both xxx

Baz

hope you are well. Did you stay in the warm today, or get out and about?

Hicky

it is real positive that the eye is improving slowly. As you say, it is a slow thing, but as long as it is heading in the right direction slowly, that is so important.

I bet your soup was tasty with the extra additions to spice it up.

Did your OH get your clothes from Sainsburys? They have some nice clothes there. Pity it was the wrong size though.

You are right, this was not just a cold virus. Doc thinks it is a sinus infection, and the catarh going down back of throat is causing the perisisent exhausting cough, as it is not a chesty one. So he did give me antibiotics for 5 days and told me to go back if it hadn't gone in 10 days. Oddly I can hear the back of my nose making weird  gurgling noises when lying in bed. So I am hoping the meds help.

Very cold this morning, heavy frost, around minus 4.

A and E on tnonight, think I'll watch that and record IAC.

Have a good evening both xxx

Afternoon Mollie and Hicky  My day didn’t go quite as planned! A delivery I had been waiting for decided to be delivered smack in the middle of the day , which meant I had to postpone going to town until tomorrow So I did two loads of washing and wrapped a few presents instead Hope your day is going ok  though 

Mollie, sorry about your infection ...I was going to say that it sounded like it could be acid reflux or something similar , cos that can give you a cough when you lay down ....hope the antibiotics work ok I like A&E too....but not watched it yet Hicky , glad your eye is improving a bit What did you think of Celeb last night ?

Anyway , Kirsty Handmade Xmas , Masterchef knockouts  , the Jungle ...so that’s my evenings viewing sorted out Have a good evening both 

Evening Mollie & Baz.

Not too bad today with 8c and sunny all day and a gentle breeze.

Went to the Gordale Nursery for brekkie as that is where she got the new clothes fron, they have good stuff, she exchanged the stuff, they have fantastic veg etc in the spring so might get it from here instead of online then i don't have to worry about delivery etc.

O/H bought some more christmas stuff thqt lights up, the house inside and out has rather a lot of LED fixtures, mainly controlled by timers, not sure haw many there are but it's quite a lot.

For tea decided on one of the meals from my freezer, picked out a lamb shank one, cooked more cauli and salad spuds, peeled them in the machine.

My advent calendar this year is a Malteser one, nice though.

Wonder who will go tonight on IAC, Andrew was funny last night on the aftershow, Cliff tonight on there.

Mollie, The eye doesn't seem to be getting worse, very hard to tell as i don't have a yardsticl to measure it's progress, can only hope, if something urgent needed doing they would have called me in.

Glad the doc has sorted you out, hope you get some improvement now, a gurgling in your nose is awful if blowing it doesn't clear the problem.

I record all the A&E ones to watch later at night, after the reality shows finish.

Baz, That delivery was a pain, wish they could give better information, they say, Friday, then change it to Wednesday then deliver it on Tuesday.

 Well, your day wasn't completely wasted by the sound of it, but do take it easy, there is no prise for getting worn out.

I think they are doing so well in the Jungle, to win 10 stars out of 10 is really well done, she is so funny, a great show.

Have a good evening Both.

2020 DOI lineup, it should be on ist half of Jan.

https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/...gardiner-presenters/

Evening Mollie & Baz, wherever you are.

I'm a bit late myself, 8c today sunny and a moderate breeze.

Was out earlyish to Gordale as o/h wanted more christmas stuff, then went to farmshop for some bits.

Then o/h went to B&Q for some stuff including more timers for the christmas lights, got so many timers now.

My new rice cooker arrived, nice, small, not tried it yet though.

Had a pie at midday then another at 2pm for tea had whitebait then a fruit big tea cake toasted and had butter and jam on it.

Looking foward to the start of DOI, it will make a good follow on from Strictly.

Have ordered a new office chair for my computer/tv etc, have had this one for many years, it was pretty expensive but very heavy.

Hopw all is well with you lot, have a good evening.

Afternoon Mollie and Hicky  Cold and wet here , so I’ve not been out , but I have done two loads of washing and written more Xmas cards  .  I had a minor drama in the early hours of Tuesday morning ....long story short ....I head butted the basin in the bathroom  Had a lump on my head like an egg and strained my neck ....but didn’t blackout , so that was a plus  My neck is a lot more comfortable today ....and I slept reasonably well....but my eye is starting to look like I’ve done 10 rounds with Mike Tyson Oh and I had a lovely surprise in the mail today . My old university send me a note saying one of the professors I met (and stayed with ) in the States was looking for me ...so I’ve fired off an email to her . 

I’m looking forward to DOI too Hicky   I’ve been very pleased with the last two nights Jungle evictions too...made my night   Shame about Tom on MC last night , but I think it was the right result . Mollie , hope your sinuses are a bit better now .Anyway , I hope you’re both having a good day , whatever you’re doing . Take care  

PS ....Gaga is doing maintenance between 5-9 tonight ...and there could be up to an hours downtime . 

Evening Baz, no Mollie tonight.

12c today, same all night as well, strange, some rain and quite a breeze.

Didn't go out, had mushroom bacon, chicken and smoked bacon sausage and toast for brekkie, for tea decided to test the new rice cooker, washed the wash and soaked, 82 gram/ml of basmati with the same amount of water, added a touch of Turmeric to colour it, it was beautiful, cooked perfect, had some of the soup i made a while ago, the leek one.

Just watched a few recordings today to pass the time.

Oh dear, that is awful, so sorry to hear that, bangs on the head can be very serious, somw bang if has come up like an egg, and hurt your neck, glad you didn't pass out but still very serious.

Oh, and you have a black eye, this is more serious than i thought, these things can happen, hopefully not too often, hope your swelling goes down soon, but it could take a week.

That was a nice surprise, a uni prof looking for you, how interesting, always good to have another friend even one far away.

Not long to go in the jungle now, thought James and Ian would be out soon, keeping the young ones in with all the fans.

Didn't see any maintenance, oh well. must have missed it.

Lookimng forward to DOI in Jan though.

Hope Mollie is ok.

Have a good evening, the jungle soon.

Evening, oh, no Mollie or Baz here.

An unexciting day, weather warm and wet, 12c again but showers and winds.

Didn't bother with brekkie, had a steak pie with micro chips for brunch.

My new office chair arrived so have been building that, easy enough, instructions are a few small sketches on a piece of paper.

Going to move the big old one into the manshed, that will be pretty comfy for me.

Took in a big box for my neighbour opposite, didn't take it yesterday as thought it would be too big to handle, she came over last night for another parcel and said she could open the box and take the contents over separate, it is some small tables with marble tops, no wonder it's heavy.

For tea i boned a big piece of lamb breast, covered with stuffing i had made, rolled and tied with string, then fried to put some colour on then baked for 2 hours.

Strictly: It takes 2 is on, looking forward to IAC later as well, getting to the end now, shame.

Have a good weekend both, hope you are both well and keeping dry and warm.

Hi Hicky Is Mollie ok  Lol at the package Is it a double eviction on Celeb tonight ? I’m hoping Kelvin doesn’t end up in the DO against Karim tomorrow .....I want the former to win and can’t stand the latter Anyway , I just dropped in quickly to see if there was any news of Mollie . I’ll check back and catch up properly tomorrow Enjoy your viewing 

Hi both

quick post just to update you both...

the 1st lot of antibiotics didn't work, within a few days I was really ill, no food at all for 4 days and more than half hour sleep at a time with coughing, ...so OH had to go into docs with me yesterday (with sick bowl just incase as I was so nauseous)...she was concerned as she could hear a problem in my lungs, so gave me 2 lots of strong antibiotics, and aked   OH to take me to go to hospita for chest x ray.

I had a bad night again last night, but think the antibiotic combination this time are starting to work because I have managed very smal portions of plain food and to come on here.

I hope you are both well.

Thinking of you xxx

As soon as I improve, I will be back to read your news, as I can only manage this quick time on my lappy.

Goodnight xxx

Evening Baz.

No sign of Mollie, i wonder if she is in Hospital? been missing for 5 days.

Pretty warm here at 11c with cloud and a moderate breeze.

Yes, 2 went last night from the Jungle, it will be tough tonight on Strictly, no idea who will win as it's up to the public and thats anyone's guess.

Had bacon egg, black pud, sausage, mushroom and toast for brekkie, for tea put some of the stuffed lamb breast in the oven but couldn't eat the pulled pork so threw it all away and had some crab spread stuff on crackers.

The new office chair is fine, only a cheap one, o/h put the other one in the manshed for me.

A good nights tv anyway, have a good evening.

Hicky posted:

Evening Baz.

No sign of Mollie, i wonder if she is in Hospital? been missing for 5 days.

Pretty warm here at 11c with cloud and a moderate breeze.

Yes, 2 went last night from the Jungle, it will be tough tonight on Strictly, no idea who will win as it's up to the public and thats anyone's guess.

Had bacon egg, black pud, sausage, mushroom and toast for brekkie, for tea put some of the stuffed lamb breast in the oven but couldn't eat the pulled pork so threw it all away and had some crab spread stuff on crackers.

The new office chair is fine, only a cheap one, o/h put the other one in the manshed for me.

A good nights tv anyway, have a good evening.

Hi Hicky....she’s behind you Hi Mollie Awww that sounds a nightmare .......I hope you get well soon I’ll pop back later Hicky 

Evening Mollie & Baz.

Oh Mollie, your post hadn't shown up when i came on last night.

So sorry to hear about the antibio's not working to start with.

Glad your latest are having some effect anyway.

Better to eat small portions then none at all, hope you will be back on your feet soon, hope the xray is favourable as well.

9c here today with light rain showers with strong winds.

Had a video call this morning with Oz, he moves apartments in less than 2 weeks.

Didn't do much today, had eggs on toast for brekkie, for tea decided on a portion of my lambs heart casserole with some added veg.

Have ordered all the seeds for spring with the onion sets and seed potatoes.

Baz, I see Kelvin is in the final.

Hope you are keeping well, , wonder who will leave strictly tonight.

And who will be crowned king or queen tonight in the Jungle.

Enjoy your evening.

Afternoon Mollie and Hicky Hope you are both having a good day . It’s not a bad day here weatherwise .....although storms are forecast for tomorrow ....so I popped into town , paid a bill .....posted some more cards ,and got another couple of presents ....so not a bad day 

Mollie , I hope the antibiotics have finally kicked in and you are feeling much better Hicky , yes Kelvin made it ....but I was sad to see Chris go ....he seemed a lovely man . What did you think of the Celeb result ? I was gutted ....I wanted Andy to win , but other than that Roman....I can’t stand Jacqueline! 

Anyway , hope you both have a good evening ....going to have to search around to find something to watch Take care 

Evening Baz. :

Not bad today with 9c and sunny but a strong wind.

Just had eggs on toast for brekkie, for tea had some soup and made prawn fried rice, cooked the rice in the new rice cooker, wow, it came out beautiful, Indian style.

I thought Jacqueline would win for some reason, but maybe she has a lot of fans.

The coming out show should be good on thursday night.

On strictly, who did you think would go, Chris can't compare with the others, not in the same league.

Have ordered another set of wireless phones for the house, the ones we have are slowly packing up, one of the four packed up, then another doesn't ring and the last 2 mess us about, while on a call it can cut off and lose the connection to the base unit.

The set we have is the BT8500 quad, i am getting the Panasonic KX-TGJ323EB which is a set of 3 handsets.

Yes, will have to watch the tv listing hour by hour now.

The weather predicts rain all week, oh dear, i need the gardener, will have to give him a ring tomorrow.

I also hope Mollie's antibiotics is helping her improve healthwise, nothing worse than being inflicted with illness.

Have a good evening, if that is possible.

Hi both x

hope you are both well.

today bit better but exhausted from lack of sleep, coughing and all the meds, so will try and read back then.

Managed a few light snacks today as I couldn't eat a thing for day without feeling nauseous.

back to tv now, at least there is something to watch.

goodnight both xxx

Evening Mollie.

Oh dear, sorry to hear about your lack of sleep, always bad, even light snacks is good, hope you can get some sleep tonight.

Get as much sleep as you can, dodn't worry about the tv, that will still be there another day.

Hope you feel better soon.

Evening Mollie & Baz.

Hope the antibiotics are working Mollie and you managed some sleep.

Hope you are well Baz and taking it easy,  hope Sammy is behaving and not giving you too much work to do.

After watching the Apprentice last week, wow, they are so stupid the lot of them, none of them have any sense at all.

It's on tomorrow anyway, 

13c today rain on and off a strong breeze though.

Had some fried sliced cooked potatoes sausage and beans for brekkie, for tea took a burger curry from the freezer and heated the left over cooked rice from last night, just had 2 crumpets, a few dates, lovely.

Have a good evening both and sleep well.

Afternoon Mollie and Hicky  Hope you are both having a good day . I have been to town (dodging the rain) and posted some more cards  and the first tranche of parcels . I’ve also wrapped some more presents ready for mailing on Friday ....so I’m getting there..slowly  Sammy is fine .....and , thankfully, doesn’t seem in the least bit interested in the Xmas tree 

Mollie , hope you are feeling a bit better today ....sounds like a nasty bug Two of the Darnies also have it and have been laid low since the weekend . Hicky , how are you liking your new phones ? One of my wireless landlines could really do with replacing too . I agree about the Apprentices ....right bunch of numpties  Are you enjoying Masterchef ? I agree that Chris (Strictly) wasn’t as good as the rest , but he always made me smile 

Anyway , have a good evening all . Take care 

both

Baz

gosh you were a silly sausage bumping your head and giving yourself a black eye! Lucky you didn't knock yourself out!  Has the bruise gone yet?

You sound like you are well organised for Christmas.

I am miles behind, but never mind, won't be going out for awhile so can catch up with cards at home.

Your Sammy sounds too chilled out to be interested in the Christmas tree.

Hicky

glad the rice came out so well with the new ricer. Let's hope you are pleased with the new phones.

Is your son moving far? I recall you said he needed a place with air con. Is the smoke affecting where he is now?

I am gradually improving but still can't knock this awful cough on the head. I am due back at docs Friday when I finish the meds. So I will see what she says. The one type I have been taking for 10 days is that pencillin one and the other one is real strong. It is given for pneumonia. I can hardly eat on these meds, daughter made me plain scones, which I add a bit of marmite, (for vitamins) and that is all apart from a bit of mash I have been able to manage the last week as the meds give me stomach upset. But as long as they get me well soon, that doesn't matter. I have plenty of fat to keep me going!

We were supposed to go to Eurodisney for 2 nights tomorrow that daughter had treated us to, (my mum had left her a little money), but had to cancel. Luckily we have been able to change to next year because there was also a French strike, so the hotel transferred us free of charge and airline will credit me if I send a sick note.

Enjoyed Apprentice, but am shocked they don't even seem to of read the book of Basic Accountancy for idiots! I was hoping the blond lady would stay.

Goodnight both,  xxx  time to sort my meds out yet again!

Evening Baz.

Hope Mollie is recovering from the problem and the antibiotics are working.

Cooler today at 7c, rain in the morning sun in the afternoon, quite a breeze.

Had bacon fried sliced potato and beans for brekkie.

Went to the farm shop for some bits and pieces, got some bacon, chops, mushrooms and pears, love a pear a day, like bananas but they don't last the week.

The gardener came for a couple of hours, he is such a hard worker, have to make him tea to stop him working, all ready for the next planting of spuds and onion sets, need to get seed compost and seed trays for Spring.

He distributed 240L of compost and 100L of farmyard manure.

For tea i decided to have 2 lamb chops with fried potatoes, they are all gone now, cooked them to have with a lambs heart casserole meal then found i had potatoes in it already, and with the meal in had a plate of battered squid rings, found them while looking through the freezer indoors loose as they had come out of an opened bag into a storage container i had to keep stuff from falling off the shelf.

My new phones came, they are Panasonic, a bit concerned about getting all the contacts off to put in the new system.

Have been reading the manual, only got 55 pages, omg, never seen so many settings in 1 menu.

You have had a busy day, glad Sammy isn't interested in the christmas tree.

I have ordered another battery for my mobile, it has been acting strange, from 100% charge, next time i look it's on 15%, don't know what else would do that as i don't leave anything running, it annoys me how it puts about 300 apps in that i don't want and can't take out.

Not surprised about the 3 that left the Apprentice, crazy people, and i think the Baker girl will win.

Stopped watching Masterchef as the food they make is impossible to make and home and you couldn't even buy it in a restaurant so although i like looking at it it's just not realistic.

Have a good evening.

Evening Mollie & Baz.

Don't miss the coming out from the Jungle tonight @ 9pm.

Cool again today at 8c with rain all day and it stays till next Monday, with a moderate breeze.

For brekkie had bacon, black pud and tomatoes, i cut the top off 3 big ones and put a cross on the base with a knife then placed in water to soften the skin, that worked fine.

For tea i had mushroom soup with toast and a pear.

Have ordered another greenhouse staging unit for my Spring seedlings etc, will pick up some seed trays etc from the local garden centre before the Spring, the gardener said he would collect any compost i need and deliver it to me, he said he's doing that all the time.

Mollie, hope you are ok, are the antibiotics working right or did you need intravenous, hope to see you back on soon.

Baz, hope you and Sammy are well and all ready for Christmas, just take it wasy whenever you get the chance.

Have a good evening.

Baz and Hicky

Baz

hope you had a good day and your Christmas prepations are continuing to go well.

Hicky

I think you missed the long post I made yesterday as we posted together, so my long post appears here just before your post yesterday.

55 pages ! Hope you can work it all out. That is going to be a bit of a job moving your contacts over to your new phone, but you don't want to lose any. Good luck.

Sounds like, you are well stocked up from the farm shop and with your gardner's help, well organised with your spring seedlings.

I am gradually improving, back to docs tomorrow about the x ray and to see if I need to carry on with meds beyond tomorrow when they finish. Luckily I escaped intravenous Hicky, but I had to take so many strong ones, I was concerned about vomiting them back. Luckily by sitting quietly and not really eating, I only vomitted once.

Thanks for the reminder about IAC, I always enjoy the coming out show, and had forgotten about it, as it seems ages ago it ended now.

Very wet here and quite cold, not that I am well enough to go out though, lucky the rest of the family can do food shopping. My lovely Indian neighbour made me an open Dutch Apple Tart, and it was just what I needed as I have had such little appetite. The cimammon in it helped mask the horrible taste I have been having from all these meds.

Have a good evening both xxx

Hi Mollie and Hicky  Hope you’re both having a good day . It’s rained most of the day here , but I’ve been to town  and posted most of the rest of my parcels . Apart from that I’m propping my eyes open with matchsticks , cos I was up until the early hours watching the election results I guess maybe Boris isn’t quite the buffoon I thought 

Mollie , sorry you’re still feeling poorly , and had to cancel your trip  Lovely that you’re neighbour made you that tart though Hicky , I second Mollie on the 55 pages I didn’t watch them coming out of the jungle ...once they are done they are done for me  

Anyway , it will be an early night for me ....or at least early for me Have a good evening both 

Evening Mollie & Baz.

Yes, i missed your post the other day, we tend to post together, have seen it now anyway thanks.

8c today, light rain showers all day with a strong wind.

Had beans on toast for brekkie and for tea i got a meal from the freezer, it was a burger curry so i made another portion of rice in the rice cooker, it sure does it fantastic, very pleased with it., still trying to make room in the garage freezer.

Mollie, Haven't put the new phones into use yet, want to get all the contacts off first.

My lad in Oz isn't moving very far, his new apartment is on the ground floor and has a garden, hw moves in about 10 days time.

Sorry to hear your cough is still bothering you, the anti bios should have cleared that by now.

Such a shame you werent able to go to Eurodisney, better luck next time.

That Apprentice show was a farce, they haven't a clue, glad they aren't joining me anyway, i wouldn't have them in the garden clearing up.

Hope it went ok at the docs today.

A dutch apple tart is better than nothing, nice of neibour giving you that.

Baz, I was also up till 02.30 watching election results, so pleased with the 80 majority, Corbyn destroyed, what a clown.

I couldn't believe the exit pole because most polls are way out as they lie when they leave the voting building.

Yes, it could be an early night for me too, mind you i usually bed down at 1am as i watch recording after 11pm.

Have a good evening both.

both xxx

Baz

you have done well getting your parcels all off now. I have done most of my Christmas cards now.

Hicky

that's is good you are so pleased with the rice maker after the problems you had with the other one.

That will be lovely for your lad's little one to have  a garden now they have moved.

Enjoyed Gogglebox today.

Watching c5 now "Five Celebs go to Lapland". Very good it is. Looks so pretty there.

Doc said I had had a nasty dose of pneumonia and that the cough/gruff voice would take up to 3 weeks to clear now, but she said my chest sounded a lot clearer so after having such a strong supply of antibiotics. She said I needed to rest now to get over it. And she said she'd give me a sick note, so we can get our air fare credited back.

Goodnight both xxx

Evening Mollie & Baz.

Only 7c today, light rain and a strong wind. didn't do much outside, just put some of the netting back up on raised beds and built the new greenhouse staging, only 2 shelves of Galvanised steel with 4 legs fixed with 32 bolts, nuts and washers.

Had eggs on toast for brekkie and for tea had a meal i had made some time ago, chicken curry, made a new lot of rice in the cooker, i put a chicken stock cube and some Turmeric, the rice comes out like a big rice cake, i don't know how it does it so perfect, i could never do that in a pan.

It's very clever the way the cooker works, the thermostat control checks the temperature of the rice bowl, if it goes over 100c then it knows the water has gone so it stops cooking.

Mollie, I had a message from one of my lads whi is a project engineer on some massive contracts, he doesn't live my me but is in this country, he asked if i would be in Monday Lunchtime, i said yes, hope he comes over, he is number 5 son.

That is awful, pneumonia, mind you i've had that twice myself, the last time i was hallucinating dreadful.

 Glad you chest is clearing up, but the cough ism going to take a bit longer, yes you need to rest and recover.

Baz, Now your parcels and posting is done hope you can take it easy, stay in and keep warm and dry, only do what can't be left for another day.

Hope Sammy is looking forward to Christmas, bet she doesn't even care, animals.

Enjoy Strictly final and have a good evening Both.

both xxx

Baz

hope you and Sammy have had a nice relazing day and are keeping warm in this cold weather.

Hicky

I see you have been busy in the garden again.

Your rice cooker sounds great if it does things like something resembling a giant rice cake.

Hope your number 5 son can make it to see you on Monday. How long is it since you last saw him?

Yes pneumonia makes you feel very ill indeed. Was it a long time ago you had it?  I know you had a bad chest last year, and took anti-biotics for it. Getting those right are the key from my experience. The first lot didn't touch it, but when cobined with a stronger one, it started to work quickly. Strange you said it made you hallucinate because I went real weird with it.  At its worse, I started to get confused over reality and whether I was dreaming or awake. So it must affect the brain. The doc said my pulse was 109 when it is normally in the high 70's, so for some reason, a high pulse in another sign. Thankfully that was back to normal when I saw her yesterday. And I am starting to eat again, but am still exhausted.  Still plenty of time for me to recover before Christmas dinner though.

Watching the dancing now. I really like Emma and Anton. I think she just shines when dancing, you can see how much she loves it.

Then will watch Michael Mcintyre. That show is quite funny.

Goodnight both xxx

Afternoon Mollie and Hicky Hope everyone is having a good Sunday . I’ve been for my spa hour ....gave the facial a miss , under the circumstances .....but had a lovely back , hand and arm massage ...and eyebrow shapeApart from that , Sammy and I have done some washing and ironing .....although her contribution leaves a lot to be desired 

Mollie....no wonder you were so poorly  Mr Baz got pneumonia couple of years ago   ....came totally out of nowhere ....he literally had no symptoms    .....and you are right ....he suddenly got very, very  confused one evening ....in fact that was how they realised he had got it  . In his case though they took him into hospital and gave him antibiotics intravenously, so , luckily , it cleared up in about a week . Anyway , you take it easy cos your system has had one hell of a knock 

Hicky , glad you are enjoying your rice cooker What did you think of the strictly final ? I loved it , especially as my favourite won It will be strange not getting ready for the results programme tonight though Role on DOI now 

We’ll I hope you both have a good evening ....it’s Jaimie ...then Chateau for my viewing tonight Take care 

Evening Mollie & Baz.

&c today, rain showers again, a strong wind.

Had a video call from Oz, so good to see them all, the little one is jumping around, a crazy age, she can do the animal noises, so funny.

Did a bit more in the garden, the netting is finished for now, on the trail cam i noticed lots of slugs roaming around at certain times, the camera is set to take a picture evey 30 seconds through the night so have been putting slug killer food down.

Had eggs on toast for brekkie, for tea i got another meal from my meal stock, it was a meat casserole with spuds and a lovely strong gravy, added a few more spuds, salad ones.

Got o/h to give me a hand to get the rest of the numbers off the phonebook so they can be transferred to the new system when i get it going.

MIL had a cataract op last Friday, god know why, she is 90 and as fit as a fiddle, everyone tried to talk her out of having it, am sure there's nothing wrong with her eyes but almost every week she has an appointment for an xray or a specialist because of a problem she thinks she has and noone has ever found a thing wrong with her.

Been watching recording, nice to have time to catch up.

Loved the Strictly Final, well done to Kelvin, he deserved the win.

Mollie, Yes, the rice cooker can make a rice cake, you can turn it out onto a dish/plate etc and it holds together, the last time i saw it like that was many years ago when i had an evening meal with a work college, he always used the rice cooker, i had never seen rice turned out like that, i was amazed.

I haven't seen #5 son since he moved away, that was before i moved house, he was always working away because he had jobs in hospitals or prisons, he did the new BBC place when it moved from London, his new o/h has a big dance studio class thing so can't really get away very easy, we chat on twitter etc messaging.

Pretty sure i got pneumonia the second time when i was training in Catterick camp in the military, it was winter and we were outside in open brick building getting washed etc in freezing weather with cold water, it was probably to harden us up, well it made me ill.

Can't remember when the first time was, i was living at home with mother so i was young, i was delirius as i can remember thinking the room was full of creatures attacking me, it was awful.

Baz, At least you got you Spa, and massages, more than i get, i imagine Sammy lot a lot of help with washing and ironing.

I really enjoyed the Strictly Final, not sure if it's a good idea having the judges score them if it's up to the public to vote for the winner, it means the judges can unfairly control the voting, well Craig did i think, he made sure Emma and Anton lost.

In the new year i will have DOI, The Voice, Love Island, wow, how good is that.

Have a good Evening Both.

both xxx

Baz

that's great you got your nice relaxing spa.

Yes I can imagine Sammy's contribution to washing and ironing would be just watching you from the warmth of the nearest radiator.

That is one good thing about intravenous anti-biotics, they do work quickly. Think I just escaped hospital, but good job I had help at home to sort out when I had to take all my tablets, there were so many of them.

Hicky

how lovely you got to see your little grandaughter jumping around doing animal noises.

Slugs are a nuisance, they kept eating OH's flowers in summer. Occasional we got them coming into the kitchen as we get lots of rain here. But I found a spray of white vinegar/water stopped them, and it was useful putting off flies in summer too.

Your MIL sounds like she is doing very well for her age. Wonder if they keep sending her for these tests becasue due to her age, they expect to find something wrong?

I have never seen rice like that either. You will have to try and take a photo to show us.

Your no 5 lad sounds busy, let's hope he gets a break for a short while from work tomorrow so he can fit a visit in to you.

Strictly...Yes I know what you mean, it really annoyed me how the judges voted in the final, doesn't seem right.

Oh yes I forgot we have Love Island as well as DOI soon. Is Love Island in January?

I managed to go sleep in my bed last night, the first time in over 2 weeks, so I am on the mend. I also had my first proper meal for weeks,so I am definately on the mend. Too exhausted to go out and do much though. Just done more Christmas cards as it is the last date for 2nd class Wednesday.

I watched Home Alone 3 this afternoon, very amusing.

Watching X factor now, but not that keen on this band one.

Goodnight both xxx

Evening Mollie & Baz.

7c today, sunny with strong winds.

Just had a Crumpet for brekkie, for tea i had a portion of meat, veg and potato with gravy which i made last week and froze.

My #5 son came with his lad, it's his #3 child he is 8yrs old, he brought me a ginger bread kit for my Birthday to make the house and the sleigh etc, wow, might need a hand, you build it with icing as the cement, a big heavy box and a lot of parts, and a box of biscuits for us for Christmas.

They stayed 2 and half hours, his #2 wife couldn't come as she was working, she runs a 400 child dance academy etc and couldn't get the day off, my lad has broken up for Christmas, he has a big BMW company car, nice.

We toured the garden, not much to see in the winter of course.

Going to make more scones in the morning, have been studying some do's and don'ts. so i can't use the bread maker, don't over knead, keep the butter cold to stop it melting and more tips.

Mollie, MIL keeps getting sent for tests because she makes them, she makes up all these ailments and insists they are real, but they never find a problem, she just keeps going to the doctor to investigate stuff, they must be fed up with her, why would you want a cataract op at 90 when you can see fine.

I will try and take a picture of the rice cake next time i make one.

Glad you got to sleep in your bed again and managed to get a good meal, thats great news.

Yes, January gives us DOI, The Voice and Love Island, what a great start to the year.

Baz, Hope you are taking it easy, hard to find stuff to watch on tv this month, i am going through my recordings, hope Sammy is behaving herself.

Have you managed to get your food in for over Christmas, mind you lots of shops will be open anyway either sideof the big day.

Have a good evening, sleep tight and keep warm both.

Happy birthday to you 

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday dear Hickyyyyyyyyyy

Happy birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuuu

Afternoon Mollie and Hicky Woke up to a lovely , white Christmassy world ....but it didn’t last long Apart from that I’ve wrapped some more presents ...redirected some cards ....and done some housework ....now I’m shattered Hope you’re both enjoying your Tuesday though 

Mollie , hope you are feeling loads better now Glad you managed to get some sleep and have got some appetite backHicky , glad you had a nice time with your son and your grandkids Yes , my food shop is sorted ....main delivery booked for 23rd and my daughter is taking me to get my M & S goodies on Sunday  I've got a friend coming for lunch tomorrow and hairdresser coming Thursday . Apart from that all I need to do is post some redirected cards for FMs and take a library book back ...then that’s Sammy and  1 hunkering down for Xmas 

Anyway , have a good evening both ....and once again Hicky , I hope you’re having a lovely birthday 

Evening Mollie & Baz.

Only 7c today with sunny intervals and a gentle breeze.

Thank you Baz, thats a lovely Glitter greeting, fantastic, had a great day, got lots of goodies from coated nuts biscuits christmas cake, even jars of types of pickle, very happy.

Made another batch of scones, o/h eats them as fast as i make them, so i made small ones, but she took 3 at once.

For brekkie had the remains of some casserole from last night, for tea we are celebrating with a delivered takeaway, beef chot curry and fried rice with salt n pepper chicken wings, 2 granddaughters were going to come over but one has an infection so they will wait till over Christmas.

Mollie, hope the antibiotics are sorted now and you can eat and sleep a lot better, you need to get sorted for Christmas or you would be pretty miserable.

Baz Wow, you have seen snow, i know some places had it, not seen any here yet.

I see you have been busy, and have it all planned for the week, have a good evening, it's a countdown now to the January shows.

PS: some more scones, a slightly different recipe.

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday Hicky. Hope you have had a nice day. xxx

Baz and Hicky

Baz

your Christmasy world sounds very pretty. We had a frost but not a pretty white one.

Sounds like you had a busy day with your Christmas preparations.

Hope you have a nice day with your friend tomorrow. I am sure Sammy will be happy to join you unwinding for Christmas now.

Hicky

How nice your son and grandson came with such a lovely pressie. Sounds fun to make and I am sure you will enjoy eating it.

sounds like you had plenty of yummy goodies for your birthday.

No wonder your OH eats those scones as quick as you make them, they look so delicous.

I had another bad night last night with this cough, so am exhausted again. Think it will take awhile to feel myself again, am going to hand the Christmas food shopping over to the rest of the family, as can't face the crowded shops whilst still feeling off. Never mind , I am a lot better than I was and eating again now. I think this pneumonia will take me awhile to bounce back to normal.

Watched the itv drama tonight.

Goodnight both xxx

Good Evening Mollie & Baz.

Went to Farm Shop and had brekkie while we were there, got some carrots and bramley apples to make an apple sauce for Christmas and apple crumble.

For tea i heated up the remaining beef curry from last night and made a rice cake, will post later in the post, can't believe how it makes it so good, crazy, it holds together till you break into it, something i wanted for many many years.

MIL says her cataract op has worked fine, she doesn't need to enlarge the test now to read stuff.

Mollie, Thank you for the Birthday wishes Mollie, xx

I think the gingerbread house and stuff will take some time, going to pick a free day to attack it.

I am going to make up a load of various curry dishes to freeze so any guest can have a curry meal within say half an hour, it's easier to store cooked meals in containers than raw food in bags.

I didn't use the machine to make the last lot of scones as i though it had kneaded too much, but getting the mixture right is not so easy, it was too sticky so couldn't roll it, then i couldn't get the right thickness to cut them out, i used a 5cm cutter but the dough should have been 3 or 4 cm for the last recipe, it was 250g flour, 30g sugar 50g butter cold, 2 tsp baking powder, 60g sultanas, 135ml milk.

But my oven cooks hotter one side than the other and i forgot to split the cooking to 2 times usinf the cooler side of the oven.

Sorry to hear you are still coughing which of course will effect yur sleep.

Yes, let your family take the strain of the shopping, you really need the rest.

The final of The Apprentice tonight.

Baz, Hope you had a good day, not ong till Christmas now, hope Sammy is being a good girl and keeping away from your Christmas tree.

Here is the result of my latest rice cake, had half of it for tea.

_______

A rice cake made with 127g of Basmati rice equal water 3 tsp Wanton soup mix half tsp Tumeric powder and half tsp roasted yellow mustard seeds cooked in a Von Chef rice cooker. fantastic, having half now with beef curry.

_________________

both xxx

Baz

hope you and Sammy had a nice day relaxing in the warm at home. And that your Christmas plans are continuing to go well.

Hicky

Brekkie at the farm shop is a good start to the day.

Gosh that giant rice cake looks great. Thanks for the photo.

Its a shame you have to fiddle around whilst making scones because the oven does not heat evenly. But hopefully with practice, you will get the mixture itself right.

Daughter went shopping in Cardiff for me today to get a few Christmas gifts for the family as I am not up to it. She seems to be a better shopper than the lads, manages to find good stuff.

Didn't have too bad a night last night, so am hoping the cough is controllable tonight.

Goodnight both xxx

Afternoon Mollie and Hicky  It’s rained nearly all day here ....so I’ve hunkered down ....and had my hair done Apart from that I’ve done naff all Hope you’re both having a more productive day than me 

Mollie , glad you had a better night ....but you do need to take it easy ....it will take time to get back to full strength Hicky , I need you move you in to cook for me  What did you think of the Apprentice result ? I was quite pleased she won Masterchef final tonight , although sadly I think it’s a forgone conclusion the way they dawn over her ! Personally , I would much prefer Exose to win .....good chef and lovely  with it 

Anyway , whatever you’re doing this evening , I hope it’s a good one Take care 

Evening Mollie & Baz.

12c today with rain and a moderate breeze.

Didn't do much today apart from watching tv, didn't bother with brekkie because i snack during the evening on someof the goodies i got for my Birthday.

This afternoon i made a portion of Wonton base soup and had some toast and a pork pie i got yesterday and forgot to eat.

For tea i had a look at my meal store in the garage freezer and settled on a burger curry and finshed the rest of the rice i cooked yesterday.

Mollie, The rice cooker will make a rice cake 50% bigger than that one, the one shown will do me 2 meals, thats better than doing smaller lots.

Glad daughter went shopping for you, you need to rest up while not so good, sending lads shopping is not a good idea in my book.

Glad you had a better night, hope that keeps up.

Baz, At least you got your hair done, just take it easy now.

I was very pleased the Bakery girl won, the other won wasn't really a good bet for LS.

Haven't watched Masterchef as what they make isn't food you could make at home so it doesn't do anything for me.

Have a good evening both.