they moved hime to a different round, and I now seem to get random ones; different every day.
You must have confusing addresses near you, if they are giving you things for the wrong road.

I think satellite reception can be affected by the weather, much more than terrestrial reception. You often hear about people losing the Sky signal in bad weather.
My dish gets the sun in the morning. It's on the wall next to my bathroom window, and in the summer that room gets quite warm in the mornings because of the sun coming through the window.

They can't be particularly worried about that little lump, as they say they will leave it till you get back from your month away. At most it'll be something that needs to be removed I would think?

Yes Celebrity Apprentice on at 9pm, then I'll watch Millionaire on +1.

both xx

Had to do the cookies thing again here and sign in , lucky it asked for it before I had done my post, so didn't lose anything. Hope you didn't either HIcky.

Emptybox

very cold here today, so I expect you have been hovering around freezing there?

I too watched the GP show.

Hicky

tha'ts nice your SIL and OH liked your garden, and were able to come and enjoy tea with you.

What a nuisance about your Humax box. Pity you can't use your USB thing for what you intended it for, but lucky you can find another use for it.

So that cafe was using a cheaper fish, that explains why it looked odd. I have noticed how cheaper fish is now sold in supermarkets and that they charge more for cod now. I think it was pollock in tesco that was the cheaperst last time I looked. 

As you say about the eye lump, it always seems to be something niggling at us. All 3 of us here have had our health ups and downs, thank goodness we have the NHS. (even though they are extremely short on funds, they do their best with what they have for no charge to us).

More hastle again last night with son's trip. He texted me in a panic from New York saying he was going to miss the connecting flight, and he couldn't find or get in touch with the lecturers. Next text was ...they had got split from the group and he had missed the flight,and still no sign of the lecturers. Poor thing was worried now. So I texted him to go look for airport staff. But thought it odd the lecturers would get on a plane without some students (son was with another student). Next I get another text saying they had found the lecturers, and half the rest of the class who had also missed the flight! Then another text saying they had found all of the others and all of the class had missed it. Apparently security had split them up and had them waiting over an hour. I told him if he was there all night to use some of his dollars. So then I got another message, saying they were being put on another flight, luckily it was that same night, but they had another 6 hour wait in addition to the time they had already being hanging round. But eventually they arrived.

Then this morning he texted me to say the toilet in the room was blocked, so I told him to tell lecturer, which he did and he got someone to attend to it from the hotel. He did enjoy his brekkie though. A giant woffle, 2 slices brown toast, with a scrambed egg pate thing and a sausage pate thing, and an apple that he saved for later.

Thought you might be interesting in seeing where they are going today, (especially as a guitar player Emptybox).

First the RCA studio where the likes of Elvis, Elderly Bros recorded. 
https://studiob.org/
then the Country Music Museum at the same place, then eating at the Wild Horse Saloon there after. 
https://wildhorsesaloon.com/sites/wildh ... page-2.pdf
Hopefully he will have an enjoyable day now.

Rang LL about garage, he sent someone out this afternoon. He had a lot of trouble getting it to close but did manage it and said he would need to order a new cable as it was broken. He said he would come back in a couple of days.

Think I will watch the Celeb Apprentice, as not much else on.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi Mollie.
Wasn't particularly cold here today, but it's supposed to be sub zero tonight, so Winter's last hurrah.

What a shame all the mix up of flights for your son, and to top it all a broken loo.
I think US security at airports is particularly tight. But a bit stupid to detain them such that they missed their connecting flight. But at least it turned out they were all in the same boat.

That's good that your LL responded quickly and was able to close the garage door. Hopefully it's fixed quickly.
Quite enjoyed celeb Apprentice. Think there's another half and hour tomorrow night when we find out who won.
Seems Rachel Johnson was a bit of a trouble maker?

Were the "Elderly" Bros some relation of the Everly Bros?? Their Great Uncles perhaps?
(thanks for the links. Very interesting )

Evening Both.

9c today but light rain all day, winds of 11 to 23.

O/H went for some shopping, only getting what we can use so we don't waste food.

Then we went for brekkie, went to Hoylake, had a lovely one, when we got back there was a not about a packet, it had been left with qa neighbour as we were out, it was my refurbished BT Youview plus, wow, only ordered it yesterday, couldn't put the tv back on top as the air vents are on the top of the box so i cut 2 pieces of 3x2 10" long to support the tv, i think it's a 32", we brought it with us, we bought 3 new ones when we moved in, a 60", a 48" or something and a 24" to fut under the cupboards in the kitchen.

BT box all set up, you can record up to a week in advance, and look back up to a week as well, looking at the reviews, wow, very pleased, mind you o/h has got one as well, had it for years.

Have taken the hard drive from the old Humax, it's a Seagate Video 3.5 HDD 500GB Sata so i have ordered an adapter to use it on the pc in the USB port, if i can't use the files on it then i can format it and use it as a backup drive.

Just had Salmon with mash and sliced green beans for tea.

Did you know, the BT boxes are made by Humax, wow, you learn something every day.

Mollie, Yes, had to do the cookies thing the same and sign in, but as you say, it was before i posted, they must have done an update to get rid of the bugs.

When i used to get fish and chips at that place they used to give you 2 fillets of whiting, very nice, this was awful, Pollock i think but the batter was hard as rocks, so dark almost burnt, just a mess.

Wow, thats a lot of messing for your lads trip, glad they got it sorted, strange the toilet blocked, the staff/cleaners are supposed to report that,

Watched The Apprentice, not bad, the lads are idiots.

Will watch the finish tonight.

Emptybox, When we get another postie it's usually because the usual one is off, sick or something, the usual one leaves stuff in the porch, in our raod there is a caldysack (sp) and it has a different name to our road, but the numbers are the same, isn't that a good idea? and depending on which route the postie takes determines with number he comes to first as they have no idea which road they are in.

I suppose you don't ask any neighbours if they lose reception when it snows?

Yes, i suppose if they had been that worried about the lump they might have prioritised something.

Enjoyed the rather crazy Apprentice, Rylan is still a clown, in fact the girls shaped up way better, surely they must win.

Hi Hicky.
Not quite so wet here today, but was drizzling most of the day, and windy too.
No frost this morning, but it is very cold here tonight.

Glad you had a nice brekkie out in Hoylake.
That's great that your BT box came as quickly, and the postie didn't screw up the delivery.
I didn't realise that they were made by Humax as well. But I suppose they are now the main manufacturer of TV boxes.
Yes, you should be able to use the drive out of the old one as external storage, even if you can't play the recordings on the PC.
(you may have to format it before the PC recognises it)
 

I would have thought the posties should know which road they are on? That's kind of their job.
I've got a funny postal address, as it doesn't match with the two other houses in the row (long story), but the posties seem to find me OK; even the casual ones.

The end part of the Apprentice tonight. And also the last in the series of Millionaire.

both xx

Emptybox

not surprised you have it cold there, as it feels very cold here too.

I too enjoyed Celeb Apprentice.

Son enjoying Nashville, they are going to BBKings for tea tonight.

https://www.bbkings.com/nashville/music/

This morning they were going to Ryman auditorium for a guided back stage tour, should be interesting.

https://www.ryman.com/history/

And they went to Blackbird Studios

https://www.blackbirdstudio.com/studios

The good thing about going to Nashville with Uni is that they can fit a lot in as the lecturers have been a few times, so know where to take them and how to get there. Plus they get cheaper entrance being in a large group.

Hicky

how nice you got a good brekkie in Hoylake, I remember that place well, as it was so close to where my parents used to live.

That's good you are so pleased with your BT box. Do you think they are better than the Humax? We have 2 Humax as OH often watches different things to me. But as they are made by Humax, they might not be much different? 

You seem to keep getting the cookies thing the same time as I get them here.

Wonder why Emptybox doesn't get them?

That is bad if the posties can't work out which road they are in. No wonder you keep getting postal problems.

OH got home about 2.30pm, so we did a little food shop and went to the carvary for tea. Very nice it was.

Drama son has a sore throat, which he hates as he is supposed to rehearse on Sunday and has a singing part. I am not surprised really though, as he didn't get to bed till 4am that day we gave his brother a lift and he got a soaking struggling to put the tarpulin up outside the garage that same night. Also, last weekend he was up till 2am after the post show party. Hope it won't last, but its a good job it wasn't last week when he had the show though and luckily the next show isn't till the beginning of May.

OH has gone to see 10CC in Cardiff today. It was sold out , but I rang and they managed to find a single seat cancellation, so that was good.

Watched Apprentice, and recorded Gogglebox.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi Mollie.
Yes, I bet it's exciting for your son in Nashville, going to all these iconic place.
Well done getting a last minute ticket for your OH to see 10cc. Hope he really enjoys it.
Glad you and OH enjoyed your carvery meal tonight.

I get just as many notices to accept cookies and re-login to this site as you guys. Probably more, as I have quite a few PCs and they all do it at different times.
I just don't bother mentioning it any more, as there's nothing much to be done about it. You just have to be aware, and have your password commited to memory.

Not good if your other son has a sore throat when he needs to sing.
Does sound like he's been burning the candle at both ends a bit recently? Not all his own fault though.
As you say, it would have been worse if it had been last week.

I'm not sure if we are getting more Apprentice next week? I think that might be all we are getting?

emptybox posted:

Hi Mollie.

 

Were the "Elderly" Bros some relation of the Everly Bros?? Their Great Uncles perhaps?
(thanks for the links. Very interesting )

Ooopppss....

I thought there was something not quite right in that name, but i wasn't far off.

Evening Both.

9c today, light cloud and rain showers, gales from morning till 3pm then it's 25.

The Bush Freeview box came today, going to see if i can return it, also the adapter came, problem is the computer said the drive was faulty so didn't recognise it, tried another drive, same as, so rendered the drives us and will dispose of.

Had 3 eggs on toast for brekkie, couldn't decide what to have for tea, o/h cooked herself a chicken i decided to look in the garage freezer, took out a meal of prawn stir Fry and an egg fried rice with chili, added some more chili, thawed in micro and fried in wok, very nice too.

Had a walk round the garden between showers, it looks like a nasty day tomorrow though, wow, gales all day, rain, hail.

Mollie, The BT box is fine, will take a bit of getting used to, but to be able to see programs a week old and a week in advance is great.

The postie problem only arises when the normal one is off for some reason, the standins don't know the roads and the fact there is 2 lots of address the same on 2 different roads, it is confusing.

Don't blame you going to the carvary for a meal, i good start to his home coming.

Bad news you son has a sore throat, if i get wet i get the same, awful.

Enjoyed the Apprentice, the lads were awful, a load of rubbish, can't stand Rylan, he's a clown.

Emptybox, When i took the drive out of the Humax box although it was a Seagate drive it had also a BT number on as well as the S/number and other numbers so the 500GB drive must be common, probably the same one in the new BRT box.

Don't know why the USB port or windows 10 doesn't like the hard drive, can't format either as it won't even give it a drive Letter.

I think when the normal postie is off they draft in another who doesn't know the street layout, our house number is the same as another house about 5 doors away on a road at 90deg to us.

Thought the lads Apprentice show was a joke, they are plain stupid, what a mess.

both xxx

Emptybox

hope you enjoy your sphag bol and beer tonight.

I am guessing it is pretty cold up there, as the wind is cold here today!

Hicky

how annoying about your Bush box.

Oh dear, not those damn gales and wind again predicated tomorrow! We are certainly having our share of strong winds lately.

Gosh I never knew you could get a box that means you can see shows a week in advance. Very clever.

I agree, the Apprentice lads were not good at all. Imagine paying all that money to see those idiotic guys with the balloons.

Went for brekkie in Weatherspoon, just 3 of us today as one lad in Nashville and other lad home with sore throat.

Nashville lad due to go here for a show and meal tonight. Grand Ole Opry.

https://www.opry.com/planatrip

Enjoyed the Voice. Think it is the DOI final tomorrow isn't it?

OH has a cold now, must be a different one to son as he has hardly seen him. Not a bad one so far thankfully. Too many bugs around this time of year!

Got a bit of shopping in Costco later today, had my tea there, massive jacket potaot with beans/cheese, couldn't eat it all. At £1.50, you can't beat it.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi both.
Started out sunny here, but by lunchtime it had turned to wind and rain. Even had some sleet at one point.

Got my tomato seeds planted. They are in a propagator on the window sill.

Hicky. These drives in TV boxes are often formatted with a Linux file system that Windows can't recognise, so can't give it a drive letter. However you can usually find them in Disk Management (Control Panel>Create and format hard disk partitions). You can then delete the partitions on them and reformat to NTFS.
That way Windows will see them and allocate a drive letter.
It means you lose all the recordings though.

Mollie. Yes, I enjoyed my Spag Bol and beer tonight.
I agree; the balloon dancers on The Apprentice were a stupid idea.
I'm sure your lad will really enjoy the Grand Ole Opry.

Yes, DOI final tomorrow.
Really proud of Saara getting to third place, but can't see her getting any further, so we won't see her do the Bolero unfortunately.
But she is dancing to Puppet on a String again, plus she is dancing to Circus by Britney Spears, which has been choreographed by Jayne and Chris.

She's determined to enjoy it anyway. -

Evening Both.

Not a nice day, 7c hail stone most of the day, gales of 50+ all day and night.

Only did some sorting stuff preparing for the cases, what goes in which.

Had another few pictures and vids from my lad in Oz, they were in Melbourne Zoo, his o/h is working in Melbourne doing a quotation so my lad goes there with the baby, the company pays for the apartment anyway.

Just had Crumpets for brekkie as o/h was making a Roast Lamb lunch for 4pm.

Mollie, You can't see the shows in advance, you can set a reminder or set it to record 1 or the series to record, which is fine.

Nashville is so famous, you lad will love all that.

Yes, enjoyed the Voice, Sara was good, the one they all stood up for.

Yes, DOI final tonight, i wonder who the public ill choose?

That Costco meal for£1.50 is very good, where could you get a meal for that?

Emptybox, Your seeds will be fine in a propagator, saves keeping a whole are warm.

Yes, you are probably right about the boxes and Linux, i have scrapped them now, how could i format them if the system won't recognise them?

both xxx

Emptybox

hope your tomato seeds do well this year.

I agree Saara has done so well to reach the final. But the competion is real strong now with the 2 she is up against. And it is so nice to see how she enjoys herself on the ice in this competition.

Hicky

good idea to stay in and do your sorting in preparation for your hols, as the weather is so bad today. Real cold wind here too with a bit of hail thrown in.

How nice your lad could take the baby whilst his mum was working in Melbourne. I am sure dad and babe enjoyed sharing a visit to the zoo.

Oh I see what you mean about setting a reminder about shows in advance,   I was thinking you would be able to tell us what happened in a show before we saw it, for awhile then.

Such a cold wind here today.

Son was at rehearsals for around 6 hours again today (trying to ignore his sore throat!), so me, OH and daughter went to a local pub for lunch. Roast dinner was on the menu, at either £15.95 each or an offer of 2 dinners for £12!   So we bought 4 dinners for £24, had one each and shared most of the extra one and took the rest home for the dog. Delcious it was , I had nut roast with cranberry topping, daughter had steak and OH had turkey. All with veg and a yorkshire pud, the pub was full, but didn't take too long to get served.

OH still has a cold, so he is resting now, he might not drive to work at5.30am but go in later tomorrow.

Watching DOI now, good luck Saara.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi both.
Wet windy and cold here today. Not nice at all.
Only 2 or 3c when I went to Sainsburys this afternoon. Luckily the rain held back when I was loading the stuff into the van, so i didn't get very wet.

Really enjoyed the DOI final tonight. Pity that Saara had to settle for third, but she gave great performances, and the judges gave her perfect 10s.
(although whether they would have done had they been judging properly?)
Sad I didn't get to see her skating to Bolero, as she looked so beautiful in the outfit for it.
Torvill and Dean's routine was really good too.

Hicky. Sounds like you had even worse weather than me.
Not be long before you are out there with your lad and family, and won't have to rely on videos.

It's the file system that Windows can't recognise, not the drives themselves. As I said, they usually show up in Disk management, unless there was something wrong with them.

Mollie. Bad weather for you as well.
Hope your son doesn't overdo rehearsals with his sore throat.
Strange pricing system for the pub meals, but good idea to take advantage of it.
Pity your OH has a cold now.

Quite enjoyed Midsummer Murders after DOI, but it's not of the same quality as Morse or Vera.

ITV have put out the video of Saara and Hamish skating the Bolero.
https://www.itv.com/dancingoni...saaras-unseen-bolero

It's from the dress rehearsal, but is exactly how they would have performed it.
It's really beautiful, and one of her best skates ever.

Evening Both.

10c today, sunny intervals, strong winds then gales, on and off tll Thursday afternoon.

Had my hair cut this morning, posted the Bush box back to the return address using trach at £8.60p

Then had bacon and eggs on toast and finished packing so i could weigh the cases, well in this time.

My lad sent me new tickets for the Manchester to Dubai, upgraded to Business Class, wow, looked online, really fantastic, your own table and minibar, a menu for meals, you even get a lounge on board, you need to look see it here.

 For tea i have just had soup and a dish of pre-cooked Mussels.

Mollie, They all went to the Zoo as she is off the weekend, the baby seems to enjoy the animals.

I've been setting recording in advance, have set to record the F1 as well, and it set the practices as well.

Thats a reasonable price for the pub meals, can't complain about that.

Bad news your o/h having that cold, not much you can do though.

Emptybox, Yes, awful weather here, not long now, hard to believe really, time goes so quick.

I could understand it not recognising the file system, but i/m sure it used to recognise the disk and you just had to format it, i just plugged the new 160gb Kesu usb expansion disk in and it's fine, it shows up on the drive list fine, but it's too late for the other drive as it destroyed now.

Thanks for the Video, thats great of Saara & Hamish.

Hi both xxx

Emptybox

that was another cold day for you, it felt really cold here because of the wind but was about plus 8. Good job the rain held off whilst you put the shopping away.

Yes Saara did real well, even though she only got 3rd, and considering how she has been placed for a dance off previously a few times. Thanks for the Balero clip, good idea for itv to do this, as I always think it is such a shame after all the practicing that one couple don't get to do the Bolero.

Hicky

that is good you are well within the weight with your cases and you are so organised with them. I forget now, what date do you leave?

  Business Class, talk about sheery luxery! How exciting will that be for you. I am sure you will find some real yummy menus to enjoy on that flight, and be able to get a kip in comfort when needed. Wish me and Emptybox could come too for that luxuerious flight alone.

Do they pay back the postage for the Box going back?

OH was too unwell to go to work today. He had been hoping he would be well enought to drive to hotel this afternoon, then go to work tomorrow, but he has been sleeping all day on and off in bed, so I had to ring to cancel the hotel, when he decided he couldn't face the long drive and work tomorrow. Leaving at his uusal 5.30am with this cold was out of the question. This weeks hotel was one he hasn't stayed in before, and a lot further to travel because the ones closer to work for him were all full because of the Cheltenham cup. But the guy at the hotle was real nice, even told me he wouldn't charge me despite the fact OH didn't tell me till 5pm he felt too ill to go today.  The hotel guy has even  left the booking open at the reduced rate till tomorrow morning, so I can cancel free tomorrow if OH is not better. Normally hotels charge you at least one night if you fail to show up at last minute, but he told me not to worry , he wouldn't .

Drama son is coughing lots today, so he had to skip rehearsals tonight. Impossible to sing solo if you have a cough.
Other son due to catch flight out of Nashville in an hour, so I will follow the flighttracker for  awhile. Hope he doesn't miss the connection again.

Watching Cheat tonight and the next few nights too if it is any good. The lead actress is a good actress, so hope it is good.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi both.

Not too bad day here. A bit windy, but quite sunny. Rain this evening though.

I'm supposed to be cutting someone's grass on Wednesday, if it's fine, so I got my mower and strimmer out and made sure they were starting OK, and sharpened the blades on the mower.

Hicky. That's a bonus, your son paying for an upgrade to business class.

That's good you got your packing finished.

Pity the Bush box didn't meet your needs. Not too bad cost to post it back though.

Mollie. I was really pleased to see Saara's Bolero in full. It was just too good not to be seen. Not sure if ITV always do that, but glad they did.

Really sorry that your OH is laid up with the cold, but at least the hotel was reasonable about your cancellation.

Pity your drama son's cough has worsened as well.

You'll be pleased to see your other lad home.

Uncle has had to go to hospital now. But I suppose that is the best place for him, as he wasn't getting any better at home.

Watched some of that 'Cheat'. I was quite good, but doubt if I'll stay with it if it is on every night. If it had been on once a week that might have been a different story. 

Evening Both.

9c today, rain most of the day, sunny at times in between.

Had bacon and egg again for brekkie, using it up before we go.

Had an email saying i could check in, so did that and printed the boarding passes.

Wondered why i couldn't get much stuff in my case for the hold when it only weighed 15kg, then i realised it isn't the big case, o/h bought new cases and one was inside the other, mine is the small one, so thats sorted

The cabin case is only allowed 7kg which isn't very much at all, so had to keep taking stuff out and swapping it with the other case.

Am having Lobster Tails and Prawns for tea, why not.

Going to the Recycle dump in the morning as we collect stuff which collects in the garage etc, and to clear any rubbish that could smell.

Mollie, We depart on the 14th Thursday, We depart back on the 15th Apr, arrive Manchester on Tue 16th. 

They paid back most of the postage so not bad.

Oh dear, sorry to hear o/h is too unwell to go to work, what a blow.

Oh dear, and your lad missing his rehearsals, now been a good week so far then.

Hope the flight from Nashville caught the next flight.

Emptybox, Good idea to check your equipment, better to find out now if you have a problem.

It was my own fault about the Bush box, didn't even know they made boxes that didn't have a means of recording, what good is that?

both xxx

Emptybox

grass cutting started already, good idea to make sure all your equipment is in good working order.

Aaawww your poor Uncle no longer able to avoid hospital. Let's hope they can help treat him with meds now, and he won't be there for long.

Yes I watched Cheat too, a bit of a strange one so far, can't make up my mind if it will be good or too odd for me . Will watch tonight though.

Hicky

its great you can check in before you get to the airport now.

Yes son found the cabin bag a small allowance, and had to be careful what he put in it.

A busy day for you tomorrow with last minute preparations and having to go to the dump too.

I will look back here to find your flight details so I can follow them. I enjoyed watching son's flights too.Will you be able to post photos for us? Maybe in our PM section if you don't want them public?

A box with no recording facilities! Agree, definately a waste of time having one. Lucky most of the postage got paid.

Son had a good journey home. He said the flight out was awful with security making them miss the connection. He is exhausted now, but really enjoyed it. Lots to see. He said he has had enough Country Music to last awhile though.

He found the food very rich and fatty, most stuff either fried or smothered in melted cheese. He said whilst he was there, he felt he ought to try an Elvis Burger though, it had all the usual on it, plus fried banana and peanut butter.

More trouble with our garage, the guy was supposed to put the part in by Saturday, still not done. Son tried to open it and it got stuck open again. Rang LL who rang fix it guy, who told LL it was my fault as he had told me not to use it. Son thought it was fixed, so was ok, so had tried to open it when he needed something. LL said I could of used other door to get in, but I said there was a coupboard in the way. He said I should of moved it. I couldn't move it though as I couldn't get in the other door! So our garage door is half open again. LL siad the guy would come tonight, but he didn't turn up.

Very windy again yet again.

Watching Bake Off, then will give Cheated a go again.

Goodnight both xxx

Hi both.
Mixed day here. Some sunny spells, but also spells of heavy rain and hail and high winds. Raining heavily just now.

It's too early for grass cutting really. It grew a bit during that little warm spell, but hasn't really grown since. However I said I would go to a place tomorrow, but it'll depend entirely on the weather.

Hicky. So just a couple of days before you go. I don't envy you having to juggle all that stuff about baggage allowances.
Mind you it won't help with packing if you have one suitcase inside another.
That's good you've got your boarding passes sorted.
Good idea to get shot of your recycling stuff before you go.

Mollie. Glad your son had a good journey home.
Not surprised he's had his fill of Country music for a while.
Yes, that part of the USA certainly overdoes the fatty food.
Pity you've had more trouble with your garage door.
Perhaps you could get your son to move the cupboard now, just in case the main door doesn't get fixed for a while?

Didn't watch Cheat tonight, i watched 'Shetland' instead. Don't know whether you guys can get it down there, but it's a good detective series.

Evening Both.

10c today, rain ans sun, gales around 60 most of the time.

Made an Omelette's with the last 7 eggs, and chopped bacon.

Went to the recycle place, locked up the back.

Ordered taxi to Manchester Airport there and back.

Went to shippons for tea, very nice too, had a starter of sliced duck with pancakes, cucumber, onion and hoe sin sauce, for main had chicken curry with chips, for pud had Belgium waffle with Nuttella and ice cream, had soda and lemon to drink, £17 all in.

See you next in Oz.

Mollie, Yes, 7kg isn't much, i have organised the stuff so that if the checked in case went missing could i manage, so meds, a pair of shorts, a shirt, some other necessities i take in the cabin.

I should be able to post some pictures, but as i have to post them to twitter first you can probably see them on my twitter.

I agree, the food in the USA is sure an experience, very strange.

Sorry to hear the garage door still inoperable, what a pain. 

Emptybox, I could have probably changed the seats they gave us but was a bit bothered in case something went wrong and i messed up.

All ready for the off now, clothes ready for tomorrow, will be shutting down qall forums etc browsers and puter, will get back when i can get into laptop next, i have been online a few times to update etc, we don't use it only if we talk to lad on Skype, o/h uses a tablet for normal stuff.

Hi both xxx

Emptybox

wonder if the weather was ok for you to go out to the garden today? It was still windy here but calmed down by the afternoon enough for me to take doggie out. And daughter took neighbour's doggie at the same time.

I haven't noticed that programme Shetland, so maybe it is just in Scotland?

Hicky

your tea sounds enjoyable.

I will watch out for your photos on twitter. Lucky you escaping all thise Brexit garbage.

I hope you have a good journey. I will check it out on flightradar.

Son has lots of tales to tell about his holiday. He particularly enjoyed BB Kings, they went there twice to enjoy the music and have a meal. The first shop they went into he was shocked because it was full of all sorts of guns for sale. He said some areas at night were real rough, eg...saw someone being arrested, they had to pay a group of people some money for a CD just to get rid of them. They were told they were only to go out in groups and avoid certain areas.

OH back at work today, bit of busy drive even from the hotel. Because of the Chelteham cup, he had to stay quite a way away from where he is working this week.

Watched GP show then Cheated. Still can't decide if I like it much or not.

Goodnight both.

I am sure Hicky will enjoy his journey staying in such a good class of aircraft.

Hi both.
Not bad day here. Windy but mostly sunny. Around 7c when I went out this afternoon.

Went and cut my customer's grass. Actually two customers who are next door neighbours.
The grass didn't really need cutting TBH. It had less growth on it than my own lawn, and I haven't thought of cutting that yet. Oh well, a bit of money in my pocket anyway.

Hicky. Bon Voyage for tomorrow.
Good idea to go out for a meal tonight to save cooking.
Also good idea to organise your hand luggage, just in case your main case goes walkabout.

Mollie. That's good that you and your daughter could get the dogs walked depite the windy weather.
Pleased your OH is well enough to go back to work, although you probably enjoyed having him around for a couple of extra days.
Pity you had difficulty finding him a place because of the Cheltenham cup.

Glad your son enjoyed his trip.
Surprised that Nashville has some dodgy areas, as i thought it would be very tourism orientated. But I guess it is the USA after all.
I should think you can buy guns in all sorts of places, including pawn shops etc.

Watched GPs then 'Critical Condition' on CH5 (similar to 24Hrs in A&E).

Emptybox

just me and you at least for today whilst HIcky is flying.

That is a good start to your season, 2 jobs done and close to each other too.   You were just doing what the customers want by cutting grass, even if it does not need cutting. No one round here has started the grass cutting, don't think it will be long, but it needs to warm up a little yet.

I think the touristy areas of Nashville were ok, but there were certain areas at night, they had to be careful of. The taxi driver told them that you don't get into road rage rows there , else they might draw a gun on you.

Very windy yet again today. And some real heavy torrential rain storms.

Went shopping in asda for some food as I was getting low. I had the 2 lads help me, so it was a lot easier. My neighbour wanted some milk, which was great, as when I took it over she had just cooked a giant veg curry, so I got my tea given, and some left over for tomorrow.

Have looked back and eventually managed to find this as i wanted to follow his flight.....

flying on 14th March with Emirates from Manchester Term 1 at 13.10 to Dubai, then change to Sydney arrive 22.50 15th March, return 15th April from Sydney 16.05 to Dubai then fly to Manchester 16th April 07.25 to Manchester arrive 12.05.

Enjoyed watch Cheat again tonight, quite a good ending. Do you think they left it open for series 2. Hope he didn't kill the dog though! Bad enough the cat got it!

Goodnight Emptybox.  x

hope Hicky is enjoying his luxurious flight.

found Hicky's Dubai flight, it was hour and half late landing according to flightaware. Must of been because of the winds. Hope he has time to catch his connection. He landed there an hour ago.

Hi Mollie.

Started out OK here, but turned rainy and windy by lunchtime.

Sounds like you had worse weather though.

Yes it was really a bit early for those customers, and their ground was very soggy as well, so the mower got a bit bogged down in places.

I'll leave it till next week to see if I start any others off, but I see there is snow forecast for Saturday here.

Yes, I would think you would have to be very careful of getting into a dispute with anyone in that part of the USA, because of all the guns.

That was nice of your neighbour giving you a curry  as a reward for doing some shopping for her.

Hope Hicky caught his connecting flight OK.

Unfortunately my poor old Uncle died this afternoon. He had his wife and children around him, and passed away peacefully because of the medication he had been given.

He was 86 and had lived a good life, so I don't feel too sorry for him, although I'm obviously sad about it, and for my family.

Means I might have to go down South for his funeral, which I wasn't banking on.

Only watched the first episode of Cheat, so no idea what happened I'm afraid.

Watched 60 Days on the Street tonight. It was a bit dreary TBH.

Hi Emptybox

aaww so sorry to hear your uncle passed away.

Sounded like he had a good active life until very recently, so at that age, he didn't do bad. But as you say, it is the family now you feel sorry for, (especially his wife).

Now don't you go dashing off to the funeral if you don't feel up to it healthwise (it is going to be very stressful for you), or the weather is awful to travel in. It is such a long way for you.  Perhaps you could think of going later in the year instead? I think it is often after the funeral a visit can prove to be the most helpful to those who have lost a loved one.

Weather awful here today, rain, rain and more rain all day, and wind too.

OH came back from work last night and had today off, as due to the Cheltenham cup, the only hotel he could find was a fair way from work, plus he had a physio appointment today. That meant we were able to pay a visit to our much missed auction. We like looking at the old stuff, there was a lot of old books , stamp collections, old ornaments etc today, which was interesting. Beforehand we went for cofee and a shop at Morrisons for a change.

OH has had an achy shoulder/neck for awhile. Physio said she could feel the muscle strain straight away , and she massaged it, and gave him exercises to do. It cost him £38, but he couldn't make the NHS physio with him working away, so not much choice. It was beginning to keep him awake, so needed sorting.

Enjoy your spag bol and beer. It is pizza and chips for us tonight.

Watching Gogglebox later. Do you still watch it? I enjoy it, and gives me some ideas of what to watch on tv.

Hope Hicky arrived ok and enjoyed his luxurious journey.

Have a good evening xxx

Hi Mollie.

Not very nice here either, although there were spells of sunshine inbetween the showers.

Went into town to get some medications.

I'd like to go down for the funeral, but it'd be just like it if the stress brought on a bout of my symptoms.

Depending on when it is I might be able to get a lift with my Brother, which would save me driving. But he only comes back from Thailand next Thursday, and flies into Manchester, so might decide to travel straight down from there. 

That was good your OH got a day off, but I guess it wasn't really a day off if he had a physio appointment. Pity he was forced to go private though.

But at least you got to go back to your auction.

Don't really watch Googlebox any more.

Watched some of Vera, but it was just a repeat, and also been watching Red Nose Day.

Emptybox

that is good you got some decent weather.

We got strong wind again, then torrential ran this afternoon.

Do you have a date for the funeral yet? A shame if you want to go and can't go with your brother. But don't put your health at risk going alone doing that long drive if you don't feel up to it.

How are you health wise? I hope the upset over your uncle and concerns about the funeral don't upset your symptoms.

You ought to give Gogglebox a go again, it was real funny.

I enjoyed the Voice tonight.

Went for brekkie with OH this morning at our fave garden centre. Always an enjoyable brekkie there as we even get thick brown fried bread. Son and daughter still have coughs, so didn't come, and other son getting over jet leg so is still sleeping later than normal and not wanting brekkie as early as usual.

Went to Costco after, and to some shopping, and some free food samples.

Hope HIcky is enjoying being with the family. Shoud be fairly warm there, but even warmer when he leaves Sydney to go up north.

Goodnight xxx

Good Afternoon Both.

Sunday Afternoon here, just watching F1, had a sleep last night anyway, my first.

This is what i meant to post yesterday, but just so tired, couldn't keep eye's open.

--------------------------------------------

Just arrived in Oz, It is Saturday afternoon, left home 'Thursday morning, last slept 'Wednesday night.
To cut a big story,
And on a Laptop, i hate laptops.
The weather has played a big part but it started at Manchester airport when the massive bridge system that allows passenger to get off or on a plane failed so couldn't unload my plane, eventually got on board then was delayed by the wind, so couldn't take off, then we couldn't land because of wind and back log of planes
.Was so late my next flight had left so they took us to a hotel for the night, when we arrived at about 3.30am, they said breakfast is at 5.30am you bus leaves to the airport at 7.30am then the next flight was late, have arrived at the departure gate at about 9am, the Emirates staff are really good, i had a wheelchair because i wouldn't be able to walk the massive distances in airports, in Dubai the gate was so far away we had to board a train, which took about 5 minutes.
will say more later, need some sleep really.

------------------------------

Just had some toast and a coffee, am in an apartment, couldn't go for brekkie as it's like a monsoon here, and brekkie is in a different building, got no waterproofs or umbrella's my lad is going to bring some, he only lives 100 yards away.

Sorry to hear about your uncle Emptybox.

Son and little one arrived, his o/h is working on her lappy, got to get ahead before we go way.

Will get back on later, will be going to my lads place soon to watch F1 on big screen this one is only a 32" tv.

Evening, Sunday 23.10 on a wet day, had a good day, watched F1 live, 

We have all been between the 2 apartments which are 100 yds apart as i may have said.

We can all eat in either place.

Baby is so lovely, a sheer delight, i think we will be getting on fine before i leave.

Can't see weather improving anytime soon, but not bothered really, we are here thats all that matters.

Hi both.
Very wet here yesterday. Had some snow overnight on Friday night, but it didn't stay long on Saturday, although I think some places in Scotland had quite a bit.
Cold windy but sunny here today.

Luckily my Uncle's funeral isn't till well after my Brother comes back from Thailand, so I'll be able to get a lift with him. He's used to driving that distance, so it won't be any stress to him.
Only thing is, he wants to stay down for an extra day afterwards, which doesn't really suit me, but beggars can't be choosers.

Mollie. My symptoms are OK at the moment. It would be a blasted nuisance if I get affected just as I want to go on the long trip.
Pity you had torrential rain, but at least you enjoyed a nice brekkie with your OH.
Hope your kids get over their coughs.

Hicky. Sounds like you had a bit of a nightmare, what with missing connections and losing out on sleep
Hopefully you've caught up with your slumber now and jetlag hasn't affected you too much.
Dubai airport must be huge, if they need trains to take you between the various gates.

That's good that your apartment and your lad's one is only 100 yards apart.
Glad you got to see the F1 on a nice big screen.
Pity you are not getting good weather, but I bet it's a lot warmer there than here. Is it the monsoon season, or were the rains unexpected?

No I don't really like a laptop either. Too cramped to work on. But better than a tablet or phone.
Bet you are enjoying seeing the new baby.

both xxx

Emptybox

awful weather for you I see, and awful here too. Such a cold wind,and heavy on and off down pours. Managed to get a doggie walk in during the brief sunny spell though.

I thought the funeral might be after your brother got back, so that is good you can get a lift, and he is used to long drives. Pity he is staying a day longer than you would of liked though. Are you both booking a hotel? Pehaps he wants to stay over to take a good break from the long drive?

Glad to hear your symptoms are ok, hopefully it will continue to stay controlled now you know you will have your brother's company and a lift for the funeral.

Hicky

Such a shame you had a problem journey, I had guessed you might, with all the wind problems and I noticed your first flight was running late from flightradar.

But so glad to hear you are enjoying yourself now. (despite the rain). How nice the 2 apartments are so close to each other, so you can enjoy each others company, and eat together. I am sure you and your OH are delighted to spend time getting to know the baby.

Daughter finally feeling well enough for us all to go out for tea, so son can show us all his Nashville photos and give us a little pressie each before OH has to leave for a week away at work again. So we went to Pizza Hut, my fave is the salad cart there. I will try and post some of his photos if I can work out how.

Enjoying watching Race Around the World on bbc2 now. You watching it Emptybox? If not, I am sure you would like it. Watched the John Barrowman muisical earlier, I really enjoyed it.

Goodnigh Emptybox x

Goodmorning to Hicky. x

Hi Mollie.
Pity it was wet again for you, but at least you got the dog walked.
That was nice, going out for a family meal and looking at your son's Nashville photos.

My Brother is going to be staying with a cousin, and i am going to be staying with my Aunt (the widow). I suppose we could both have stayed with the cousin, but my Aunt was just assuming I would stay with her, and we thought it better not to upset the applecart.

I'm not sure if my SiL is going as well, but probably my Brother and she want to do something while they are down, hence the extra day?
TBH I'm only getting info in dribs and drabs as he is communicating by Whatsapp while they are in Thailand.
Doesn't sound like either of my Nephews are going though.

But it's only a very quiet funeral for close family only. He was a Quaker, and they don't believe in any ceremony, or that the body has any significance after death.
They've got permission for him to be buried on his own land. Also I doubt there'll be any suits or fancy clothes either.
Having said that, he was the only one in the family who was a Quaker. He was just drawn to that religion as an adult. Don't think my Aunt is even a believer TBH.

Haven't watched that Race Around the World. You've mentioned it before, but I keep forgetting about it.
I watched Mid Summer Murders.

Evening Both.

24c today, rain stayed off but air damp and very cloudy, light wind.

Slept ok last night, very comfy bed, woken early by roadworks.

We had a walk around this gated area, wow, it's got a museum, church, cafe and a few buildings and a lot more, there is a restaurant for brekkie or evening meals and takeaway, but brekkie only served from 7 to 9am, a bit early unless we can get up sooner.

We had a takeaway delivered last night, very nice, today they went to a pie shop local, yummy steak pies, wow, never seen so much beef in a pie.

The baby is so lovely, not not even 6 months yet, she's got a lovely laugh.

Mollie, Yes, the journey started bad, then just went worse as we missed the connection, along with many others, the seats in the plane from Dubai were so uncomfortable i could only sit for 5 minutes then had to stand, just priced an upgrade to business class for the return journey and they want £3,000 each, wow, will try later.

My bit of a cold disappeared as soon as i arrived, good news.

Glad your lad arrived back ok, will be nice for you to see his photo's.

No idea what these stations are on the tv, can't find anything, the chase is on now and i don't even like it.

Emptybox, Yes, you really need to go down to the funeral with your brother, so much easier.

Yes, caught up on the sleep, the Dubai airport is just massive on the boarding ticket are diagrams telling you times to the various gate areas, one says 40 minutes, some are 20 minutes walk, some say take the train, if i hadn't been in a wheelchair and being taken by the staff we would never have even found the route to the gate, and with being in the wheelchair we boarded ahead of the other 550 people.

and we breezed right through security, passport checks, the lot and i never even got out of the wheelchair, they really look after you, o/h kept refusing a wheelchair but her knee was getting swollen, i think she will on the way back.

I will have checked, we are in the Autumn season, March to May.

It's just these storms that you are having in the uk i think, it is unusual weather.

But we are here with my lad as his family not the weather isn't really a problem, didn't come to sunbathe.

both xx

Emptybox

oh yes I forgot communication would not be good between you and your brother whilst he was in Thailand. I guess if you stay with your aunt, it will give you a bit of  a rest before the journey home again. That makes it easier if you don't have to dress fancy and there is not a lot of people going. Interesting he was a quaker and no one else is.

If you have chance, perhaps you could try catch up for Race Round the World, I think it is worth it.

Going to watch Corrie tonight, then 24 Hours in Police Custody

Hicky

Sounds like a nice place youare staying in and a good job that you have a nice comfy bed, and the weather is nice and warm there too.

Aaaww the baby sounds so cute, and what a lovely age for you to spend time with her.

Pity the plane seats on the economy were so uncomfy, hope the price comes down for the upgrade.

I think it is good how you are looked after so well with the wheelchair escort, probably a good idea for you OH to go for it too , as she doesn't want to aggravate the swelling in her knees.

We used to hate Oz tv, as it had far too many adverts, and not much choice of decent programmes. My son said it was the same in the States, constant adverts. Luckily as you say, you are just there to spend time with the family so tv and sunbathing are not important. 

This afternoon I went with my 2 lads to a training course to be a school invigilator. Should be a nice little part time job for the 3 of us over the early summer.

Son is at his rehearsals again tonight.

Weather not so bad today, not that nice either with drizzle most of the day, but at least the strong wind has gone.

Goodnight Emptybox xx

Good morning Hicky. Hope you have a good day in Oz. xx